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FIT CORNER: ACC ENGAGEMENT FOR FITs: WHY and HOW

Posted on 05/16/2025 12:00 am  / May 2025

Why should I get involved?
The ACC Leadership is invested in your career development and has numerous resources to help launch the type of career you want to have and provide the educational resources you need as you advance in training. The ACC is your professional home. Through the ACC, you will learn important leadership, networking and advocacy skills as well as meet lifelong colleagues, friends and mentors. You will have opportunities to positively impact the field of cardiovascular medicine for your colleagues and patients. 

How should I get involved? 
Read below for a comprehensive list of possibilities. 

  1. Explore Opportunities at Your State Chapter:
    1. Check Your Chapter's Website: This is your first and most direct point of contact. Look for information on meetings, events, leadership details.
    2. Attend Meetings: This is a great way to network with other FITs and faculty in your area, see what initiatives are underway, and potentially find opportunities to contribute.
    3. Reach Out to State Chapter Executives and Governors: Don't hesitate to email them to express your interest and ask about ways to get involved. Attending conferences and meeting them in person can also be very effective.
    4. Consider Specific Roles: Based on your interests and skills, there are several specific ways you can learn and contribute to the state chapter.  
      1. Presenting posters at the MO ACC Annual Scientific Sessions
      2. Participating in FIT Jeopardy
      3. Representing MO at the ACC Legislative Conference (2 travel grants are available for FITs every year to attend)
      4. Becoming a State Chapter Representative
      5. Attending educational webinars and the annual meeting.
      6. Joining the planning committee of state chapter events
      7. Joining the MO ACC communications committee
      8. Attending Women in Cardiology meetings
  2. Consider National-Level Involvement:
    1. Review the National ACC Website: Look for sections related to Fellows in Training and get a feel for the different committees, councils, and programs available.
    2. Consider Applying for Specific Roles (Keep an Eye on Deadlines!):
      1. ACC FIT Editorial Board (Applications typically due in August): If you enjoy writing and are interested in non-clinical topics relevant to FITs, this could be a great option.
      2. ACC FIT Leadership Council (Deadlines typically early September): This offers a chance to participate in various initiatives focused on engaging FITs.
      3. ACC Committees (Deadlines typically early September): With over 60 committees, you're likely to find one that aligns with your specific interests within cardiology.
      4. Mentor for the ACC Internal Medicine Program: If you're passionate about guiding future cardiologists.
      5. Mentor for Medical Residents and Students (Young Scholars Program): Another opportunity to support those interested in cardiology.
    3. Attend the Annual Scientific Sessions: This is a prime opportunity to network, learn about the ACC's activities, and attend events specifically for young professionals and FITs. Look out for the Young Professionals Lounge, FIT Jeopardy at the national level, and "FITs on the Go."
  3. Find Your Starting Point:
    1. Reflect on Your Interests and Goals: What are you most passionate about? What skills do you want to develop? What kind of impact do you want to make?
    2. Align Your Interests with Opportunities: Review the state and national opportunities and see where your passions and goals intersect.
    3. Don't Be Afraid to Start with Small Steps: You don't have to do everything at once. Choose one or two areas that genuinely interest you to begin with.