American College of Cardiology

January 2005
Vol. 1 No. 1

During sessions at the Dec. 2004 “How to Become a Cardiovascular Investigator,” panelists provided attendees with some nuts-and-bolts advice about a career in intervention transactional research. Their pointed advice spoke to the basics of a researcher’s life.

“Understand that by choosing the research path, you lose a skill set. You are no longer doing interventions, so you’re no longer board eligible,” explained David R. Holmes, M.D., F.A.C.C.

Douglas Zipes, M.D., F.A.C.C., added, “In the transition from clinician to investigator, you lose the positive feedback of patients and their families. This change can be tough, especially when your research is going wrong.”

But Zipes says, when you are successful, it’s like an “intellectual orgasm,” and he has found nothing that exceeds the pleasure of having that success.

What You Should Know
Success in research laboratories requires having the basics on several levels. Essentials include: appropriate training, access to an animal lab, state-of-the-art equipment, prototyping facilities (for developing and testing tools) and the very important support of mentors.

Be sure you know and understand all the regulations about the protection of human subjects and informed consent. Making a mistake in this area could cost dearly, explained Zipes, who told the story of one unfortunate researcher who experienced serious setbacks because of mistakes in this area.

Understand also that the first path you take may not be your final path, Fuster explained. Robert Balaban,Ph.D., agreed, recommending that attendees invest in more than one modality.

Understanding the Business of Research
“Do cardiologists need a Ph.D. to move ahead in research?” asked one attendee. Clinicians help basic scientists ask the right and important questions, and an M.D. who works in a lab for two to three years is functioning as Ph.D., replied Zipes.

Other things to know include:

1. The NIH may be more stable, but industry has contracts. Negotiate data and publishing rights up front. Then, if industry pulls out of the research, you are not left empty-handed.
2. NIH funding has dropped considerably during the last few years.
3. If your institution doesn’t support research, consider moving on.

Maintaining Balance
The final advice from several: Remember to balance your career and family. Don’t sacrifice your family for the job.

Prepare for Boards with New ACCSAP 6

Need an answer to applying the latest in cardiovascular diagnostic imaging? Best practices for managing risk factors? How to maximize your everyday clinical practice? Just ask ACCSAP6 – it’s in there!

Launching March 6, 2005, at the Annual Scientific Session in Orlando, ACCSAP6 sets new standards for “comprehensive core curriculum,” according to lead author Richard Lewis, M.D., F.A.C.C.

Teaching questions are incorporated within chapter text, mimicking the ABIM question development process. An immediate electronic feedback mechanism helps users gain accurate knowledge in the fastest manner possible.

ACCSAP6 is set up in 30-minute training modules for easy consumption. Continuing medical education credits are available for these bite-sized learning opportunities, making ACCSAP6 a valuable producer of 150 contact credit hours.

Six new chapters include Risk Factor Management, Noninvasive Testing, The Role of the Clinical Exam, Principles of Quality Measurement, Principles of Cost-Effective Analysis, and Statistics for the Clinical Cardiologist.

In early January 45 Fellows in training were asked to beta-test ACCSAP 6. Some of their comments follow:

“Great study guide,” said A. Rovner, M.D.

"It’s concise. I like the size of the sections, limiting the amount per topic gives the reader a better chance of taking home key points,” comments Charles Lampe, M.D.

And from Shaheeda Ahmed, M.D. and P. Wiegn, “It’s a good up-to-date review of cardiology.”

Fifteen men and women have been selected as finalists in the Young Investigators Award Competition. Judging will be held Monday, Mar. 7, 2005, during ACC ’05, at the Orange County Convention Center (Room 232A) in Orlando, Fla.

The YIA finalists will present their research in 10-minute sessions. Category session times are as follows:

Physiology, Pharmacology, and Pathology, 9:15 -10:30 a.m.
Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, 11a.m. -12:15 p.m.
Clinical Investigations-Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, 2 - 3:15 p.m.

The YIA finalists will also have YIA Posters in the Poster Session area of the convention center through the week of the scientific session. Click here to view the finalists.

Twenty Fellows in Training have been awarded the ACCF/Bristol-Myers Squibb Affiliate Travel Awards for ACC ’05. The winners will receive travel reimbursement to the ACC 54th Annual Scientific Session in Orlando, Florida, March 6-9, 2005. Judging was based on the applicant's major involvement in research activities leading to presentations and publications during cardiovascular-related subspecialty training. Click here to view the winners.

The BMS Travel Award winners will be recognized at the FIT Forum & Luncheon on Tuesday, March 8, 2005.

Get Your Tickets to FIT Luncheon & Forum at ACC ’05
Don’t miss the annual FIT Luncheon & Forum during the 54th Annual Scientific Session! This year’s luncheon takes place Tuesday, March 8, noon to 1:45 p.m. This extraordinary program is designed specifically for FITs with advice from expert faculty on careers in academic cardiology. Remember to reserve your tickets when you register for ACC '05, space is limited!

