2010 Furman Fund Travel Scholarships Awardees Express Thanks

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

June 16, 2010 — The Heart Rhythm Foundation’s Furman Fund awarded two scholarships to cardiologists-in-training interested in pursuing electrophysiology research: Vivek Iyer, MD, MSE, of Columbia University-NY Presbyterian Hospital, NYC, NY and Krishnakumar Nair, MBBS, MD of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ONT, Canada. They received their awards during the Foundation’s VIP reception on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center. The scholarship included registration to Heart Rhythm 2010 and travel expenses.

The Furman Fund Travel Scholarship awards were presented by Michael Barber, MD, Ph.D., FHRS, Chair of the Furman Travel Scholarship review committee. Left to right, Vivek Iyer, MD, MSE; Dr. Barber and Krishnakumar Nair, MBBS, MD.

Dr. Iyer writes, “I appreciate your support of my recent trip to Denver for the Heart Rhythm Society meeting. At the conference this year, I was able to see physicians specializing in ablation of ventricular arrhythmia speaking, followed shortly by basic scientists who have developed a thorough understanding of the molecular makeup of electrically excitable cells. This marriage of the two worlds strikes at the essence of the particular brand of academic cardiology I wish to pursue. Attending the conference has rejuvenated my desire to accomplish, both in the basic laboratory and in the hospital in the care of patients.”

Dr. Nair said, "It was an honor to be selected for an award in the premier electrophysiology conference in the world… I was exposed to cutting edge research and the latest technologies and innovations in electrophysiology. I also had the opportunity to interact with my peers and colleagues in the field, and I could actually set up a research collaboration for the future. This is one of the few conferences in which it becomes difficult to decide the session to attend because many equally good sessions run simultaneously."

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 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.