DUCCS President’s Pen. Brent Muhlestein – Feb 2015
As we enter 2015, I am even more convinced of the value of active participation in DUCCS.  This autumn, I had the opportunity to return to Duke University for a very enjoyable visiting professor experience. I met with both faculty and fellows and, for a time, was able to re-immerse myself in the wonderful academic culture of Duke Cardiology. This reminded me again of why I am so happy to have gone to, and to still be associated with, this wonderful institution. My experiences also provided me several interesting insights, some of which relate to the fellows I had the opportunity to meet. First, the present cardiology fellows at Duke University are just as bright and motivated as ever. They are well trained, energetic, ambitious and personable. Indeed they continue to be the cream of the crop in cardiovascular medicine. But, interestingly, as a whole, they are worried. They are worried that they will not be able to get a good job. They are worried that they will not be able to continue academic activities. They are worried that the only opportunity for a future fulfilling career lies in remaining as faculty at Duke University. But at the same time, they understand that Duke cannot absorb all of its graduates. This is one area in which I think DUCCS can really help. Those of us who were trained at Duke, but have successfully found exciting and fulfilling opportunities outside of Duke University can assist our new young DUCCS members to do the same. First, we can facilitate the hiring of Duke graduates into our own organizations. Second, we can facilitate their desires to continue academic activities wherever they are. Third, we can facilitate their successful integration into the post-graduate DUCCS culture. During this upcoming year, we, the DUCCS leadership, are going to emphasize the needs of our newest DUCCS members. With the help from Rob Mentz, our new DUCCS director, who, himself, is one of our young Duke graduates, we will identify and implement programs that are targeted to reach their needs. I encourage all of you to contact me or Rob with any suggestions you might have regarding this effort. Thanks to all of you for your active participation in DUCCS. JBrent.Muhlestein@imail.org