The Francis Fontan Fund Quality & Outcomes Fellowship 2025 offers a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for emerging leaders in cardiothoracic surgery to enhance their expertise and elevate patient care. Designed in collaboration with the Michigan Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons (MSTCVS), this program provides access to cutting-edge practices and mentorship by renowned experts.

Program Overview

Participants will be based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, working closely with Dr. Francis Pagani, a leading authority in surgical practices and quality improvement. The fellowship emphasizes leveraging data to improve surgical outcomes and focuses on key areas, including:

1. Data Collection and Analysis

• Learn advanced methodologies for collecting and analyzing surgical data.
• Apply findings to evaluate and improve patient outcomes.

2. Translating Research into Practice

• Bridge the gap between research insights and practical applications.
• Develop strategies to enhance safety and efficiency in surgical procedures.

3. Collaboration with Experts

• Partner with leading professionals to address quality and performance improvements in cardiothoracic surgery.

4. Professional Development

• Gain critical thinking, leadership, and technical skills.
• Engage in professional networking through meetings and conferences.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current EACTS member with up-to-date payments.
• Be in the final year of training or within four years post-training.
• Demonstrate fluency in English.
• Show prior attendance at EACTS courses or meetings.
• Hold fellow status with EBCTS.
• Possess experience in data and quality improvement.
• Present a clear plan for applying learned skills in their home country.

Application Requirements

Applicants need to submit:

• A support letter from their Head of Department or Training Director.
• A letter of interest detailing motivation, career goals, and intended application of skills gained.
• An updated CV (resume).
• A summary of operative experience.

Scholarship Benefits

• Bursary of €20,000 to cover travel and living expenses.
• Sponsored attendance at the 2025 EACTS Annual Meeting for networking and career development.

Why Choose This Fellowship?

During the four-month program, fellows will:

• Collaborate with statisticians on topics like atrial fibrillation and CABG surgery.
• Visit regional hospitals to exchange ideas and best practices.
• Analyze surgical data and present findings at quarterly meetings.
• Organize and lead team collaboration initiatives.
• Participate in weekly progress reviews with the Project Director.
• Write and publish research papers or abstracts.
• Present results at professional events and to the fellowship board.

How to Apply

Visit the official fellowship page for details and submissions: Francis Fontan Fund Fellowship Application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible for the MSTCVS Fellowship?
Applicants must be EACTS members, fluent in English, and within four years of completing training.

2. What does the bursary cover?
The €20,000 bursary supports travel and living expenses during the program.

3. Where is the fellowship based?
The fellowship takes place in Ann Arbor, Michigan, at a leading cardiothoracic surgery institution.

4. How long is the program?
The fellowship spans four months of intensive training and research.

5. What are the professional development opportunities?
Fellows gain leadership skills, technical expertise, and networking opportunities through conferences and collaborative projects.

Call to Action

Seize this unique opportunity to enhance your career and contribute to advancing cardiothoracic surgery practices. Apply now to the Francis Fontan Fund Quality & Outcomes Fellowship 2025 and make a lasting impact on patient care.