Program Overview
The Emerging Leaders Mentorship (ELM) program is a competitive two-year professional development opportunity offered by SCAI in partnership with the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF).
It gives early-career interventionalists and structural heart interventional imaging physicians access to experienced SCAI, ACC, and CRF leaders, professional coaching, and group training delivered in collaboration with industry supporters.
During the two-year program, participants are provided with the following:
- Broad exposure within SCAI, CRF, and ACC.
- Financial and logistical support to attend SCAI, ACC, and TCT Scientific Sessions.
- Access to a network of colleagues with the potential to serve as a resource of support throughout their careers.
- Individualized professional coaching toward a clinical, research, or educational niche.
- Committee involvement with partner organizations based on individual interests.
- Enhanced media, communication, and podium skills training.
- Speaking opportunities at SCAI, ACC, and TCT Scientific Sessions.
- Focused one-to-one mentoring.
After two years of the listed opportunities and appointments, ELM graduates will have built solid networks and opportunities to continue developing their careers.
Who Can Apply
Participation in the ELM Program is limited to individuals who are:
- Members of SCAI or ACC
- 2–6 years out of training
- In private or academic practice
- Adult or pediatric interventional cardiologists and structural heart interventional imaging physicians
- Residing domestically in the US or abroad.
In this short video, past ELM Fellow and later ELM Co-Chair Dr. Matthew J. Daniels discusses the benefits of participating in the program with Dr. M Chadi Alraies, MD, MPH. Dr. Daniels explains why you should consider applying if you are transitioning from early post-fellowship to becoming more recognized outside your institution and have an ambition to become a future leader in cardiovascular medicine.
Application Process
Applications for the 2026-28 ELM program will open in Fall 2025.
Application criteria for the 2024-26 were as follows:
- A complete curriculum vitae, including demographic, education, and research* information. Please also give details of membership of professional societies and committee or council positions held.
- A statement of interest, including what the applicant hopes to accomplish by participating in the program, for example:
- The benefits of the program individual to the applicant
- How participation in the program will enable career advancement
- A vision statement describing the leadership role the applicant aspires to play in national research, educational, clinical skills, or political advocacy programs in the future.
- Two letters of nomination and support discussing the applicant's potential as a national leader
- Two writing samples (review articles, original manuscripts, case reports, etc.)
* Including but not limited to publications, presentations, trial participation, grant awards, and guidelines.
Partners & Supporters
SCAI's ELM Program, in partnership with ACC and CRF, is supported by educational grants from:
- Abbott
- Abiomed
- Chiesi
- Philips
Further Information
SCAI's professional development resources help interventional cardiologists progress their careers.
Find out more about these and other benefits of joining SCAI.