Below are some frequently asked questions our practice receives.  If you don't see the question you are looking for, please contact our office through the "Contact Us" link on our webpage.

1.) What does F.A.C.C. mean?

Ans.: Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. Based on their outstanding credentials, achievements, and community contribution to cardiovascular medicine, physicians who are elected to fellowship and are members of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) can use F.A.C.C., as a professional designation. Fellows of the ACC, the foremost professional society representing heart specialists in the U.S. and throughout the world, are adult cardiologists, pediatric cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, researchers and academicians, or specialists in a cardiovascular-related field. Election to membership in the ACC is based on training, specialty board certification, scientific and professional accomplishments and duration of active participation in a cardiovascular related field. Members are expected to conform to high moral standards. At least 75% of a potential members' professional activities must be devoted to the field of cardiovascular disease. The designation of Fellow represents recognition by the College of high professional achievement in a cardiovascular discipline. Candidates shall have certification by both a primary specialty board and an applicable subspecialty board which holds membership in either the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Advisory Board for Osteopathic Specialists of the American Osteopathic Association. Those candidates who began their subspecialty training in 1990 and beyond shall show evidence of having successfully completed an accredited program and shall have a minimum number of in-training years as follows: adult cardiology—3 years; or pediatric cardiology—3 years; or cardiovascular surgery—2 years. Candidates shall provide evidence from their communities that they are recognized as specialists and consultants or as scientists.

The strongest evidence of achievement for those who earn the F.A.C.C insignia comes from their peers. Letters of sponsorship from other F.A.C.C.'s and medical school faculty attest to professional competence and commitment to excellence, and are necessary for election to Fellowship in the College.

When accepting election to Fellowship in ACC, each physician pledges, "cooperation and loyalty to the attainment of the ideals" of the College, the most important of which is to promote excellence in cardiovascular care.

Each year at ACC's Annual Scientific Session, newly appointed Fellows take part in the convocation ceremony honoring their new rank as F.A.C.C. and reaffirming the commitment to furthering optimal cardiovascular care. New Fellows receive their certificate of Fellowship and are officially recognized as Fellows of the College at the convocation ceremony.