This program is complimentary, but advance tickets are required. Tickets ordered through ACC '05 advance registration may be picked up on site at the registration area at the Convention Center. Register today. Tickets may be obtained on site while supplies last. Otherwise, seats will be available on a standby basis only at the door. Click here for the program agenda. The program is supported by a grant from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

Career Session for FITs at ACC ’05
Each year, the College offers a special afternoon session at the Annual Scientific Session, designed exclusively for FIT members. This year, the Tuesday afternoon session has a brand-new look.

"FITs: What You Need to Know in Starting a Cardiology Career,” Tuesday, March 8, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., following the FIT Luncheon and Forum. This session will focus on financial planning, how to get started in private practice and how you get paid for what you do. For more details, click here. The program is supported by a grant from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

Pediatric Cardiology FITs — look for information on a special reception following the Tuesday afternoon session, hosted by the ACC Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology Committee:

Pediatric Cardiology FIT Mentoring & Networking Reception, Tuesday, March 8, 2004, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. For more information, click here.

You’re invited to an FIT-only Open House in the ACC Cardiology Careers’ Placement Center in the Orange County Convention Center, Room 206, on Sunday, March 6, from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. Come by for bagels and coffee and find out more about the College’s online job bank. Staff will be available to guide FITs in posting resumes and reviewing over 600 cardiology listings.

The ACC annual scientific session is a prime location for exploring and making job matches. Get a head start by posting your resume now. By using the Conference Connection tool to indicate your attendance at ACC ’05, you will be able to set up interviews in advance.

The Placement Center, which has interview areas and can also be used as a meeting point, is open Sunday through Tuesday, from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., and Wednesday, March 9, from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information, go to www.acc.org, and follow the Job Search links to ACC Cardiology Careers.

Find your dream job through the ACC. Check out the wide selection of opportunities available nationwide, or for even more job opportunities, go to ACC Cardiology Careers. With the College’s online job bank, the perfect job could be just a click away.

Positions Available

EAST
Position Available - Eastern Pennsylvania, Suburban Philadelphia-Bucks County. Central Bucks Cardiology, a 7-member single specialty cardiology practice, serving a quality community hospital seeks NON-INVASIVE cardiologist. The group currently consists of an interventionalist, electrophysiologist, two invasive cardiologists and three non-invasive cardiologists all with good communication skills, compatible professional goals and work ethic. Clinical setting offers a premier cardio-thoracic surgical program, thriving EP program and leading edge research opportunities. Group seeks candidate with strong clinical background, collaborative team approach, experience with nuclear cardiology and/or TEE a plus. Nuclear cardiology performed in hospital setting and at a practice owned testing center. Competitive salary and benefits package with early partnership will be offered. Please forward CV to: Pat Larsen, Practice Administrator, Central Bucks Cardiology, 315 West State St., Doylestown, PA 18901. Phone: 215-345-1900;Fax: 215-345-4579; Email: plarsen@centralbuckscardiology.com. January 2005

Position Available - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Established and successful 3 doctor, 3 location cardiology group in need of 2 new associates. We are affiliated with 4 area hospitals (one teaching hospital) and we own a diagnostic center. Beautiful new 8000 sq ft facility. Starting salary 325k for Fellow. Interested parties may fax CV to 412-429-3513. January 2005

Position Available - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Highly successful 3 doctor/owner, 3-location interventional cardiology group in need of 2 new associates. We are located in the highly desirable southern suburbs of the beautiful and culturally diverse city of Pittsburgh with nationally recognized school districts. We are affiliated with 4 area hospitals (one teaching hospital) and we own a state of the art diagnostic center (including nuclear center). You will spend 1 week of 4 in a brand new 8000 sq ft. office space; the other weeks covering a hospital. We offer a starting salary of 325k-400k along with health, malpractice, generous vacation allowance, profit sharing. Interested parties may fax CV to 412-429-3513. U.S. Heart & Vascular, P.C. January 2005

Position Available - Fingerlakes Region, New York State. The Guthrie Clinic, a 240-member multi-specialty group practice is searching for a BC/BE Non-Invasive Cardiologist to join the practice in Corning, NY. This is a high volume cardiology satellite practice which draws patients from Corning and surrounding counties. Cardiology services are provided in the Guthrie Clinic outpatient setting and at Corning Hospital. Full interventional and surgical support is available from the main campus in Sayre, PA. Nuclear license is desirable. Guaranteed salary and comprehensive benefits package. Visit the Guthrie website at www.guthrie.org. Contact Kathy Murray, Physician Recruiting at 800-724-1295; fax 570-882-3098; email murray_k@guthrie.org. ID# 24482AI January 2005

