General Information
Criteria and Application Information
Billing and Fees
Information for New and Current Fellows
General Information
Q: What is FHRS?
A: Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society (FHRS) status recognizes members for their advanced training, certification and commitment to the research and treatment of heart rhythm disorders.
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Q: Where is a list of current FHRS members?
A: View our list of current FHRS members. If you need contact information for your sponsors, one option is to search the Member Directory (available to members only; log in required).
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Q: Why become a Fellow of the Society?
A: 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.
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Q: What are the benefits of FHRS membership?
A: In addition to the Society member benefits, FHRS members also receive:
- Fellow lapel pin
- Mounted certificate of Fellow recognition
- Early registration and housing invitation to the Annual Scientific Sessions
- Induction and recognition at a special event during the Annual Scientific Sessions
- Special badge recognition at Society programs
- Special recognition on the Fellows page of the Society Website
- Entitlement to use the designation of Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society (FHRS), reflecting your training, certification and commitment to the field of electrophysiology
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Q: My question is not answered here. Where can I find more information?
A: If your question is not answered here, please contact us at (202) 464-9855 or membership@HRSonline.org.
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Criteria and Application Information
Q: Who can apply for FHRS? What are the criteria?
A: If you are a member of the Society, please visit the links below to review the criteria and download an application form. Criteria are based on member type.
If you are not a member of the Society, you must first apply for general membership. Learn more and apply »
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Q: I am an electrophysiologist who trained in Canada but I have ABIM/AOBIM certification in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology. Which criteria should I use?
A: You may apply using either the criteria for physicians certified by ABIM/AOBIM in CCEP or those for international electrophysiologists.
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Q: I am a pediatric cardiologist who practices outside of the United States. Which criteria should I use?
A: You may apply using either the criteria for pediatric cardiologists or those for international electrophysiologists.
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Q: I am a U.S. physician but am not certified by ABIM/AOBIM in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology. Which criteria should I use?
A: You may apply using either the criteria for scientists and physician researchers or those for pediatric cardiologists.
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Q: Can I apply at any time of the year?
A: Applications can be submitted throughout the year. However, to be considered for fellowship in time for induction at the 2013 Annual Scientific Sessions, your completed application (including letters of support) must be received by the Society no later than 11:59 p.m. [EST] on February 28, 2013. NOTE: The deadline for inclusion at the 2012 Induction has passed.
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Q: May new FHRS members write sponsorship letters?
A: Yes. Once accepted, all current FHRS members are permitted to write letters of support for applicants even if the supporter has yet to be formally inducted as FHRS. Acceptance begins once the FHRS member receives their acceptance notification letter, rather than during the induction ceremony.
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Q: Where should my sponsorship letters be sent and what should be included? May they be mailed with the application/separately from the application?
A: As part of the application process, prospective FHRS members must submit two letters of support from current Fellows. Please note that the Society will not contact supporters on behalf of FHRS applicants for the purpose of requesting a support letter or inquiring about the status of a letter.
In the interest of promoting individual assessments of the character and professional accomplishments of each applicant, the Society does not provide template letters for Fellows who wish to submit letters of support. However, we encourage Fellows to add information regarding how long and in what capacity she/he has known the applicant as well as a brief assessment of the applicant's professional character, the integrity of their work and of any accomplishments that the supporter knows of and wishes to report on.
A supporter may choose to give the letter to the applicant for submission with their application or send it to the Society directly using the contact information below. Letters may be personally addressed to the current Membership Committee Chair or generally to the Membership Committee. Please send letters:
Heart Rhythm Society
ATTN: Membership Committee
1400 K St, NW, Ste 500
Washington, DC 20005 USA
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Q: What is IBHRE certification?
A: The International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE) represents a standard of excellence for cardiac arrhythmia professionals, and its exam is recognized globally as one of the highest benchmarks of professional competency in cardiac pacing, defibrillation and electrophysiology. More than 7,000 individuals have taken IBHRE exams and earned certification by demonstrating their specific competence in cardiac rhythm device therapy and cardiac electrophysiology. Exams are offered for both physicians and allied health professionals. Visit www.IBHRE.org for more information.
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Q: After I submit my application, when will I receive updates about it's progress?
A: Once your application is submitted, please allow up to five business days for the Society to process and log your application. After it has been logged, you will receive an email from our Membership Department notifying you that either your application is complete or detailing which application materials are still needed in order to complete the application.
