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Program Leaders




Volker Rudolph, MD

Director of General and Interventional Cardiology

Professor of Cardiology

Heart & Diabetes Center NRW

University Hospital of the Ruhr University Bochum

Medical Faculty OWL/ University Bielefeld

Bad Oeynhausen

Germany

 

Sammy Zakaria, MD, MPH, FACC

Director, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

Associate Program Director, Johns Hopkins Bayview Internal Medicine Residency

Associate Professor of Medicine

Johns Hopkins Medicine

Baltimore, MD

Applications for the third cohort will open august 2026


The application for the third cohort of this international exchange will be open on August 15th.  

Below is the outline of the 2026-2027 program; the next cohort will follow a similar schedule.



Developing International Leaders: The ACC Maryland-German Cardiac Society Exchange Program

Creating the next generation of international leaders in cardiovascular medicine


The aim of this initiative is to create a platform for outstanding fellows-in-training (FIT) who want to be future leaders in cardiovascular medicine. The program:

  1. Covers a comprehensive range of important topics including but not limited to career planning, fundamental management basics, ethical considerations and personal well-being
  2. Creates the opportunity for an exchange with experienced leaders in the field
  3. Enables building international networks with peers during their early careers

 

Eligibility Requirements    

  • Ideal candidates will have a passion for exploring other cultures and different clinical environments
  • German Candidates: Must have started or completed PGY3 year in a recognized cardiology training program in Germany
  • US Candidates: Must have completed PGY4 year in an accredited program in Maryland and will complete fellowship training in 2028 or later. Also, candidates must be an ACC fellow in training (FIT) member.
  • Applicants must have a passport and commit to obtaining any necessary visas at their own costs.
  • Agree to the following attestations:
    • I am a member of the Maryland Chapter ACC (MDACC) or the German Cardiac Society (DGK)
    • I will participate in the complete program including travel
    • I will abide by the rules of the program on the dates outlined
    • I hold a valid passport and if chosen will obtain any necessary visas
    • I will work on a capstone/scholarly project during the fellowship, understanding it may be published
    • I will be aware of and follow the laws of the respective countries in which I am traveling


Duration

One year; meetings will take place both virtually and in person. Successful applicants will agree to travel during the times below. Travel grants will cover most costs associated with travel.

 

Apply Today 


GERMAN TRAVEL DATES


 US TRAVEL DATES

Mid-Atlantic Capital Cardiology Symposium (MACCS)

November 13-17, 2026 (including November 13-15)

Washington, DC

Mid-Atlantic Capital Cardiology Symposium (MACCS)

November 13-17, 2026 (including November 13-15)

Washington, DC

ACC.26 ACC Scientific Sessions

April 10-12, 2027

Houston, TX

ACC.27 ACC Scientific Sessions

April 10-12, 2027

Houston, TX

DGK Herztage Annual Scientific Session

September 30-October 2, 2027

DGK Herztage Annual Scientific Session

September 30-October 2, 2027



PLANNED PROGRAM

Virtual sessions will last 60 minutes

All sessions Noon-1pm Eastern Time, 1800 Central European Time 


OCTOBER 14, 2026 VIRTUAL

  • Welcome by Maryland ACC Governor and DGK ACC Governor
  • Program introduction by steering committee members
  • Comparison of US and German cardiology training pathways

 

NOVEMBER 2026 (INCLUDING THE 13TH- 17TH) IN PERSON 

Arrival in US

In-person at MACCS

Johns Hopkins Clinical Experience
DISC Training
What’s hot in: Electrophysiology?
Additional details below


Mid-Atlantic Capital Cardiology Symposium (MACCS)

Washington, DC

  • Visit ACC's Heart House
  • Clinical rotations to Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland, and Military Hospital Walter Reed 
  • Additional topics:
    • DISC training (Friday, November 14)
    • How to present yourself – communications skills 
    • How to find your niche 
    • Career planning 
    • Get-together/Dinner 
  • Date TBD:  DGK-MDACC Fellow Delegation Dinner


DECEMBER 9, 2026 VIRTUAL

  • Epidemiology of CV Disease in Germany and the US 


JANUARY 8, 2027 VIRTUAL

  • What’s Hot in: Heart Failure?


FEBRUARY 24, 2027 VIRTUAL

  • What’s Hot in: Valvular Heart Disease?


MARCH 17, 2027 VIRTUAL

    • What’s Hot in: CAD?


    April 9-12, 2027 IN PERSON

    ACC.27 Annual Scientific Sessions

    Houston, TX

    ACC Late Breaking Trials: What was hot at ACC scientific sessions?


    MAY 12, 2027 VIRTUAL

      • German and US Health Economics


      AUGUST 11, 2027 VIRTUAL

      • What’s Hot in: Imaging?


      SEPTEMBER 26-30 IN PERSON

      • Preceptorship in Bad Oeynhauasen

      September 30-October 2, 2027 IN PERSON

      DGK Herztage Annual Scientific Session

      Hamburg, Germany

      • Jeopardy
      • What’s Hot in: Prevention?





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