Skip to main

Matthew Gerdisch Fellows Training Program

Applicant Requirements: Deadline ends at 11:59pm Eastern on 7/1/2026

Career Stage: Residents/ Fellows

Program Type: Training Program or Course

Specialty: Cardiac

Status: Upcoming

Opens: May 15, 2026

Deadline: July 1, 2026

Program Overview

The AATS Foundation Gerdisch Fellowship Program is a two-day, in-person educational training program specifically for fellows, designed to provide concentrated, hands-on training at leading academic medical centers. The two-day format is intentionally structured to deliver an immersive and highly focused educational experience.

The learning objectives are to provide participating surgeons with: (1) foundational knowledge of the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation; (2) a clear understanding of the rationale for surgical treatment; and (3) the technical ability to perform atrial fibrillation correction procedures across a range of surgical approaches. Through this intensive two-day training and unique mentorship opportunity, fellows will gain the expertise and confidence necessary to advance toward leadership roles in the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation over the course of their careers.

The program will be conducted at both Stanford University and Mount Sinai. It is supported by AtriCure through unused funds from the existing Matthew Gerdisch Fellowship. The application cycle will open in Spring 2026, with the fellowship taking place in Fall 2026.

Institution: Mount Sinai
Program Director: Dimosthenis Pandis, MD
Program Dates: September 17-19, 2026		Institution: Stanford University
Program Director: Anson Lee, MD
Program Dates: To be announced



Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for an award, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements for consideration:

  • Current Status: Applicant must be in an approved CT training program and seek to develop exceptional skill and knowledge in the field of cardiac arrhythmias and become a future leader in the field.
  • Be able to commit to full participation in the two-day, in-person program
  • Obtain approval from their home institution to participate
  • Be able to travel to and participate at one of the host institutions (Stanford or Mount Sinai)

Application Process

In addition to a formal online application, candidates will also be required to upload the following materials:

  • Applicants should provide a curriculum vitae (CV) with a full description of their surgical experience.
  • Brief personal statement outlining educational goals and interest in the fellowship
  • Letter of support from department chair, program director, or division chief*
  • Confirmation of availability to participate during the Fall 2026 fellowship dates

*For those looking to send letters of support for the candidate directly to the AATS Foundation, please email foundation@aats.org.

Review Process

Applications will be reviewed by the AATS Foundation’s North American Early-Career Scholarship Review Committee and graded on all aspects of the award criteria. All applicants will be notified of committee’s decision upon final review.

All applicants will be notified with an official letter from the AATS Foundation within 2-3 months of the program deadline. Should you have any questions regarding your status prior to receiving this notification, please contact foundation@aats.org.

Supported By


Program currently closed:

Program will open May 15, 2026.