If you receive a notice that your application has been received but is incomplete, you will receive notices as each new required item is received until the application is complete and a final confirmation is sent.
Due to the volume of applications and supporting letters, we request that applicants contact supporters directly to inquire about the status of support letters.
Applicants may expect to be notified of the Committee's decision within 4-8 weeks of submitting a completed application.
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Billing and Fees
Q: What are the annual dues fees for FHRS membership?
A: Dues fees vary according to your Society member type. FHRS member fees through September 2012 are:
|
Member Type
|
U.S. Annual
Dues
|
International
Annual Dues
|
|
Physicians & Physician Researchers
|
$585
|
$465
|
|
Scientists
|
$300
|
$240
|
|
Allied Health Professionals
|
$240
|
$180
|
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Q: Upon becoming an FHRS member, when will I be billed at the FHRS dues rate?
A: Upon approval, you will be invoiced at the FHRS rate at the end of your current membership cycle. Please do not send dues payment with your application.
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Q: If my application is declined, will I receive a refund for the application processing fee?
A: No, the application processing fee is non-refundable.
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Q: If I am a physician but apply for FHRS using the scientist and physician researcher criteria, will my member category and dues change?
A: No, physicians who apply using the scientist criteria will continue to be categorized as physician members and will pay at the physician FHRS dues rate.
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Information for New and Current Fellows
Q: I have recently been accepted as a Fellow. When does my FHRS membership begin?
A: FHRS membership begins immediately upon notification of advancement.
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Q: Do I have to attend the induction to become an FHRS member?
A: All new FHRS members are encouraged to attend the induction. Although the event is a formal acknowledgment of your advancement, it is not mandatory. FHRS membership begins immediately upon notification of advancement rather than at the induction ceremony.
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Q: How to I submit a letter of support for an FHRS applicant?
A: As part of the application process, prospective FHRS members must submit two letters of support from current Fellows. If you have been asked to submit a letter and would like to do so, you may choose to give the letter to the applicant for submission with his/her application or send it to the Society directly using the contact information below.
In the interest of promoting individual assessments of the character and professional accomplishments of each applicant, the Society does not provide template letters for Fellows who wish to submit letters of support. However, we encourage you to add information regarding how long and in what capacity you have known the applicant as well as a brief assessment of her/his professional character, the integrity of his/her work and any accomplishments that you know of and wish to report on.
Letters may be personally addressed to the current Membership Committee Chair or generally to the Membership Committee. Please send your letter:
Heart Rhythm Society
ATTN: Membership Committee
1400 K St, NW, Ste 500
Washington, DC 20005 USA
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Q: How can I promote my FHRS status and explain FHRS to my patients?
A: FHRS members are encouraged to use the FHRS seal on business cards, letterhead, etc. and to inform patients about the importance of the FHRS designation. Please visit the FHRS Recognition Guide (login required) to learn more about how you can promote your status as well as download the FHRS seal and a flyer for your patients.
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Q: Does FHRS membership expire? Will I need to be recertified?
A: FHRS membership will continue as long as your membership is in good standing and you continue to meet the criteria for Fellowship. If your membership is allowed to lapse, you will have one year to reinstate your FHRS membership without having to reapply. After that, you will need to reapply as a member of the Society before being eligible to reapply for FHRS advancement.
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Q: What happens if I allow my Society membership to lapse? Must I reapply for FHRS?
A: If your membership is allowed to lapse, you will have one year to reinstate your FHRS membership without having to reapply. After that, you will need to reapply as a member of the Society before being eligible to reapply for FHRS advancement.
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Q: What happens if I allow my medical certifications (such as ABIM/AOBIM CCEP) to lapse?
A: The Society expects that you will maintain your certifications and may remove your FHRS status if you do not.
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Q: I was an FHRS member prior to the 2010 criteria revision. Does the revision affect my status? Do I have to reapply?
A: No. At the time of the 2010 criteria revision, all current FHRS maintained their status. However, if you allow your membership to lapse, you will have one year to reinstate your FHRS membership without having to reapply. After that, you will need to reapply as a member of the Society before being eligible to reapply for FHRS advancement under the current criteria. Prospective FHRS members must apply under the current criteria. Former criteria and former FHRS status will not be considered during the application process.
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