Program Directors Advisory Council (PDAC) Update

by Babar Fiza, MD
Chair, SOCCA Program Directors Advisory Council (PDAC)
Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
&
Nazish K Hashmi, MD, MBBS
WICC Member, SOCCA
Vice Chair, Program Directors Advisory Council (PDAC)
Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC

Volume 37 | Issue 1 | April 2026

The Program Directors Advisory Council (PDAC) remains dedicated to advancing educational programming, refining fellowship recruitment processes, and supporting the establishment of national competency standards for anesthesiology critical care training programs. The PDAC Ultrasound Case Series remains a cornerstone initiative, with four sessions scheduled for March 19, May 14, August 20, and November 12, 2026.

Additionally, in collaboration with key stakeholders, PDAC has undertaken a comprehensive review of the fellowship match timeline to ensure alignment with both programmatic priorities and evolving applicant needs. The revised timeline includes a new SF Match CAS target date, the initiation of the match exception program on April 15, 2026, and the rank list submission deadline of May 28, 2026. These changes are intended to promote consistency across training programs and to further strengthen the recruitment process for anesthesiology critical care fellowships.

The council continues to collaborate with colleagues across SOCCA to advance the development of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) competencies. In partnership with the Clinical Practice Committee, PDAC is actively engaged in establishing a framework for integrating MCS education into fellowship training and in identifying strategies to standardize expectations and competencies across programs. Through these initiatives, PDAC aims to ensure that fellows benefit from high-quality educational resources and consistent competency benchmarks, thereby supporting their professional growth and preparedness for clinical practice.

Leadership transition planning is currently underway, with preparations in place for the appointment of a new Vice Chair in anticipation of the forthcoming Chair transition later this year. 

PDAC remains committed to supporting program directors by fostering collaboration, providing shared resources, and maintaining ongoing dialogue to address the evolving needs of fellowship training.