Frequently asked questions

Find below some of the most frequent questions about the membership of the ESC.

MEMBERSHIP - WHAT IS IT?

Why does the ESC and its subspecialty communities have membership schemes for individuals?

The ESC is a member driven organisation, welcoming more than 95 000 healthcare professionals within its global community. Cardiologists and other healthcare professionals become members of the ESC to be part of a society that gives them opportunities to network; access the latest science; use a broad array of services that support their ongoing professional development and represents their interests within the health sector. Many of the ESC’s subspecialty communities also provide membership opportunities to support cardiologists within specific fields of cardiology.

What is a membership package?

The ESC covers the full spectrum of cardiology, offering a tailored membership for each individual. Healthcare professionals can enhance their knowledge in more than one field of expertise by signing up for ESC Professional Membership and Silver Subspecialty Association Membership (or more Silver Subspecialty Association Memberships) at a special price.

How long does the membership last?

Membership follows the calendar year 1st January to 31st December.

HOW TO JOIN & WHO CAN JOIN

I am not a cardiologist, can I join?

Yes, Individual membership is open to all healthcare professionals eager to more fully participate in the ESC community and all it offers.

I am not yet a board certified cardiologist, can I join?

Yes, if you are still in training to become a board certified cardiologist, you can join and benefit from a preferential rate.

I am not a member of an ESC National Cardiac Society, can I join?

Due to the special relationship the ESC has with its founding member societies, if you are a cardiologist working in an ESC Member Country, you must first be a member of ESC National Cardiac Society before becoming an ESC Professional Member. This requirement does not apply to non-cardiologists, or cardiologists working in a non-ESC Member Country. Neither does it apply to join a sub-specialty association.

How do I become an ESC Professional Member?

Join online at www.escardio.org/membership

I am a Fellow of the ESC, can I also join a sub-specialty Association?

Yes, you can sign-up to any membership offer. Some of the ESC Associations also offer a Fellowship which may also be of interest to be recognised as well in your specialty.

Why do I have to pay for access to certain resources - shouldn’t they be free?

ESC is a not-for-profit organisation. Many of the resources are produced with the help of ESC volunteers, who give their time free of charge, but there is a cost to producing and maintaining resources. Whilst it would be great if all resources could be provided for free, these costs must be covered. ESC designs membership packages to be good value for money and often individual benefits included in the package are more expensive when purchased outside of membership. Preferential rates on membership are available for cardiologists in training in order to ensure that the price to access resources is not prohibitive.

PAYMENT

I would like to renew my membership automatically, how can I set this up?

During the joining or renewal process, you have the option to opt-in to automatically renew your membership by credit or debit card.

How can I get my invoice?

This is available under “My Orders” in your My ESC Account.

Can I pay my membership by bank transfer?

The most efficient way to pay your fees is by credit or debit card via your My ESC Account. However, in certain circumstances we can accept payment by bank transfer. If you need to make payment by bank transfer, contact us in advance on membership@escardio.org

I am a Third party, how can I pay a membership for a doctor?

Please contact us on membership@escardio.org to arrange payment.

I want to be a Member but I can’t afford it. Do you offer any financial support?

Special rates are available if you are in training.

BENEFITS

What are my membership benefits?

You can find the list of your membership benefits in your My ESC Account. For an overview of all membership benefits please visit www.escardio.org/membership

How can I get my membership certificate?

This is available under “My Membership” in your My ESC Account. The ESC does not issue printed membership certificates.