Guided Fellowship FAQs

What is the value of attaining ACP Fellowship?

ACP Fellows have demonstrated a commitment to leading internal medicine and improving lives though the four pillars of Fellowship. The FACP® credential is an honor that distinguishes internal medicine physicians from their peers and is recognition of accomplishments and achievements over and above the practice of medicine. Early career physicians attain ACP Fellowship to show their commitment to becoming leaders within internal medicine and their workplaces.

Fellows are authorized to use the letters FACP in connection with their professional activities for as long as their membership remains current. ACP Fellows have the right to vote, hold office, and sponsor applicants for Membership and Fellowship.

How is Guided Fellowship different from Advancement to Fellowship?

The ACP Guided Fellowship Program provides early career physicians with a structure to enable them to meet the requirements for ACP Fellowship over a three-year period. Early career physicians are provided the opportunity and support to become Fellows by completing professional development activities.

Unlike Advancement to Fellowship, the Guided Fellowship program does not require participants to complete a Fellowship application or provide a sponsorship letter.

Do I need a sponsor or a sponsor letter for the Guided Fellowship application?

No, unlike the application for Advancement to Fellowship, the Guided Fellowship program does not require you to identify sponsors or provide a sponsorship letter.

Who is eligible to enroll in the Guided Fellowship Program?

Physicians can enroll in the program after the end of residency completion, one year out of residency, or during their fourth chief residency year. Additionally, enrolled participants must have their dues renewed through the current membership year.

I am a chief resident; can I enroll in Guided Fellowship?

Yes, fourth-year chief residents, who were dues-paid Resident/Fellow Members for the previous membership year and have renewed their ACP membership for the current year, are eligible to enroll in the Guided Fellowship Program. If you are a third-year chief resident, you can enroll in the Guided Fellowship Program after residency completion.

I am pursuing subspecialty fellowship training; can I enroll in Guided Fellowship?

Yes, physicians in a subspecialty fellowship may enroll after the end of residency if they were a dues-paid Resident/Fellow Member for the previous membership year and have renewed their ACP membership for the current year. Physicians in subspecialty fellowship may retain their status as a Resident/Fellow Member while in the Guided Fellowship Program.

Do I need to be board certified to enroll in the Guided Fellowship program?

Board certification is not required to enroll in the Guided Fellowship Program. However, initial board certification must be obtained before completing the program and being elected to ACP Fellowship.

When does the Guided Fellowship program begin?

Enrollment for the Guided Fellowship program begins in late summer and cohorts begin in January.

How long does it take to achieve FACP through Guided Fellowship?

Guided Fellowship participants who complete the program requirements are eligible for Fellowship at the completion of the three-year program.

Is it possible to get an extension?

Yes, a one-time, one-year extension is available to Guided Fellowship participants who need additional time to complete the requirements to achieve FACP.

How do I access my Guided Fellowship Dashboard?

Enrolled participants can view their Guided Fellowship Dashboard at www.acponline.org/gfdashboard.

How do I track my progress toward attaining ACP Fellowship?

Program participants can track their progress through a personalized Guided Fellowship Dashboard. In your dashboard, you can review the list of suggested professional development activities and note those that you have completed. Completed activities will display on your personalized dashboard. Enrolled participants can view their Guided Fellowship Dashboard at www.acponline.org/gfdashboard.

What is the role of the supervisor in the Guided Fellowship program?

To support you in your career, ACP provides your workplace supervisor with an annual progress update to keep them informed on the professional development milestones you achieve as part of the Guided Fellowship Program. The program requires no time commitment of your supervisor. If a direct supervisor is not available, a mentor of your choice may serve in this capacity and receive updates on your progress.

Can previous activities or work in residency count toward my Guided Fellowship Program requirements?

The Guided Fellowship Program supports the professional development of early career physician's post-residency. Therefore, activities or work completed during residency cannot be applied to the program requirements.

Can post-residency activities or work completed prior to enrollment in the Guided Fellowship Program count toward meeting the requirements for ACP Fellowship?

Yes, while the ACP Guided Fellowship Program begins the January following the end of your training, activities should be tracked beginning at the completion of your internal medicine residency.

How much does the Guided Fellowship Program cost?

Courtesy of the ACP Member Insurance Program, the one-time enrollment fee of $175 is waived. ACP membership dues must be paid all three years of the program. For more information about ACP member dues rates, see the US Membership Details or Global Membership Details.

For more information, please email guidedfacp@acponline.org or call 1-800-227-1915.