Cardiology Interest Group (CIG) Program

The CIGs initiative supports and connects student-led cardiology organizations across medical schools nationally and internationally. Through mentorship, leadership development, academic engagement, institutional collaboration, and professional networking, the initiative aims to cultivate early interest in cardiovascular medicine and create meaningful opportunities for medical students to explore careers in cardiology.

CIGs serve as a platform for medical students to engage with cardiovascular medicine beyond the classroom while building supportive academic and professional communities at their institutions. Whether students are newly exploring cardiology or already actively involved in research, advocacy, and leadership, CIGs help foster collaboration, mentorship, professional development, and long-term engagement within the cardiovascular community.

The initiative seeks to strengthen connections between students, trainees, physician-scientists, and cardiologists while supporting student leadership and the continued growth of cardiovascular medicine within medical education.

What We Do

The ACC Medical Student Community supports student-led CIGs through mentorship, leadership development, collaboration, chapter sustainability, and opportunities for national and international engagement. We actively connect established CIGs at medical schools around the world, and help motivated students create CIGs at institutions that currently may not have one.

All CIG participants attend quarterly meetings led by the ACC. These meetings are excellent opportunities to meet colleagues around the world, learn about upcoming opportunities, and share resources to help each other succeed.

How Do I Get Involved?

To participate in the ACC MSC CIG Program, there are several criteria that must be met.

Your CIG must:

• Be officially recognized by your medical school's Office of Student Affairs or equivalent school leadership.
• Have a faculty advisor who is a cardiologist or faculty member who actively teaches cardiology related content.
• Have an established executive board with clearly defined roles, a stable succession plan, and offer membership to any interested medical student at your institution.
• Host at least 3 events per year, at least 1 of which must benefit and involve your local community.

If these criteria are met, CIGs are welcome to apply. Applications are reviewed on a monthly basis. Currently, there are 65 CIG's that are affiliated with the ACC MSMC, spanning 20 US States and 14 different countries.

Apply for the MSC CIG Program

For support or if you have any questions reach out to Bethany Parker at bparker@acc.org.