The Francis Fontan Fund for Education is a prestigious initiative established by the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) to honor the legacy of Professor Francis Fontan, a pioneering cardiac surgeon renowned for developing the Fontan procedure. EACTS itself was founded in 1986 as a European organization dedicated to the practice of cardiothoracic surgery. Over the years, EACTS has grown into a global association with over 4,000 active members including surgeons, perfusionists and allied health professionals.
The primary mission of EACTS is to advance education in the field of cardiac, thoracic and vascular interventions. This is achieved by promoting research into cardiovascular and thoracic physiology, pathology and therapy with the ultimate goal of disseminating the results for public benefit.
The Francis Fontan Fund embodies this mission by offering recognized and respected fellowship opportunities to EACTS members, fostering professional development and enhancing surgical skills through career-defining experiences at some of the most prestigious institutions worldwide.
One notable fellowship under the Francis Fontan Fund is the Quality & Outcomes Fellowship, conducted in collaboration with the Michigan Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons (MSTCVS).
This four-month program provides hands-on experience in cardiothoracic surgical outcomes and quality improvement. Fellows work with an expert multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Francis Pagani in Ann Arbor, Michigan, focusing on quality improvement initiatives, advanced data collection and interpretation methods to enhance patient outcomes.
The MSTCVS Quality Collaborative, integral to this fellowship, is dedicated to promoting best practices and sharing surgical outcomes to improve quality and patient outcomes. It implements quality improvement initiatives based on regional and national data, clinical research and the latest cardiac and thoracic surgery practices and guidelines.
The collaborative nature of this fellowship allows participants to engage in site visits to participating hospitals, develop analytical methods with statisticians and present findings at key meetings, including the EACTS Annual Meeting.
Through these initiatives, the Francis Fontan Fund for Education and its associated fellowships play a pivotal role in advancing the field of cardiothoracic surgery. They provide invaluable opportunities for surgeons worldwide to enhance their skills, engage in meaningful research and contribute to the global improvement of cardiothoracic surgical practices.
The Francis Fontan Fund Fellowship is an immersive program focusing on quality improvement in cardiothoracic surgery. It aims to enhance participants’ understanding of surgical outcomes, statistical analysis and data-driven decision-making.
The fellowship is conducted under the guidance of Dr. Francis Pagani, a highly esteemed expert in the field of cardiac surgery. Through close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, fellows will gain comprehensive training in evaluating, refining and improving surgical interventions based on evidence-based research and real-world data.
This cutting-edge program emphasizes hands-on learning, data analysis and practical application of findings, ensuring that fellows develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to enhance surgical standards globally.
Degree Level: A Program for Postgraduate Cardiothoracic Surgeons
This fellowship is specifically tailored for postgraduate-level candidates, meaning that only surgeons who have completed their primary medical training and are in their final years of specialization or recently completed their training are eligible to apply.
The fellowship primarily covers the following specialized area of study:
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
Fellows will work on real-world clinical data, learn how to evaluate surgical outcomes and collaborate with expert statisticians, medical researchers and cardiothoracic specialists to optimize patient care.
Generous Financial Benefits & Career Growth Opportunities
Grant Details: Financial Support for Living and Travel Expenses
The Francis Fontan Fund Quality & Outcomes Fellowship 2025 provides a substantial financial grant of €20,000, aimed at covering essential expenses such as:
- Travel Costs – Round-trip airfare, transportation and visa-related expenses.
- Accommodation & Living Expenses – Housing, food and personal expenditures during the fellowship period.
- Research & Training Materials – Access to databases, academic journals and medical research tools.
- Conference Participation – Funding to attend and present at key academic meetings and conferences.
Exclusive Learning Opportunities: Building a Global Network
Beyond financial support, this fellowship provides priceless career-enhancing opportunities, including:
- Working with expert statisticians to develop analytical methodologies for evaluating surgical outcomes.
- Conducting site visits to one of the 33 participating hospitals where fellows will observe and contribute to best practice discussions.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to assess surgical quality and operational efficiency.
- Publishing abstracts and manuscripts, giving fellows a competitive edge in academic and research careers.
- Presenting findings at international conferences, including quarterly MSTCVS meetings and possibly at the EACTS Annual Meeting.
Through this immersive experience, fellows gain valuable connections with leading cardiothoracic surgeons, research experts and policymakers – a critical asset for professional growth.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
The Francis Fontan Fund Fellowship is open to international applicants from all nationalities who meet the eligibility criteria outlined below.
Mandatory Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill the following conditions:
- Active Membership with EACTS – Applicants must be registered EACTS members with updated membership fees.
- Training Status – Candidates must be in their final year of cardiothoracic surgery training or have completed training within the past four years.
- English Proficiency – Applicants must demonstrate fluency in English, as the fellowship is conducted in an English-speaking academic environment.
Preferred Selection Criteria
The selection process favors applicants who meet additional desirable qualifications, such as:
- Participation in EACTS Activities – Preference is given to those who have previously attended EACTS courses or conferences.
- Holding Fellowship of EBCTS – Candidates who hold the Fellowship of the European Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery (EBCTS) will have a competitive advantage.
- Experience in Data Analysis – Applicants with prior experience in surgical data evaluation and quality improvement are preferred.
- Potential for Impact – Candidates must demonstrate how they will apply the acquired knowledge to benefit their home institutions and improve patient outcomes.
Meeting the essential and desirable criteria enhances an applicant’s chances of securing this prestigious fellowship.
Funding Structure & Payment Process
Disbursement of Funds
The fellowship grant is distributed as follows:
- 80% of the grant amount is transferred at the beginning of the fellowship.
- 20% of the remaining funds are released upon successful submission of the final fellowship report.
- If any third-party fees apply, they will be deducted from the initial grant payment.
Monitoring & Evaluation
The program includes regular feedback sessions, structured evaluations and final report submission, ensuring that fellows remain aligned with the objectives set by the Francis Fontan Fund Committee.
The final report must comprehensively detail the fellow’s research contributions, learning outcomes and practical application of knowledge.
Application Process: How to Apply?
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents in English, either in Word or PDF format:
- Letter of Support – A formal recommendation letter from the Head of Department or Training Director.
- Statement of Interest – A detailed letter explaining career goals, motivations and how the fellowship will impact professional growth.
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Highlighting academic background, surgical experience and research contributions.
- Operative Experience Documentation – A summary of surgical cases and procedures performed.
Key Application Guidelines
- Applicants may apply for only one fellowship per year.
- Individuals who have received a Francis Fontan Fund Fellowship within the past two years are ineligible.
- Incomplete or inaccurate applications will be automatically disqualified.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted before 1st September 2025.
Why Choose the Francis Fontan Fund Fellowship?
A Transformative Learning Experience
This fellowship provides unparalleled access to cutting-edge training, mentorship and research opportunities. Participants will gain critical surgical skills, work alongside top-tier specialists and acquire expertise in quality improvement processes.
International Recognition & Career Advancement
The fellowship enhances professional credibility, boosts career prospects and equips fellows with the skills needed to excel in the global cardiothoracic surgery landscape.
A Platform for Making a Difference
Graduates of this program can apply their learnings to their home institutions, significantly improving patient care and surgical outcomes worldwide.
The Francis Fontan Fund Quality & Outcomes Fellowship 2025 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young and ambitious cardiothoracic surgeons. With its world-class training, generous funding and extensive professional networking opportunities, this fellowship is the ideal program for those eager to contribute to advancements in cardiac surgery.
Don’t miss this chance to elevate your career! Apply before 1st September 2025.
For full details and to begin your application, visit the official EACTS website.