Engaging Fellows-in-Training: Best Practices John M. Dent Governor, Virginia Chapter David E. Winchester Fellows-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 information David E. Winchester, MD, FIT Comm Chair (352) John M. Dent, MD, FACC Governor, Virginia (434) Kelly Evans Ventura, FIT Committee Staff (202)