The PICS Society Mussallem Early Career Development Academy

Application Period is Closed

Please review the FAQ’s (frequently asked questions and answers) about the program.

For more information email dkichka@CHDinterventions.org

Overview

The PICS Society Mussallem Early Career Development Academy is an innovative 2-year global program for early-career congenital heart disease interventional cardiologists. The program blends mentorship, team-based research, leadership opportunities and in-person engagement with senior clinicians and industry R&D innovators. Participants work in teams to pursue meaningful research and build a lasting global network. A core goal is to foster the next generation of leaders in this field.

APPLY HERE

Duration: 2 years while continuing clinical work; 4-6 hours per month

Participants: 25 to 30 selected early-career congenital interventional cardiologists

Structure: Global teams of five participants; each team is paired with a senior mentor

Core Components: Webinars, research, mentoring, leadership, 3 in-person meetings

Outcomes: Heightened knowledge, skills & confidence, plus a lifelong global network

Eligibility: Up to 5 years post-training, i.e., if you started CHD interventional training on or after January 1, 2021 and completed (or will complete) training on or before June 30, 2026.

Deadline: Application period is now closed.

Goal. This program is designed for early‑career CHD interventionalists who want to accelerate their growth, expand their global network, and step confidently into the next stage of their careers. If selected, you will join a cohort of peers from around the world, guided by senior mentors invested in your success.

You will gain structured mentorship, leadership development, team‑based research experience, and visibility within the global congenital community — opportunities that are invaluable once your formal training ends. The program gives you a framework, a network, and skills that will serve you for the rest of your career.

Most importantly, you will become part of a community that endures long after the program ends: colleagues who challenge you, mentors who support you, and a global network that opens doors throughout your professional life.

Applying. Whether you trained in interventional procedures via a specialized fellowship OR as part of your overall congenital heart disease training, we welcome your application. There are no application or tuition fees.

Materials needed: completed application form, CV and 1 or 2 recommendation letters.

The PICS Society Mussallem Early Career Development Academy is a unique program meeting needs identified by program directors, training directors and early career physicians for mentoring following completion of formal training. Didactic content covers clinical topics, difficult situations, teamwork, medical reasoning, research methodology, industry collaboration, lifestyle issues and leadership.

FAQ’S

The Application Process

Who is eligible to apply?

The PICS Society Mussallem Early Career Development Academy is designed for early‑career congenital heart disease interventional cardiologists seeking global collaboration, mentorship, leadership development and meaningful research experience. To be eligible, applicants must meet all of these requirements:

Early‑career— apply within five years following completion of congenital and/or adult congenital interventional cardiovascular training
Training pathway — significant congenital interventional training during congenital/pediatric cardiology training, or completion of a dedicated CHD interventional fellowship
Active clinical practice — currently performing congenital interventions as 1^st operator
2‑year commitment — able to attend virtual sessions, team meetings and 3 in‑person events
Protected time—supervisor agrees to 4-6 hours monthly time for Academy activities
Supervisor support — letter confirming qualifications and protected time
Professionalism — commit to participate in monthly webinars or view archived versions
Motivation — demonstrate clear goals and a compelling vision for joining

More about eligibility

If you started your CHD interventional training on or after January 1, 2021 and completed (or will complete it) on or before June 30, 2026, this program designed for you. PICS will select twenty-five to thirty applicants based on objective review of all applications.

PICS recognizes there are multiple training pathways in this field: e.g., fellowships, mentorships, or instruction as part of pediatric or adult congenital cardiology training. We encourage applications from all early career pediatric/adult congenital cardiologists who interventionally treat CHD as part of their clinical responsibilities.

What is the deadline for submission?

The deadline for all components of the application–including the online form, your CV, and your reference letter(s)–was May 1, 2026.

Do I need to have graduated from a formal CHD interventional fellowship program in order to be considered?

No. There are numerous pathways to training in CHD interventional procedures. Please be specific in your application to describe your pathway.

I have not yet started my CHD interventional training. I am currently training in congenital/pediatric cardiology and will begin my interventional training soon. Am I eligible to apply for this cycle?

Regretfully no, but do keep PICS advised as to the status of your plans and current position so we can keep you informed about other and future educational opportunities.

I’m interested. How do I apply?

Click HERE to complete the online application (training, current practice, motivation, research experience and interest, leadership goals, commitment to complete all Academy activities).
Supervisor recommendation letter confirming institutional support. A second letter from a physician who trained you in congenital interventions is highly desirable, especially if you and your current supervisor recently started working together.
Current CV (resume)
Finalists will participate in a short video interview with member of the selection panel

Application and tuition charges

None. There are no application or tuition charges to applicants or to those who are accepted.

Do I need to complete the application form all at once?

No.

