Engaging Fellows-in-Training:Best Practices

John M. DentGovernor, Virginia Chapter

David E. WinchesterFellows-in-Training Committee Chair

Background

• Interactions between FITs, Fellowship Program Directors, and Chapter leadership is limited

• Only 55% of FITs transition into FACC within 3 years post-training completion

• The College is eager for members, and FITs are eager for professional mentors

Survey of FITs

• A top concern:– FITs are looking for mentors and advice on careers

• Another concern:– FITs are unaware who to get in contact with if they

want to be involved

What are chapters already doing?

• Fund FITs to attend Chapter events• Involve FITs/PDs in Chapter leadership– Appoint to the Council or meeting planning

What are chapters already doing?

• Symposia for FITs at Chapter meetings– Research– Legal advice and practice environment– Job Fairs and Career Planning (Medaxiom)– Work/Life balance– Private Practice vs. Academics

Other Ideas

• Take the Chapter to the FITs– Sponsor a breakfast or lunch– Chapter leaders come to visit training programs

and talk about ACC

How can we improve?

• We suggest that each chapter make a goal of trying to do at least one of:– FIT/PD member of Council– Targeted FIT programming at Chapter meeting– ‘Traveling President’ contacts with FITs/PDs

For more informationDavid E. Winchester, MD, FIT

Comm Chairdavid.winchester@medicine.ufl.edu (352) 273-9079

John M. Dent, MD, FACC Governor, Virginiajmd5k@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu (434) 982-1414

Kelly Evans Ventura, FIT Committee Staffkventura@acc.org (202) 375-6613