Fellowship is open to members of the Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia (CVSA) who have made significant contributions to the fields of cardio-thoracic or vascular surgery, anesthesia, or developed new knowledge for the improved application of established surgical procedures. Fellowship recognizes excellence in the field and volunteer service to the American heart Association.  Members who permanently reside outside the United States and Canada may be nominated for International Fellowship.

Eligibility
To be eligible for fellowship, candidates must be active Premium Professional members of the AHA and affiliated with the council at the time of nomination. Active member is described as a member whose dues are current.

Candidates must be nominated by an active Fellow of the council who is familiar with his/her work and is willing to write a supporting letter that clearly articulates the candidate’s contributions to the filed and involvement in the AHA.  Persons listed as active CVSA Fellows in the Membership Directory are eligible to nominate candidates for fellowship in the AHA and the council.  To access the AHA online membership directory:

1. Sign in with your my.americanheart.org username and password.
2. Select Member Services.
3. Under Membership Directory Search, select Advanced Search.
4. Select Council.
5. Under Member Type, select International Fellow or Fellows.

Criteria
The criteria for fellowship in the council are established by the Leadership Committee in concert with the AHA’s Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee. Candidates for fellowship should meet each of the criteria asdefined. Please review the CVSA Fellowship Nomination Form carefully for detailed explanations of the criteria:

• Demonstrate significant contributions to the fields of cardio-thoracic or vascular surgery or anesthesia, or show evidence of new knowledge for the improved application of established surgical procedures so that more patients may benefit from surgical treatment.
• Have two peer-reviewed publications in the last three years in cardio-thoracic or vascular surgery or anesthesia.
• Be board-eligible or board-certified for the last three years.
• Demonstrate significant and current AHA service at the local, national, affiliate or council level.

The criteria for election to International Fellowship are equivalent to those described for Fellows. Volunteer service can be demonstrated through activities in similar organizations/associations in their respective country/state, or through other avenues of community involvement as long as these activities are well documented and perceived as equivalent to those in the United States.

Election
Fellows are elected by the Leadership Committee at their spring meeting, and are recognized as Fellows of the American Heart Association at the Council’s Annual Dinner, which takes place each year during the AHA Scientific Sessions.

Nomination Deadline
The nomination packet, along with a $60 non-refundable application fee, must be postmarked on or before March 10 and received at the AHA National Center no later than March 17.  Nominations received after this date will be considered late and will be held until the next review cycle, which will take place the following year.

Annual Membership Dues
Fellows are required to maintain membership in the AHA at the Premium Professional Level to remain an active Fellow in good standing.  Emeritus Fellows are exempt from paying annual dues.  Membership dues are due in January or July of each year.

Membership Benefits and Criteria

Questions? 
Contact Jo Ann Perry at (214) 706-1293 or Professional.Membership@Heart.org.