Can I save my progress and finish the application later?

Yes. We recommend bookmarking the application link. As long as you are using the same browser/device, your progress is automatically saved as a draft. You can also update your responses after clicking “Submit” at any time until the May 10th deadline.

I applied for the first cycle (2024-2026) but was not selected. Can I re-apply? Should I re-apply?

Yes you can apply IF you still meet the “5 years or less” post-training qualification noted above.
And yes, you absolutely should re-apply! Email dkichka@CHDinterventions.org if you want a copy of your 2024 application (especially your responses to the essay questions). Please submit a new application in its entirety.

What specifically needs to be in my supervisor’s letter-of-reference (LOR)?

In addition to the supervisor’s candid and confidential remarks, the LOR needs to state that the supervisor will commit to protect time for you to participate in the planned activities. Some applications for slots in cycle #1 were declined because such a specific statement was absent.

PICS recognizes that of course situations arise: unplanned clinical responsibilities, covering for other staff absences, personal or family reasons (medical, bereavement, maternity leave, and more). Staff and mentors will work with you on a 1-to-1 basis to adjust and accommodate.

Do I need to be a PICS Society member in order to apply?

No, nor will membership status or non-membership status be factored into selection decisions.

My supervisor asked me to check if there is an estimate of when the in-person meetings will occur? And do you have a list of faculty that will be participating in this course?

As of the date of this FAQ’s preparation we do not have these finalized. Please check this webpage regularly for updates or contact dkichka@CHDinterventions.org.

The Selection Process

How are applicants selected for inclusion?

The selection process for the PICS Society Mussallem Early Career Development Academy focuses on:

Independent scoring of each application by an impartial review panel
Review panel discussion to reach consensus based on the selection criteria below
Video interviews with finalists to assess communication, professionalism, and readiness
Final selection of 25 (30 if resources permit) participants by the panel

How many applicants are accepted?

For Academy Cycle #1 (2025-2026) 25 candidates were accepted. For Cycle #2 (2026-2028) a minimum of 25 will be accepted (30 if resources permit)

What are the selection criteria ?

Applicants are evaluated on:

Professional readiness — early‑career stage, completion of training, and active congenital interventional practice
Motivation and alignment — clarity of goals, commitment to the two‑year program, and fit with the mission
Professionalism and teamwork — communication, reliability, and ability to contribute to an international team
Supervisor support — confirmation of protected time and institutional backing
Global representation — ensuring a diverse cohort across geography, training backgrounds, demographics and practice environments

The Curriculum and Expectations

What are the learning objectives of the PICS Society Mussallem Early Career Development Academy?

Enhance knowledge base about interventional techniques
Undergo mentoring, lectures and hands-on simulation experiences
Exposure to complex procedures, patient selection, quality standards
Improve decision-making before, during and after cases
Promote academic productivity and research
Provide mentorship for research and career building
Enhance leadership skills, resilience & soft skills
Understand value of innovation via industry collaboration
Increase networking with peers and leaders globally

What makes the program unique? The program is:

Global
Longitudinal
Mentored
Collaborative
Immersive
Integrated with innovation

What educational and experiential support does the program provide?

The PICS Society Mussallem Early Career Development Academy provides mentorship, research guidance, leadership development, structured curricula and global networking, virtually and in-person

What is the time commitment for participants?

Participants typically spend 4–6 hours per month on program activities over the two year cycle.

What does the curriculum consist of?

Clinical topics
Device innovation
Regulatory and policy issues
Leadership development
Global practice perspectives
Team-based research

Sessions are monthly and virtual, plus 3 in‑person sessions during major meetings.

What do participants engage in?

Monthly virtual learning
Team‑based research
Leadership rotations
In‑person workshops
Global networking

What activities are included in the in‑person sessions?

Participants attend program sessions during major meetings. These sessions include:

Workshops
Leadership activities
Research presentations
Networking opportunities

What are the PICS Society’s responsibilities to those who are selected? PICS commits to:

Deliver a best‑in‑class educational experience — world‑leading faculty, high‑quality didactics, and a curriculum designed to accelerate your growth as an interventionalist
Provide structured support and mentorship — dedicated staff, clear communication, and access to global experts invested in your success
Create meaningful opportunities for professional development — hands‑on learning, team‑based challenges, leadership exposure, and visibility within the global PICS community

What are your responsibilities if you are selected? If selected, participants commit to:

Participate fully in the monthly Zoom sessions — attending live and “on camera” as much as possible, or watching the full recording before the next session when unavoidable situations arise
Engage actively with your team and faculty — completing assignments, contributing to discussions, and supporting the collaborative spirit of the program
Uphold the values of the program and contribute to a positive, global learning environment
Carry the learnings forward into your professional life — sharing knowledge in your home institution, contributing to national and regional societies, and giving back to the global congenital community as your career grows
Recognizing that the unpredictable happens, work with mentors and staff to resolve situations as they occur

Teams & Mentors

Tell me more about the team structure

Participants in the PICS Society Mussallem Early Career Development Academy are placed into multi-national/multi-continental teams of five, each guided by a senior mentor. Teams are intentionally diverse in terms of geography, training background, and professional experience to maximize learning and collaboration.

