Studying with us
Programme overview
Widely considered the new epidemic of the 21st century, heart failure is a leading cause of hospitalisation in patients over 65. The increasingly complex demands of treating such patients calls for a new kind of physician, i.e. a cardiologist who is not only competent in clinical medicine and pharmacotherapy, but is also skilled in cardiac devices and their programming. This specialist must also be highly knowledgeable in imaging modalities and procedures of the coronary circulation and valvular apparatus, and similarly qualified in the management of patients with end-stage heart failure.
To address this largely still unmet educational need, the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC and the European Heart Academy – in collaboration with the University of Zurich – developed a novel postgraduate course in heart failure (PCHF).
Structure and content
The course consists of
- 8 course modules of 2-3 days (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) over 2 years
- 300 hours of certified education (a total of 160 hours of on-site lectures and 140 hours of self-study)
- Modules are chaired by internationally recognised experts
- A mandatory MCQ examination for each module (leading to a Certificate of Advanced Studies - 10 ECTS)
The programme is based on the currently published core curriculum of the HFA, and its successful completion leads to a Certificate of Advanced Studies issued by the University of Zurich.
Module Topics
Year 1 - Course dates for 2022/2023 are subject to change
- Module 1
30 June – 2 July 2022
How to Approach Heart Failure
University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
- Module 2
13–15 October 2022
HFpEF and Cardiomyopathies
University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
- Module 3
8–10 December 2022
Treatment and Follow-up in Heart Failure
University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
- Module 4
26–28 January 2023
Arrhythmias and Device Therapy in Heart Failure I
University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
Year 2
- Module 5
30 March – 1 April 2023
Device Therapy in Heart Failure ll
Brussels, Belgium
- Module 6
6–8 July 2023
Multidisciplinary Procedures
University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
- Module 7
5–7 October 2023
Acute and Advanced Heart Failure
University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
- Module 8
7–9 December 2023
Mechanical Circulatory Support and Transplantation in Heart Failure
University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
Applications
For information about next applications please contact Zurich University : heartfailurecourse.com
Who should apply?
Young cardiologists (30–45 years old) who want to specialise in heart failure management.
Applicants must have a MD degree and be a board-certified cardiologist or have completed at least two years of successful clinical training in cardiology with a primary interest in heart failure management. They should be a full HFA Member.
Find out more about the selection criteria.
Tuition fees
Course fees are 1,000 CHF (subject to limited changes).
Travel, accommodation and other course expenses must be covered by the participants.
More resources
If you would like more information on the programme or the application procedure, please contact the European Heart Academy or Zurich University
Our mission: To reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.