Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The community of Fellows of the European Society of Cardiology (FESC) encompasses cardiologists, vascular medicine specialists, cardiovascular surgeons, scientists, nurses, and allied professionals. Being awarded the FESC title is not only a mark of distinction but also a recognition of an individual’s professional achievements in the field of cardiovascular medicine. Becoming a FESC is a true symbol of excellence, enabling individuals to elevate their professional status and visibility within the global cardiovascular community. This recognition can open doors to numerous opportunities, including leadership roles within the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and beyond. The ESC is a leading organization dedicated to the advancement of cardiovascular science and medicine, fostering a community of healthcare professionals committed to improving heart health worldwide.1 Established with the mission to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease worldwide by disseminating knowledge, promoting best practices, and supporting research, the ESC serves as a central hub for cardiologists and related professionals to collaborate and innovate. As part of its commitment to cardiovascular care excellence, the ESC offers the FESC title to individuals with particular distinction in the field of cardiovascular medicine. The FESC is a title of honour, recognizing individuals for their significant achievements and dedication to the field of cardiovascular medicine. Fellows of the ESC are part of an esteemed network of professionals who are committed to the advancement of patient care and research in this field.2 This article walks us through the importance of the FESC title, eligibility criteria, and benefits, highlighting its role in advancing science and promoting excellence within the cardiology community. The fellowship of the ESC was established in 1988, starting with 248 members.3 Today, the FESC community has grown to over 4300 individuals from ∼120 countries and includes cardiologists, vascular medicine specialists, cardiovascular surgeons, scientists, nurses, and allied professionals. After retirement, Fellows can transition to Emeritus status (EFESC).4 The Councillor and member of the ESC board who acts as the ESC Membership Committee Chair, currently Prof. Marco Roffi, FESC, from Geneva, Switzerland, is overseeing the developments within the various membership categories of the ESC. Within the Membership Committee, one Task Force, currently led by Prof. Dan Atar, FESC, from Oslo, Norway, and composed of highly merited members, focuses on the ESC Fellowship. The application to become FESC is open annually from 15 June to 30 September. To be considered for the ESC Fellowship, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria5 and choose one of the different Excellence tracks: Scientific, Clinical, or Nursing and Allied Professions.6 The eligibility criteria include: Professional experience: candidates should have extensive experience in the field of cardiovascular medicine, with a proven record of clinical practice, research, or academic contributions. Publications: applicants are required to have publications in peer-reviewed journals. These publications should reflect their expertise and contributions to cardiovascular science. Being part of the ESC: for the Clinical as well as Nursing and Allied Professionals excellence tracks, candidates must be an ESC Professional Member at the time of the application or have held this status in the last 12 months. Any active involvement and contribution to the ESC (e.g. being part of a committee, task force, or other activities and projects) is advantageous, but it is not a requirement. Supporting letters: one supporting letter from an ESC Board Member or President of an ESC National Cardiac Society, an ESC Affiliated National Cardiac Society, or the National Cardiac Society, or a current leader of an ESC Association, ESC Working Group or ESC Council. The letter should be on official Institution or Society letterhead and signed by hand; and one supporting letter from another Fellow of the ESC. More details regarding the criteria here: https://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/Who-we-are/Fellowship/Apply/Application-and-renewal-forms. The applications are reviewed by the FESC Task Force. The reviewing process involves a rigorous evaluation of candidates based on their clinical and scientific contributions to the cardiovascular field. Successful applicants, who include clinicians, scientists, and nurses or allied professionals, gain access to exclusive privileges such as significant advantages for ESC Congress. For example, currently, complimentary registration to ESC Congress, priority for hotel booking when attending the annual congress, access to the FESC lounge, and more. Fellows of the European Society of Cardiology also enjoy access to scientific resources, including congress content and webinars in ESC 365. Regarding publications, ESC Fellows receive online access to all ESC journals in the ESC Journal Family. In addition, FESC can be mentored by other FESC peers and also become mentors for the early-stage career trainees.7 For more details about FESC benefits, click here: https://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/Who-we-are/Fellowship/About. The FESC programme continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to encourage a greater diversity of eligible professionals to join and contribute to the advancement of cardiovascular clinical care and science. New FESC 2024 at ESC Congress in London Becoming a FESC comes with numerous benefits that support both professional and personal growth: International recognition: ESC Fellows are globally recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular medicine. This recognition enhances their professional reputation and can open doors to numerous opportunities. Networking opportunities: FESC have access to a member directory. This facilitates collaboration, and knowledge exchange. Professional development: exclusive access to ESC resources, including yearlong unlimited access to the content of the ESC Congress on ESC 365, online access to the leading journal in cardiovascular medicine European Heart Journal, webinars, guidelines, and other educational materials. Participation in events: FESC get invitations to attend exclusive ESC events including mentoring sessions, allowing them to network, share insights, and meet FESC peers. Opportunity to be more involved with the ESC: FESC title is strongly encouraged to become eligible for ESC Task Forces or leadership positions. By becoming a FESC, individuals commit to actively contributing to the society and its mission. This includes: Delivering high-standard cardiovascular care by implementing and spreading best practices, based on ESC practice guidelines. Contribution to cardiovascular science: FESC are encouraged to engage in research, publications, and educational activities that further strengthen the goals of the ESC. This includes offering to mentor early-stage career trainees through ESC Mentoring online platform. Annual fees: FESC are required to pay an annual fee, which supports the activities and initiatives of the ESC. The membership department of the ESC is an important resource for all FESC, and we take the opportunity to thank the ESC staff in charge, namely Steve Lang, Associate Director, Audience & Strategy; Severine Connor, Membership Development Team Manager; Gabriela Castellanos Salegio, Membership Product Development Coordinator; and Alice Rosier Gordon, Member Care Officer. Taken together, becoming an ESC Fellow means joining a worldwide community committed to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease by improving patient care and advancing science. More information can be obtained on the dedicated website: https://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/Who-we-are/Fellowship/Apply or at the FESC desk at ESC Congress next August in Madrid. Should you not be FESC yet, we hope that you will apply and soon join the FESC community. Date: 29 January 2025. D.A. has received: speaker fees: Amgen, Amarin, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer-Ingelheim, BMS, Chiesi, GSK, MSD, Novartis, NovoNordisk, Pfizer, Pharmacosmos, Philips, Roche-Diagnostics, Sanofi, Takeda, and Vifor; grant support (to the Institution): BMS/Pfizer, Medtronic, Bayer, and Roche-Diagnostics. M.R. has received: grants/research supports: Abbott, Biotronik, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and Terumo.
Source: European Heart Journal
Authors: Dan Atar, Marco Roffi
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4410130134