How are teams assigned?

Teams are assigned to ensure balance across:

Geography
Training background
Clinical experience
Research interests
Leadership potential

The goal is to create teams that learn from one another and collaborate effectively.

What is the mentor’s role?

Mentors guide each team’s…

Research direction
Leadership development
Communication habits
Professional growth
Problem‑solving

They provide structure, guidance and perspective, not micromanagement.

What kinds of research projects do teams work on?

During Cycle #1, the team names and research projects were as follows:

Team Shak Attack: Percutaneous Interventions for Heart Failure in CHD
Team Casians: PDA Closure in Adults–Review
Team FIISCH: RVOT stent vs PDA stent vs BT shunt
Team Global Hearts: Interventional strategies for pulmonary artery stenosis
Team Inflatables: Management of borderline left ventricle–transcath & hybrid

Future research projects are limited only by the imagination of participants and mentors. They might cover, for example, device R&D, registry‑based studies, quality improvement initiatives, global practice pattern analyses, innovation‑related topics, testing innovative professional education approaches, and much more.

How are research topics selected?

Topics for Cycle #1 were chosen by the Director in collaboration with the 5 mentors. Moving forward, participants are encouraged to submit research ideas as well, topics that are meaningful, feasible, educational, aligned with the program’s goals and above all show potential to advance patient care.

What are the expected research outputs?

Teams are expected to produce a manuscript for publication in Pediatric Cardiology Journal, an abstract, a presentation at the PICS Society Symposium and/or other outcomes. At graduation, one team will be recognized with the “best research project” award.

Who leads the teams?

Each team’s 5 participants takes a turn as team leader for several months. Team leaders are responsible for:

Organizing meetings
Setting agendas
Coordinating tasks
Communicating with the mentor
Ensuring progress

What support is provided for research methodology or statistics?

Mentors and faculty provide guidance on:

Study design
Methodology
Analysis
Interpretation

Teams are responsible for execution, with support as needed.

Administrative Matters

What visa support does PICS provide?

PICS can help with supporting documents for those who require visas to attend in‑person sessions. Important: This is frequently a difficult, continuously evolving area prone to delays. Thus we must emphasize the need for starting the visa application process as early as possible. While PICS cannot influence visa decisions, our staff can assist in providing background information about the PICS Society Mussallem Early Career Development Academy in support of your visa application. Examples:

Official invitation letters: Formal letters confirming program participation, required travel dates, and sponsorship support.
Documentation for consulates: Supporting documents that outline the program’s purpose, schedule, and the participant’s role.
Reimbursement of visa fees: Reimbursement of standard visa application fees for required travel.
Early planning expectation: Participants must begin the visa process early and communicate challenges promptly.
Travel flexibility: If visa delays occur, staff works with participants to adjust travel plans when possible.
No influence on visa decisions: Again, PICS has no influence with cannot intervene with embassies or consulates; decisions rest solely with immigration authorities.
Archived session access: If a visa delay prevents attendance, participants must watch the archived session before the next meeting.

If the visa was not issued before the travel date to one of the Academy in-person sessions, will this affect my participation in the further activities?

No. PICS recognizes this can be a difficult area, thus this will not impact your enrollment..

What are the travel and reimbursement policies?

The program provides full travel support for required in‑person sessions at major meetings. Participants must follow all rules provided to you to ensure fairness and responsible stewardship. Advance booking policies provided to participants must be followed in order to ensure full reimbursement.

What is covered: Coach class airfare, pre-approved business hotel, ground transportation, and visa fees (if needed).
Pre‑approval required: All travel must be approved by staff before booking
Cost‑conscious travel: Participants must coordinate with staff on economical travel selections consistent with your clinical and family commitments..
Documentation: Receipts and required forms must be submitted promptly for reimbursement.
Visa planning: Participants needing visas must begin the process early and communicate any challenges.
Travel support applies only to required in‑person sessions.
Participants must communicate proactively about travel needs and follow all policies provided to them.

How does the program handle parental leave, medical leave, or major life events?

The Academy is:

Compassionate
Flexible
Individualized

Participants are encouraged to communicate early so the program can support them appropriately.

Why These Policies Exist

These policies ensure:

Equity across a global cohort
Responsible stewardship of sponsor and philanthropic support
Predictable budgeting for the program
Smooth logistics for participants and Academy staff

Important to know

I am applying from a region with restricted access to Google services. How should I proceed?

