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About the Fellowship
The Francis Fontan Fund Quality & Outcomes Fellowship, in collaboration with the Michigan Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons (MSTCVS), offers a prestigious and fully funded training program for cardiothoracic surgery professionals. This four-month fellowship is designed to provide participants with advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in surgical outcomes, quality improvement processes, and data analysis techniques.
The program takes place in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is led by renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Francis Pagani and a multidisciplinary team of experts. Participants will work closely with this team, gaining insights into quality improvement initiatives, learning advanced data collection and interpretation methods, and developing strategies to enhance patient outcomes.
This fellowship is a career-defining opportunity, offering both financial support and professional development to help participants make a lasting impact in their field. Fellows will also have the opportunity to present their research findings at major international conferences, further solidifying their reputation as emerging leaders in cardiothoracic surgery.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to candidates who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Membership Requirements: Applicants must be current members of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) with all membership fees paid and up-to-date.
- Training Level: Candidates should either be in the final year of their training program or within four years of completing their training in cardiothoracic surgery.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is required, both written and spoken, as all activities and collaborations will be conducted in English.
Additional Qualifications
While the primary eligibility criteria focus on membership, training level, and language skills, candidates who demonstrate the following qualifications may have a competitive edge:
- EACTS Participation: Attendance at previous EACTS courses, workshops, or annual meetings is considered a strong asset.
- EBCTS Certification: Candidates who hold Fellow status with the European Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery (EBCTS) may receive additional consideration.
- Experience with Data Analysis: Prior involvement in data collection, statistical analysis, or quality improvement initiatives will strengthen an application.
- Implementation Plans: Applicants who present a clear and actionable plan to implement the skills gained during the fellowship in their home institutions will be viewed favourably.
Selection Process
The selection process is highly competitive and based on a holistic evaluation of each candidate’s profile. Applicants will be assessed on:
- Eligibility Requirements: fulfilment of the basic eligibility criteria.
- Letter of Interest: Candidates must submit a detailed letter outlining their career goals, motivations for applying, and a vision for applying the knowledge and skills gained during the fellowship to improve outcomes in their home country.
- Supporting Documents: The quality and relevance of the supporting materials, including the CV, operative experience summary, and recommendation letters, will play a key role in the selection process.
Final decisions will consider not only the candidate’s academic and professional background but also their potential to act as changemakers and influencers in cardiothoracic surgery.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The MSTCVS Fellowship offers an attractive package of benefits, ensuring participants can fully focus on their learning and development:
- Financial Support: A €20,000 bursary to cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses during the four-month fellowship.
- Conference Participation: Additional funding to enable fellows to attend the 2025 EACTS Annual Meeting, where they can showcase their work, network with peers, and gain further exposure to the latest advancements in the field.
- Practical Training: Access to hands-on experience in data analysis, surgical outcome evaluation, and quality improvement methodologies.
- Mentorship and Collaboration: Opportunities to collaborate with world-leading surgeons and researchers and gain mentorship from experts in cardiothoracic surgery.
- Networking Opportunities: Fellows will build a global network of professional contacts and mentors, opening doors to future collaborations and career growth.
- Recognition: Participants may be invited to present their findings at international conferences, further establishing their reputation as thought leaders in the field.
How to Apply for the MSTCVS Fellowship
Applicants must submit a comprehensive application through the official online portal before the deadline of September 1, 2025. The following documents are required:
- Letter of Support: A formal letter from the candidate’s Head of Department or Training Director endorsing the application and highlighting the applicant’s suitability for the fellowship.
- Letter of Interest: A detailed personal statement outlining:
- Career aspirations and long-term goals.
- Motivation for applying to the fellowship.
- Plans for utilizing the knowledge gained to improve quality standards and outcomes in their practice.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date resume detailing academic qualifications, clinical experience, and professional achievements.
- Operative Experience Summary: A record of surgical procedures performed during training, showcasing experience and competence in cardiothoracic surgery.
The MSTCVS Fellowship is a transformative opportunity for young and aspiring cardiothoracic surgeons. It provides not only financial support but also advanced training, mentorship, and international exposure. Participants will return to their home institutions equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and tools to drive improvements in patient outcomes, data analysis, and surgical techniques
Moreover, the chance to work alongside a leading research team in the United States will enhance each participant’s professional network, opening doors to further collaborations and leadership opportunities in the global cardiothoracic community.
The MSTCVS Fellowship 2025 represents a golden opportunity for cardiothoracic surgeons who are committed to excellence and innovation. With comprehensive financial support, hands-on training, and exposure to groundbreaking research, this fellowship sets the stage for career advancement and meaningful contributions to the field of cardiothoracic surgery.
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