2010 Furman Fund Travel Scholarship Awardees Named

The Furman Fund awards second annual travel scholarships to inspire young physicians and scientists

March 26, 2010 — Following last year's inaugural scholarships, the Heart Rhythm Foundation’s Furman Fund has awarded two scholarships to cardiologists-in-training who are interested in pursuing electrophysiology research. The 2010 Furman Travel Scholarships are awarded to:

• Krishnakumar Nair, MBBS, MD of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ONT, Canada
• Vivek Iyer, MD, MSE, of Columbia University-NY Presbyterian Hospital, NYC, NY

They will received their award during the Foundation’s VIP reception at Heart Rhythm 2010. The scholarship includes registration to the Heart Rhythm Society's Annual Scientific Sessions and travel expenses.

Upon reviewing the fifty applications, Michael Barber, MD, chair of the Furman Travel Scholarship review committee said, “I was so impressed with the selections available this year that it seems sad to turn down so many wonderful and enthusiastic applications.”

To continue the awarding of these travel scholarships, please donate generously. The fund is named for Seymour Furman, MD, FHRS, who was a pioneer in cardiac pacing and electrophysiology, and these scholarships continue his vision of educating future leaders .

The Foundation created The Furman Fund addressing three objectives: preserving an historic view of cardiac pacing and electrophysiology, inspiring clinicians, students and patients with the rhythmic wonder of the human heart, and educating the clinical and lay community about the field of cardiac rhythm management, its history of innovation and the future potential for improving and extending the lives of arrhythmia patients. The Furman Fund has five components:

• Furman Travel Scholarship
• Oral History Collection
• The Electricity and the Heart website (displaying the history of cardiac rhythm disorders)
• Device Collection
• Rhythms in Time Exhibit at Heart Rhythm Place (Booth #839 at Heart Rhythm 2010)

About the Heart Rhythm Foundation
The mission of the Heart Rhythm Foundation is to enhance the prevention and treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders by supporting the research, education and advocacy efforts of the Heart Rhythm Society. Its goal is to promote a culture of giving in service to this mission.

Those interested in donating to the Furman Fund or providing the Society with relevant devices and research should contact Betsy Bogdansky, Director, Donor Relations at (202) 464-3454, bbogdansky@HRSonline.org for further information. You may support the Foundation by donating online — your contribution will enable the Society to be the primary resource for healthcare professionals and the voice of support for patients with cardiac arrhythmia disorders.