Andreas Grüntzig Fellowship

The program provides comprehensive training in all aspects of adult interventional cardiology according to the EAPCI curriculum. During this two-year program, fellows acquire the theoretical and technical skills needed to care for patients with acute and chronic coronary syndromes.

The fellowship program provides core procedural training in case-based diagnostics such as coronary angiography, right heart catheterization, intravascular ultrasound, OCT imaging, functional lesion assessment (FFR, iFR) and assessment of vascular function (vasoreactivity testing, CFR, IMR). In addition, fellows will learn interventional techniques for the treatment of coronary artery disease, including the use of high pressure balloons, intracoronary lithotripsy and rotational atherectomy, various stents, drug-eluting balloons and mechanical circulatory support systems.

During the weekend and night assignments, the fellows gain invaluable experience in treating complex patients with acute coronary syndromes and cardiogenic shock. Depending on their prior training, fellows begin as primary operators for diagnostic procedures and then progress to percutaneous coronary interventions for Type A lesions, followed by more complex lesions. Fellows also gain experience in treating patients with left heart disease, heavily calcified lesions, graft failure and chronic total occlusions. Fellows are expected and encouraged to participate in interventional research projects.

Gotschy, MDThe focus on interdisciplinary collaboration is one of the main strengths of the fellowship in the Andreas Grüntzig catheterization laboratories. Complex cases are routinely discussed with experts in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular surgery and cardiac imaging in weekly meetings. The meetings focus on patients with coronary and valvular heart disease and are often supplemented by special teaching sessions for the fellows.”

Dr. Cieslik:“The fellowship in interventional cardiology at the Andreas Grüntzig Catheter Laboratories gave me the great opportunity to familiarize myself with all diagnostic and procedural techniques for the treatment of coronary artery disease. During the two-year training program, I learned a wide range of percutaneous coronary interventions under the guidance of Prof. Templin’s team as a primary operator. As a fellow, I also had the opportunity to participate in various research projects that allowed me to improve my theoretical knowledge in the field of interventional cardiology.”

Candreva, MD: “The frequent use of intracoronary imaging (IVUS, OCT and NIRS-IVUS) and advanced plaque modification tools (rotational atherectomy and intravascular lithotripsy) during the fellowship in Andreas Grüntzig’s cath labs allows trainees to familiarize themselves with the management of complex lesions and perform state-of-the-art coronary interventions in a protected and supervised environment.”

For international applicants

Successful applicants should submit a German language certificate (at least level B2) at the start of the scholarship. Administrative support is provided when applying for a visa and work permit. Please note that we do not currently offer financial support or educational scholarships. However, candidates are supported in applying for scholarships (e.g. EAPCI).

How can I apply?

Applications should be sent by e-mail to christian.templin@usz.ch and should include the following information:

• CV
• Copy of passport or identity card
• Cover letter
• Copy of the diploma(s)
• Confirmation of funding from an institution or scholarship
• If already available, a German language certificate (B2)
• Certificates