SOUTH
Position Available - Jacksonville, Florida. Excellent opportunity for board-certified, board-eligible clinical cardiologist with nuclear training to join established cardiology practice. Experience in TEE and EP a plus but not required. Excellent compensation package leading to partnership. Contact: Sharon Phillips at 800-659-5507 or send CV to: 6859 Belfort Oaks Place, Jacksonville, FL 32216. Fax: 904-296-0279 January 2005

Position Available - Sarasota, Florida, Immediate Availability for a BC/BE Cardiologist for a busy cardiology department within a 50+ physician MSG located in a thriving Gulf Coast city in beautiful SW Florida. Excellent compensation and benefit package with partnership tract and a great call schedule. For confidential consideration send/fax CV to Administrator, Intercoastal Medical Group, Inc., 943 S. Beneva Road, Suite 306, Sarasota Florida 34232; Fax (941) 952-0132. January 2005

MIDWEST
Position Available - Wisconsin. Lead and develop a Cardiology Program. BE/BC Interventional Cardiologist is needed for a successful, comprehensive medical system in Wisconsin. The innovative Cardiology Service has a tremendous infrastructure already in place and state-of-the-art facilities. Employed position. No primary call. Excellent compensation package. Nestled in breathtakingly beautiful countryside, the community is between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River with a short drive to Madison, Chicago and Milwaukee. Contact Mickey Conner, 866-464-3428 or mconner@besmith.com January 2005

WEST
Position Available - Arizona. Excellent opportunity in AZ. Located 90 m south of Las Vegas, accessible to both Phoenix and Los Angeles. Enjoy beautiful river, casinos. Interventional Cardiologist with a strong interventional background, including peripheral interventions is needed. BC/BE, with good work ethics for our friendly practice. 400-450K salary first year. 2 yr full partnership, NO BUY IN. 1/4 calls. EIGHT WEEKS VACATION. Fax resume: 928-758-4650 or email hhhi4@hotmail.com January 2005

Position Available - Tucson, Arizona, Premier four man cardiology
group seeks skilled, personable, industrious fifth member for a thriving private practice in Tucson, Az. This is a pure cardiology practice with no Internal Medicine responsibilities. We are seeking invasive cardiologists. Imaging skills or interventional capabilities are beneficial but not necessary. Call is one in four weekends. We have a well equipped office with multiple treadmills, 5 echo machines and two nuclear cameras. We are proud to offer a once in a lifetime opportunity. Contact: Monica Neidkowski at, Tucson Heart Group, 2355 N Ferguson Ave Suite 111, Tucson, Arizona 85712. Phone: 520-326-4811. Email: monica@tucsonheart.com January 2005

Position Available - Bellingham, Washington, We are ready to open our new state-of- art Cardiology Center and want to add 2 General and 1 Nuclear Cardiologist. Our local Hospital just opened a new Cardiovascular Center two years ago. Bellingham is located on Puget Sound between Seattle and Vancouver, BC and is rated by Outside, Money, Kiplinger and National Geographic as one of the most desirable US cities. Visit our website www.madronamedical.com or send CV or inquiry to crthompson@hinet.org January 2005

Position Available - Pasadena, California. Our World famous weather and natural attractions make Southern California an ideal place for those who love adventure and the outdoors. At Kaiser Permanente, we believe in promoting a healthier lifestyle for both our patients and our physicians. By providing a balanced schedule and managing your administrative needs, we ensure you can make the most of your time, whether you’re at work or at play. Current opportunities include:

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGISTS – Fontana, Los Angeles, Orange County & Riverside
INVASIVE & NON-INVASIVE CARDIOLOGISTS – Baldwin Park, Bellflower, Kern County, Los Angeles, Orange County & Riverside
ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIST – Los Angeles
TRANSPLANT CARDIOLOGISTS – Los Angeles

Our physicians practice in an environment where patient-focused care and cross- specialty collaboration are the standard. In addition to a comprehensive network of support, we offer a balanced work and call schedule, which means you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy Southern California’s world-famous climate and natural attractions. To practice and play in a climate that’s professionally and personally rewarding, please send your CV to: Kaiser Permanente, Professional Recruitment, 393 East Walnut St., Pasadena, CA 91188-8013. Fax: 626-405-2675. Phone: 800-541-7946. Email: Patty.A.Darling@kp.org. We are an AAP/EEO employer. http://physiciancareers.kp.org January 2005

Position Available - Southern California. Large multispecialty group seeking an interventional or non-interventional cardiologist to join cardiology section of 2 interventional and 1 non-invasive cardiologist. EP or nuclear training a plus. Our progressive practice model offers the best of both an appreciation of personal lifestyle, and a dynamic professional environment. Great starting salary and early partnership option. Mika McIntyre, Caremore Medical Group, Fax 562-662-2818; E mail Mika.Mcintyre@caremore.org January 2005