2011 Furman Fund Travel Scholarship Awardees Named

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

April 19, 2011 — The Furman Fund has announced the recipients of three travel scholarships to the Heart Rhythm Society's 32nd Annual Scientific Sessions. The scholarships are one of the elements of The Furman Fund, named for Seymour Furman, MD, FHRS, who was a pioneer in cardiac pacing and electrophysiology, and continue his vision of educating future leaders. These travel scholarships, which include registration to the Heart Rhythm Society's Annual Scientific Sessions and travel expenses, provide young physicians, scientists and — new this year —allied professionals who are considering a career in electrophysiology the opportunity to attend Heart Rhythm 2011, the premier event for anyone involved in research or delivery of arrhythmia care or services.

The following three travel scholarships will be presented by Michael J. Barber, MD, Ph.D., FHRS at the VIP Reception, Tuesday, May 3, 2011:

• Daniel Kramer, MD
  Dept of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
  Boston, MA
  Sponsor: Mark Josephson, MD
• Rachel ter Bekke, MD
  Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Inst.
  Maastricht, The Netherlands
  Sponsor: Hein JJ Wellens, MD, PhD
• Tracey Littlefield, RN , BSN
  Electrophysiology, Brigham and Woman’s Hospital
  Boston, MA
  Sponsor: William Stevenson, MD, FHRS

The members of the Furman Travel Scholarship Committee are:

• Michael J. Barber, MD, Ph.D., FHRS, Chair
• Aileen M. Ferrick, ACNP, FHRS
• Ania C. Garlitski, MD
• Sanjiv M. Narayan, MD, Ph.D., FHRS
• Stephen C. Vlay, MD, FHRS, CCDS
• Peter R. Kowey, MD, FHRS

The Heart Rhythm 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. Please donate generously to allow the Foundation to continue awarding these travel scholarships.

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.