If you are in a region where Google Forms is inaccessible, please contact dkichka@CHDinterventions.org to request a PDF version of the application.

What happens after graduation?

The PICS Society Mussallem Early Career Development Academy was designed so that graduates will continue to:

Collaborate on research
Present internationally
Mentor their own “next generation”
Become active in PICS Society activities
Expand their global network
Train others in their hospitals and nation

Our sponsoring partners…

As noted in this FAQ, the PICS Society Mussallem Early Career Development Academy is grounded in a simple vision: to build a global, enduring community of early‑career interventionalists who elevate care for patients with CHD worldwide. With continued, invaluable support from the Founding Sponsors AND the multi‑year philanthropic commitment of the Mussallem CHD Alliance, the program is positioned to expand its reach, refine its curriculum, and offer a stable, long‑term pathway for mentorship, research, leadership development, and global collaboration.

History of the Academy

PAST: Why did PICS create the Academy?

In 2021, the PICS Early Career Development Committee surveyed senior congenital cardiologists in 53 countries to understand what they believed early‑career interventionalists most need after formal training. Their answer was clear: structured mentorship during the first years of independent practice. As Dr. Varun Aggarwal (survey director and lead author of the published global survey) wrote, new practitioners are competent in straightforward procedures, but “complex interventions require ongoing mentorship… External mentorship programs, facilitated by national and international societies, are proposed to provide critical support for early career interventionalists.”

To address this need, Drs. Aimee Armstrong (Early Career Committee Chair) and Gianfranco Butera (Co-Chair) led an interdisciplinary team to design the Academy’s first cycle as a pilot. When PICS issued the inaugural call for applications in early 2023, the response was extraordinary — more than 100 applications for 25 available slots. The Academy officially launched in Fall 2023 with its first global webinar and the support of our Founding Sponsors, whose early belief in the vision made Cycle #1 possible.

PRESENT: Where are we now?

Elevated in 2024 to a full standing Committee under the leadership of Dr. Butera, the Academy has become one of PICS’ successful programs. As of Spring 2026, the Academy stands at an exciting crossroads. Cycle #1 is approaching graduation, with teams preparing final manuscripts, presentations, and the selection of the inaugural “Best Research Project” award at the PICS Symposium in San Diego. Several participants are already stepping into leadership roles in their home institutions, national societies, and within PICS itself.

At the same time, Cycle #2 is underway. Planning began in January 2026, incorporating lessons learned from the pilot, refining the educational model, and preparing for the next global call for applications. We are evaluating outcomes from Cycle #1, preparing a publication to share the model with the broader professional community, and strengthening the Academy’s infrastructure with the support of the Mussallem CHD Alliance, whose partnership provides long‑term stability for the program.

Dr. Butera is continuing as Academy Committee Chair, with Dr. Raul Rossi Filho rotating on as Co-Chair. Dr. Armstrong (now a PICS Board member) and Dr. Tacy Downing (Chair of the PICS Early Career Committee) also are playing important roles.

FUTURE: What are the short and long-term plans for the Academy?

The Academy’s future is grounded in a simple vision: to build a global, enduring community of early‑career interventionalists who elevate care for patients with CHD worldwide. With continued, invaluable support from Founding Sponsors AND the multi‑year philanthropic commitment of the Mussallem CHD Alliance, the Academy is positioned to expand its reach, refine its curriculum, and offer a stable, long‑term pathway for mentorship, research, leadership development, and global collaboration.

We aim to grow Cycle #2 to 30 participants (resources permitting), continue evolving the curriculum, and share our educational model so that other societies and disciplines can adapt it.

Just as importantly, we look forward to watching the Cycle #1 graduates advance in their careers — teaching in their home countries, leading research, shaping policy, and stepping into leadership roles across PICS and the global congenital community.

The Academy was built to launch careers, strengthen a global network, and create a culture of mentorship that endures. With the continued support of our partners and the accomplishments of our graduates, that vision is becoming a reality.

Resources & Links

Assessing the State of Training in Congenital Interventional Cardiology: A Global Survey of Program Directors. Aggarwal V, Butera G, Boe B, Celebi A, Downing T, Rossi RF, Kenny D, Linsky N, Pan X, Sivakumar K, Whiteside W, Hijazi ZM, Armstrong AK; of the PICS Society. Pediatr Cardiol. 2025 Apr;46(4):819-827. doi: 10.1007/s00246-024-03501-0. Epub 2024 May 10. PMID: 38727825. LINK

The Early Career Development Academy: An Introduction, Shibbani, V. Congenital Cardiology Today, January 2024, p. 10. LINK

Mussallem CHD Alliance. LINK