Each year, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Academy (CCSA) funds about 20 promising Canadian medical students, graduates, post-graduate trainees and basic scientists-in-training to attend the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress (CCC).

Who can apply for the Have a Heart Bursary Program?

This bursary program is sponsored by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Academy, a charitable organization created in 2000 by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS). The CCSA’s mandate is to support education, research, scholarships and bursaries for medical students and prospective cardiovascular specialists.

The Have a Heart Bursary Program is designed to introduce promising young Canadian medical students, post-graduate trainees and basic scientists-in-training to the cardiovascular sciences (clinical and basic sciences) to encourage a strong Canadian cardiovascular community. Applicants should be committed to a future career in Canada.

Bursary awardees are invited to learn more about their future through participation in the annual Canadian Cardiovascular Congress. The CCC is the largest gathering of cardiovascular health professionals in Canada. The CCC draws physicians, researchers, trainees, medical students and other cardiovascular professionals from across Canada and around the globe. The CCC is co-hosted by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

What do Have a Heart Bursary Program awardees receive?

Roundtrip excursion air or ground travel to Toronto, ON to attend the CCC 2012;
Up to 5 nights Hotel accommodation in Toronto from Friday, October 26 to Tuesday, October 30, 2012;
Complimentary registration to the CCC 2012, which includes full access to: Paper and poster presentations, plenaries, workshops, debates, meet-the-expert sessions, the largest Canadian cardiovascular exhibition, industry sponsored accredited symposia. It is also an opportunity to meet colleagues from across Canada;
Unique opportunity to meet with Canadian leaders in the cardiovascular sciences;
Recognition at the CCS Awards ceremony at CCC.

Note: Previous bursary recipients and those already established in a cardiovascular residency program are not eligible to apply.

What is the Have a Heart Bursary Program application process?

2012 Bursary applications are now being accepted until May 31, 2012.

**New this year**
You will be asked to upload the required documents when you apply. You will have the option to save your application and return later to complete it, however, please note that the CCSA office is unable to confirm receipt until all documents have been uploaded and you select “Submit” at the end of the application form.

Select “Apply” below and log on to your MY.CCS.ca account. Select “Have a Heart” from the menu items on the left.

If you do not already have an account, select “Apply” and “Create an Account”. Complete your Personal and Address information and preferences by selecting the appropriate menu items on the left.

A complete application includes:

• Completed online application form
• A letter explaining your career goals in Canada and how this bursary will further your career (maximum two pages);
• A letter of support from your supervisor or director of your training program;
• A second letter of reference (preferably from a CCS Member other than your director/supervisor);
• An abbreviated copy of your curriculum vitae (maximum two pages).

Applications will be accepted until midnight (EDT) May 31, 2012. A panel will review submissions and announcements will follow in mid July. Only complete applications will be considered.

If you have any questions about the Have a Heart Bursary program or about creating an account, please email haveaheart@ccs.ca or call 1-877-569-3407 ext. 409.

The Canadian Cardiovascular Society Academy (CCSA) gratefully acknowledges the CIHR Institute for Circulatory and Respiratory Health (ICRH) for supporting our future cardiovascular professionals. ICRH is proud to support the 2012 CCSA's Have a Heart Bursary Program.

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