The John W. Kirklin/David Ashburn Fellowship was created to support the efforts of a young surgeon interested in participating in the activities of the Congenital Heart Surgeons’ Society (CHSS) Data Center. This is a two-year non-clinical appointment to the CHSS Data Center, which straddles two campuses: one fellow will be based at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, and the other fellow will be based at the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus in Cleveland, OH. Both fellows will interact with the shared faculty and also an extended network of virtual faculty throughout North America.

The focus of the fellowship is outcomes research, primarily of the many multiinstitutional prospective cohort studies of the Congenital Heart Surgeons’ Society. The Fellow will become expert in database management and in all aspects of biostatistics and epidemiology. Particular emphasis is placed on the research methods, presentation at national meetings, and manuscript preparation and publication.

Candidates are encouraged to complete a Postgraduate Degree (Masters or Doctorate) in Biostatistics & Epidemiology or a related field through local universities. Tuition for degree completion will be provided and a surgical advisor appointed to guide thesis development. Special consideration will be given to applicants who are committed to a career in congenital heart disease. Ideal candidates have completed some or all of their general surgical training and intend to pursue a career in congenital cardiothoracic surgery. Although not required, some prior experience with data-analysis software (Excel, SPSS, SAS, or R) is recommended.

Previous fellows have made important contributions to the field, including high profile international presentations and publication on behalf of the CHSS. The Fellows have pursued Masters or PhD Degrees during their tenure which is facilitated by their central involvement in ongoing CHSS academic activities.

Please see an article on the Kirklin/Ashburn fellowship, written by the 2015-2017 fellow, Dr. James Meza. The article was originally published on CTSNet in October 14, 2016.

Meza J, McCrindle BW, Blackstone EH, Caldarone CA, Williams WG, DeCampli WM. CHSS Kirklin/Ashburn Fellowship: Legacy and Promise
https://www.ctsnet.org/article/chss-kirklinashburn-fellowship-legacy-and-promise

Fellows
Dr. David Ashburn
Dr. Tara Karamlou
Dr. Edward Hickey
Dr. Mohammed Albanna
Dr. Anusha Jegatheeswaran
Dr. Jeffrey Poynter
Dr. Travis Wilder
Dr. James Meza
Dr. Paul Devlin
Dr. Connor Callahan
Dr. Madison Argo