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

Inaugural Year

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 2026 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.
• Apply via this form by July 31, 2024 and 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 vaild 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.

 

GERMAN TRAVEL DATES	US TRAVEL DATES
Mid-Atlantic Capital Cardiology Symposium (MACCS) November 7-14, 2024 Washington, DC	Mid-Atlantic Capital Cardiology Symposium (MACCS) November 8-10, 2024 Washington, DC
ACC.25 ACC Scientific Sessions March 29-31, 2025 Chicago, IL	ACC.25 ACC Scientific Sessions March 29-31, 2025 Chicago, IL
DGK Herztage Annual Scientific Session September 21-29, 2025 Hamburg	DGK Herztage Annual Scientific Session September 21-29, 2025 Hamburg

PLANNED PROGRAM

Virtual sessions will last 90 minutes

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

OCTOBER 17, 2024 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 7-14, 2024 IN PERSON 

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 8)
    
  • How to present yourself – communications skills 
  • How to find your niche 
  • Career planning 
  • Get-together/Dinner 

• November 9: DGK-MDACC Fellow Delegation Dinner

DECEMBER 12, 2024 VIRTUAL

• Epidemiology of CV Disease in Germany and the US 

JANUARY 9, 2025 VIRTUAL

• Hot Topic: Leadership Training/Human resources management
  

FEBRUARY 20, 2025 VIRTUAL

• Comparison of health systems (i.e., insurance, clinical care practices)
  

MARCH 29-31, 2025 IN PERSON

ACC.25 Scientific Session

Chicago, IL

• Attend Late Breaking Clinical Trial sessions
• March 29: DGK-MDACC Fellow Delegation Dinner
  

MAY 8, 2025 VIRTUAL

• US and German health economics and insurance systems
  

 

AUGUST 28, 2025 VIRTUAL

• Research Ethics and Health Equity
  

 

SEPTEMBER 21-29, 2025 IN PERSON

DGK Herztage Annual Scientific Session

Hamburg

• Clinical rotations at German hospitals 
• Additional topics:
• • Well-being/self-management 
  • Celebration @ presidential dinner with bestowal of fellowship certificates