Mentorship Program

The New York State Chapter of the American College of Cardiology Mentorship Program is a structured, year-long initiative designed to support medical students, residents, fellows-in-training, and early-career cardiologists through mentorship and career development. Since its inception in 2020, the program has grown, currently supporting twenty-five mentor–mentee pairs, reflecting strong engagement across New York State.

Program Structure

Duration: One academic year

Matching: Mentor–mentee pairings are based on career interests and goals and are made once per year.

Focus: The two focus areas that guides the matching process are –

  1. Scholarly development (research, abstracts, publications, CV building); and
  2. Career development (fellowship, job search, and professional growth)

Engagement: The program expects regular mentor–mentee meetings with goal setting and quarterly program check-ins. Surveys will be sent out to both mentees and mentors and regular participation is required.

Participation Criteria

Mentees:

  • Medical students, internal medicine residents, cardiovascular disease (or sub-specialty) fellows, and early-career cardiologists in New York State
  • Demonstrated interest in cardiology and professional development
  • Commitment to active participation and engagement throughout the program including regular check-ins with mentors and survey participation
  • Priority will be given to NYACC members
Download Download APPLY TO BE A MENTEE HERE

Mentors:

  • Active NY ACC member
  • Cardiologists with experience in clinical practice, research, or education
  • Commitment to regular engagement and supporting mentee growth, including professional development, networking and quarterly surveys.
Download Download APPLY TO BE A MENTOR HERE

Submission of an application constitutes a request for consideration and does not guarantee participation in the program.

All applicants are reviewed and selected through a structured evaluation process.

Participation in the mentorship program does not guarantee fellowship match, job placement, research opportunities, or other career outcomes.

Mentorship Seminar Recordings

For more videos of past events, visit our youtube channel here

For questions about the mentorship program, contact us at [email protected] 

Mentorship Program Director

Rachel-Maria Brown Talaska, MD

Rachel Maria Brown Talaska, MD, FACC
Chair, New York ACC Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force

Board certifications
Internal Medicine – American Board of Internal Medicine
Cardiovascular Disease – American Board of IM / Cardiovascular Disease

Fellowships
New York Presbyterian Hospital

Residencies
McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University

Education
Tufts University School of Medicine

Mentorship Program Lead

Rachel-Maria Brown Talaska, MD

Giorgio A. Medranda, MD, FACC, FAHA, FSCAI
Vice-Chair, New York ACC Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force

Board certifications
ABIM Internal Medicine Board Certification
ABIM Cardiovascular Disease Board Certification
ABIM Interventional Cardiology Board Certification

Interventional Cardiology Fellowship
MedStar Washington Hospital Center – Georgetown University

Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship
NYU Langone Hospital – Long Island

Internal Medicine Residency
NYU Langone Hospital – Long Island

Education
SUNY Downstate College of Medicine