Fellowship Programme
Fellowship Programme for World Heart Failure Society
The World Heart Failure Society Fellowship Award aims to offer cardiology training opportunities to young physicians from around the world, but especially from emerging countries. The World Heart Failure Society Fellowship Award was established 2005. The objective is to offer relevant training opportunities to young general physicians from emerging countries with an interest in cardiology/heart failure. However, applications from doctors from developed regions having an interest in the vast spectrum of cardiac conditions leading to heart failure in the developing world are also encouraged.
The specific aims are to provide training in transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography, interpretation of stress tests, perfusion scans, and to learn about the management of a Heart Failure Clinic. In certain centres, training in devices specific for heart failure will be provided. The ultimate goal is improving the home institutions’ standard upon the Fellows’ return.
The programme offers two types of fellowships:
- Full time awards (one year)
- Short term awards (3-6 months)
The Fellow
Any physician satisfying the following criteria is eligible to apply for a WHFS Fellowship:
- Must be less than 45 years old;
- Must have received basic training in cardiology;
- Must be nominated by a home institution that guarantees re-employment upon completing of training;
- Must be recommended by two senior cardiologists in home country;
- Should be endorsed by national or regional Cardiac Society (no formal requirement) ;
- Must have identified a suitable host institution and agreed upon training part;
- Must be able to speak;
- Must guarantee to return to home country within three month after completion of training, otherwise the fellow must return the funds.
The Sponsor
The World Heart Failure Society is the main sponsor in the fellowship programme. Medtronic and the Sticares Foundation have been generous in providing support to this important programme.The Mentor
A senior cardiologist, who must be a member of the World Heart Failure Society, should act as a home mentor. His or her role is to:
- Prepare a training plan with the fellow;
- Provide an accurate testimony about the applicant's merits;
- Help the applicant in completing the necessary formalities;
- Encourage and help the fellow in disseminating his or her expertise in home institution/country.
Application Procedure:
To apply for a Fellowship Programme or Travel Award, please send your application and CV to:
Prof Karen Sliwa (Executive Committee WHFS)
Department of Cardiology, Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital
PO Bertsham 2013
Johannesburg, South Africa
Phone +27 11 9338197
Fax: +27 11 9388945
Email: Karen.Sliwa-Hahnle@wits.ac.za
Deadlines for receiving applications are July 31 each year. The selection is done in mid-October. Selection of a World Heart Failure Society Fellow is a rigorous process of the highest standards, to guarantee the most successful outcome. The selection procedure includes the following three phases:
Data Verification: The information provided by the applicants is verified and evaluated through correspondence with the presidents of their national/regional societies or referees nominated by the applicants. The presidents of the national/regional societies will evaluate and comment on the applicant’s fluency in the language of the receiving unit.
Evaluation: The members of the World Heart Failure Committee score each applicant according to a standard format.
Selection: Decided once a year by the secretary-general and executive committee. Selection is largely based on the score, but also considers geographical balance, need in certain regions, preference of certain sponsors and other criteria.
Recognition After Training
Upon completion, the following recognitions are awarded:
- WHFS Fellow for trainees who successfully complete at least one year of training
- WHSF Scholar for those who undergo short-term training