FHRS for Scientists & Physician Researchers

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 Scientist or Physician Researcher, you must*:

1. Hold current membership with the Heart Rhythm Society as EITHER a
   • Scientist member OR
   • Physician member who now functions mainly as a researcher with a small amount of clinical activity and either
     • is not eligible for ABIM CCEP status or
     • did complete an EP fellowship but did not achieve ABIM CCEP status.
   • Note: If applying using Option B, you can apply for physician FHRS status using the scientist criteria below, provided that you completely fulfill all other requirements and standards associated with a scientist applying for FHRS status.
2. Have a PhD, MD or equivalent
3. Hold a full-time faculty position at an academic institution with an equivalent rank of assistant professor or higher
4. Devote at least 50 percent of your professional activity to heart rhythm research
5. Show independent capability as a scientist, demonstrated by one of the following:
   • Five or more publications on heart rhythm disorders, of which at least one is as the primary or senior author
   • Functioning as a PI on a funded extramural grant from government agency or professional organization intended for independent investigators

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 about your training and experience according to the eligibility criteria.
3. Use the online application form to
   • Upload a copy of your CV / resume / biosketch
   • Upload your cover letter 
   • Upload two letters of support from current FHRS members
   • Upload documentation regarding how you meet the eligibility criteria
   • 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 scientist membership dues for FHRS members are:

Frequently Asked Questions about FHRS

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