Implementation Science Training Program

Description and Goals

IAS will identify a cohort of five participants based on an application process for the Implementation Science Training Program, which aims to impart knowledge about implementation science and building capacity among the cohort of scholars.  

Scholars will be supported in their efforts to develop a robust implementation science plan that could be used to change routine clinical care using one or more of the implementation recommendations from the paper “Implementation strategies for improving the care of familial hypercholesterolemia from the International Atherosclerosis Society: next steps in implementation science and practice.”  

During the program term, from December 2026 – August 2027, scholars will be supported in their efforts to develop a robust plan that will allow their health care system to move a recommendation from paper into practice, whether that be in a clinical or community setting, with a goal of improving the detection and management of people living with familial hypercholesterolemia in the United States. 

The program will be co-led by Jessica M. Peña, MD, MPH, and Crystal Cené Wiley, MD, MPH. Additional support will be provided from members of IAS’ global network.  

The goals of the program are for scholars to:

• Develop a deeper understanding of implementation science, including the ability to recognize key principles, and to develop an implementation and evaluation plan 
• Strengthen their network of peers and mentors with interest and expertise in implementation science
• Develop a robust project plan that is rooted in implementation science core concepts that scholars can continue to iterate for future use. 

Program Initiation

IAS will kick off the applied program with a webinar in mid-December 2026. The opening webinar will allow time for introductions of faculty and scholars, an overview of the path forward for the program year ahead, and scholars will leave with pre-reads to set them up for success.  

Scholars will be asked to complete the pre-program evaluation ahead of the first call.  

Workshop Session at ACC 2027

The program will include a day-long workshop ahead of the ACC.27, together with WCC annual scientific session taking place from April 10 to 12, 2027, in Houston, Texas, in conjunction with the World Heart Federation. 

During this session, anticipated to take place April 9, faculty will present interactive lectures inclusive of fundamental concepts and how-to presentations. In addition, scholars will begin work collaboratively with other scholars on their project plans and will receive direct feedback from faculty. 

Webinar Series

During the course of the program term, IAS will host three webinar sessions with scholars and faculty, and potentially guest presentations from other members of IAS’ global network.  

The following is a tentative schedule and topics for these webinars: 

• January/February: Fundamentals of implementation science
• March: Understanding the types and sources of data that support development of an implementation plan 
• June: Implementation evaluation frameworks and outcomes to evaluate success.

In addition to the focused webinar topic, during these highly interactive sessions, scholars will have an opportunity to briefly share their project plans. Faculty and peers will provide real-time feedback and support in revising as necessary.

1:1 Faculty Sessions

Each scholar will be offered up to three hours of direct individual support from a faculty member during the course of the program term. These sessions will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time for the participating scholar and faculty member.  

Eligibility and Application

Clinical researchers, health care practitioners or health system leaders in the United States who are interested in implementation science and willing to work on developing an implementation and evaluation plan for their institutional or community setting are invited to apply. The program is intended for mid-career professionals. Selected scholars must be able to participate in all the webinar sessions and attend the in-person workshop in April. Travel support is provided as part of the program.

Implementation-minded scholars are invited to apply by November 30. 

IAS received sponsorship support from Amgen to execute this program. All program content remains fully under the control of IAS.