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Matthew Gerdisch Institutional Scholarship in Arrhythmia Surgery

Applicant Requirements: Deadline ends at 11:59pm Eastern on 12/1/2026

Career Stage: Senior Surgeons

Program Type: Scholarship

Specialty: Cardiac

Status: Upcoming

Opens: September 1, 2026

Deadline: December 1, 2026

Program Overview

The Matthew Gerdisch Memorial Institutional Scholarship in Arrhythmia Surgery is an institutional award established to support advanced training in arrhythmia surgery at leading cardiothoracic centers across North America. The scholarship provides funding to accredited institutions with established Arrhythmia (ART) surgery programs and qualified mentors to enhance their educational offerings and train the next generation of surgical arrhythmia specialists. The scholarship provides up to $50,000 USD in funding.

This program is established in honor of Matthew Gerdisch, a pre-medical student at Northwestern University who aspired to become a cardiac surgeon specializing in arrhythmia surgery. Matthew passed away in 2019 due to his own heart rhythm disorder, but his curiosity, compassion, and commitment to advancing the understanding of arrhythmias continue to inspire this initiative.

By supporting educational institutions, the Matthew Gerdisch Memorial Scholarship in Arrhythmia Surgery ensures that Matthew’s legacy lives, empowering centers to train skilled, compassionate surgeons who will lead the future of arrhythmia surgery and improve outcomes for patients worldwide.

Program Goals

Enhance Education and Training: Develop and implement comprehensive educational programs focused on the surgical and multidisciplinary management of Afib.

Foster Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships among cardiac surgeons, electrophysiologists, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and allied health professionals to promote coordinated Afib care.

Advance Clinical Excellence: Integrate evidence-based practices and emerging technologies into Afib education and training programs.

Promote Research and Innovation: Encourage clinical research and innovation in Afib treatment strategies, outcomes assessment, and quality improvement.

Ensure Sustainability: Establish structures and processes to maintain and continuously improve Afib educational initiatives beyond the duration of the award.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Matthew Gerdisch Institutional Scholarship in Arrhythmia Surgery, participating institutions in North America must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Chiefs and Division Chairs may apply on behalf of their institutions.
  • The applying institution must be an accredited cardiothoracic surgery training center or academic medical institution in North America with an active cardiac surgery program.
  • The institution must demonstrate a clear commitment to advancing education, research, and clinical excellence in the field of arrhythmia surgery.
  • The institution should identify a qualified Arrhythmia surgeon mentor who will serve as the primary faculty lead and educational supervisor for scholarship-related activities.
  • Institutions must have an established or developing program in arrhythmia surgery, with demonstrated excellence in treating patients with cardiac rhythm disorders.
  • The institution must show active collaboration with electrophysiologists (EPs) and other heart team members in the management of arrhythmia patients.
  • Institutions should provide access to educational, research, and clinical experiences necessary to cultivate advanced surgical skills and scientific understanding.
  • The applying institution must demonstrate experience in training cardiothoracic surgery residents or fellows, particularly in procedures related to arrhythmia surgery.

Application Process

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

  • A letter of support from the department chair, chief of cardiac surgery, or equivalent leadership, detailing the institution’s commitment to utilizing these funds in supporting advanced arrhythmia education.*
  • A statement explaining why the institution is an ideal applicant for this scholarship, including anticipated benefits to the program, to trainees, and to the institution’s arrhythmia surgery program.
  • Evidence of the institution’s capacity to provide high-quality arrhythmia education, including the number and type of cases performed annually and the experience of faculty in training arrhythmia surgeons.
  • A description of how the institution supports career development for trainees, including exposure to research, academic development, and professional networking opportunities.
  • A proposed budget outlining how scholarship funds will be utilized, including support for trainee salary, educational activities, research resources, and any other program-related expenses.

*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 Cardiac 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.

Quarterly reports from both the host institution and the selected fellow will be required throughout the training period, describing the fellowship experience and its application to clinical practice. These reports should be submitted to the AATS Foundation and the fellowship’s sponsor.

Supported By


Program currently closed:

Program will open September 1, 2026.