Fellowship in the College is an honor. It is a mark of esteem from colleagues who recognize accomplishments and achievements over and above the practice of medicine.

A physician’s achievements and accomplishments could be limited by the specialty in which he or she practices and by the available resources. The most important considerations for Fellowship are excellence and contributions made to both medicine and the broader community in which the internist lives and practices.

Candidates for Fellowship should be recognized for exemplifying in their professional lives the Mission and Goals of the American College of Physicians. The items listed below are considered important in indicating that individuals are ready for advancement:

• Upholding and practicing the highest clinical standards and ethical ideals
• Providing leadership at the community, regional, or national level in matters relating to health, citizenship, and social improvement
• Providing education and information to others, including students, residents, fellows in training, other practicing physicians, or allied health professionals
• Advocating responsible positions in health and public policy through work on committees, in hospitals, in other medical societies, and in the community
• Providing voluntary medical care and working on community service projects related to medicine or in a broader arena
• Serving on hospital and medical school committees that serve the professional needs of the membership and advance internal medicine as a career
• Doing research in science and medicine; in enhancing the quality of practice, education, and continuing education of internists; in attractiveness of internal medicine to physicians and the public; and in scholarly activities in medicine
• Keeping up-to-date in continuing medical education
• Participating in ACP activities