Practical information

The event

The Summer School Cardiology is a five-day, English-taught educational program coordinated by the UMCG Cardiology team. Renowned experts with publications in leading medical journals such as The Lancet, Nature Medicine, and The New England Journal of Medicine will give interactive lectures, offering valuable insights into the latest developments in cardiovascular research and clinical practice.

The program is structured around five key themes in cardiology: Heart Failure, Cardiac Rhythm/Electrocardiology, Ischemic Heart Disease, Cardio-oncology, and Future Directions in Cardiology Research. Through a dynamic and interactive educational program consisting of clinical lectures, case-based discussions, research seminars, and PhD speed-dating sessions, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of both the latest research and clinical practice in cardiology.

Throughout the summer school, there will be allocated hours for working on a research proposal, where participants will work in groups to propose a novel therapeutic strategy or drug aimed at improving outcomes in heart failure or cardiomyopathies to a panel of principal investigators.

Participants who demonstrate exceptional interest and performance during the summer school may have the opportunity to discuss potential research internships or a joint PhD with members of the UMCG Cardiology Research team.

Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in a variety of social activities, offering a chance to experience Dutch culture and explore the vibrant city of Groningen. Additionally, a dedicated networking event will allow you to connect with professors and PhD students from the UMCG Cardiology Research team.

Course information

For Whom

The summer school is tailored for highly motivated Master students, PhD’s, Postdoctoral students, and Practitioners in the (bio)medical field who are interested in or already have experience in cardiology research and clinical cardiology.

The summer school is particularly well-suited for PhD students, and students/practitioners considering a PhD, as it offers a valuable opportunity to explore potential PhD projects with the UMCG Cardiology Research team. The program serves as an excellent introduction to the diverse range of cardiology research conducted at UMCG and provides a platform to connect with potential supervisors and collaborators.

Students with accepted abstracts in cardiology at ISCOMS (International Student Congress of Medical Sciences) are also warmly invited to apply for the summer school.

Requirements

It is expected that participants have a good background level of medical knowledge as well as an adequate level of knowledge in cardiology.

It is also expected that the participants have a sufficient command of the English language to actively participate in the discussions and to present their own work in English.

Course schedule

The Summer School Cardiology program is structured around five main themes (Heart Failure, Cardiac Rhythm/Electrocardiology, Ischemic Heart Disease, Cardio-oncology, and Future Directions in Cardiology Research), with one theme covered each day. Each day features a balanced program of interactive clinical and research lectures related to the topic, complemented by patient perspectives and hands-on workshops such as practical ECG sessions and making echocardiograms. The full program will be uploaded in the coming weeks, so please stay tuned!

Learning outcomes

Gain comprehensive clinical perspectives on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases
Understand and critically evaluate current advances in cardiology research
Gain insight into future directions and innovations in cardiovascular research, including the use of –omics to identify novel therapeutic targets for heart diseases.
Interpret and apply cardiovascular imaging and diagnostic tests through interactive workshops

Workload

Lectures: 40 hours
Research proposal: 5 hours
Upon successful completion of the programme, the Summer School offers a Certificate of Attendance that mentions the workload of 45 hours (28 hours corresponds to 1 ECTS). Students can apply for recognition of these credits to the relevant authorities in their home institutions, therefore the final decision on awarding credits is at the discretion of their home institutions. We will be happy to provide any necessary information that might be requested in addition to the certificate of attendance.

Application info

Admission documents

We are looking for 20 highly motivated individuals with a strong passion for cardiology both clinically and in research. The documents we require for a complete application are:

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. Letter of motivation (1 page maximum)

• Explain why you want to participate in Summer School Cardiology
• What makes you a suitable candidate for this?
• What would you like to get out of this Summer School?
• If applicable, what previous experiences do you have?

3. Short video pitch (maximum 1 minute)

• Please introduce yourself briefly

Cancellation

• Participants who cancel more than 4 weeks before the start of the course are liable to pay 15% of the full course fee, unless the Summer School in question decides otherwise.
• Participants who cancel within 4 weeks before the start of the course are liable to pay the full course fee, unless the Summer School in question decides otherwise.
• Participants who withdraw during the course are liable to pay the full course fee, unless the Summer School in question decides otherwise.