FHRS for Cardiac Surgeons

The Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society (FHRS) credential exemplifies advanced training, certification and commitment to the field of electrophysiology.  FHRS will help to distinguish you among health care providers and researchers for your advanced training, certification, and commitment to the field of electrophysiology. It will clarify the referral process and serve as a credential for quality care among health care providers, patients, the media, and government. As a result, it will help you to publicize your skill in the treatment and/or research of heart rhythm disorders. 

Eligibility Criteria

To meet the criteria for Fellowship in the Heart Rhythm Society as a Cardiac Surgeon, you must*:

1. Hold current membership with the Heart Rhythm Society as a Physician. 
2. Have completed two years of practice after training in the same hospital.
3. Have conducted 100 ablation procedures or CIED-related procedures:
   • in training and/or the first two years after training, or
   • in the previous three years of practice
4. Fulfill one of the following:
   • Currently devotes 20 percent of clinical practice to heart rhythm disorders, or
   • Currently performs at least 50 ablative or CIED-related procedures per year
5. Meet one of the following:
   • Authored five papers published in a peer-reviewed journal with at least one heart rhythm or CIED related paper
   • Served at least one term on an HRS or IBHRE committee, subcommittee, or writing group, has been an invited speaker at the HRS annual meeting, or presented an abstract or poster at the HRS Scientific Sessions
6. Hold certification by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners, or equivalent certification in the country where currently practicing.

How to Apply

1. Reach out to two current FHRS members and have them write sponsor/endorsement letters for you.
2. Write a letter stating your intent to apply and provide information to document that you meet the eligibility criteria
3. Use the online application form to
   1. Upload your cover letter 
   2. Upload a copy of your Curriculum vitae, resume or biosketch
   3. Upload two letters of support from current FHRS members
   4. Upload supporting documents regarding the eligibility criteria
   5. Pay your FHRS $135 application fee

Application Process

Completed applications from eligible candidates are considered by Membership staff and Membership Committee. Please allow approximately three weeks for the review of your application. Applications are accepted and considered throughout the year. FHRS status is conferred immediately upon approval. 

The deadline for submitting a completed FHRS application in time for recognition at the upcoming Heart Rhythm Annual Meeting is April 15. After that date, you can be approved for FHRS status, but it may be too late for recognition at the annual meeting.

* The Society recognizes that we have a diverse membership with a variety of training and career paths. If you do not appear to be eligible for FHRS but would still like to be considered, you may petition the Membership Committee for review. Please contact [email protected] for details.

Membership Dues

Once accepted, annual physician membership dues for FHRS members are:

Physicians Living in the United States

Frequently Asked Questions about FHRS

Have questions? Try our FHRS FAQ page or contact [email protected]