Have a Heart Travel Award Program
Introducing the new revamped Have a Heart Travel Award Program
Reimagined for Today’s Cardiovascular Trainees
The Have a Heart Bursary Program has been refreshed and reimagined to better meet the needs of today’s cardiovascular trainees. Formerly focused on inspiring students to explore careers in cardiovascular medicine, the new Have a Heart Travel Award Program now celebrates and supports those already dedicated to this field.
Beginning with the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress 2026 (CCC 2026) – taking place October 15–17 in Ottawa – the program will offer up to 15 travel awards of $1,000 each to trainees whose abstracts are accepted for presentation.
Sponsored by the Canadian Cardiovascular Foundation (formerly the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Academy), this modernized initiative continues the program’s spirit of encouragement while expanding recognition and mentorship opportunities. It aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s mission to prepare the next generation of cardiovascular leaders through education, mentorship, and professional development.
Whether sharing groundbreaking research or building connections at CCC 2026, the Have a Heart Travel Award Program helps cardiovascular trainees participate, grow, and make their mark at Canada’s premier cardiovascular meeting.
Who Can Apply
- Residents or fellows in a cardiovascular training program (Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology, or Cardiac Surgery)
- MSc, PhD, and Postdoctoral research trainees
How to Apply
When submitting your abstract to CCC 2026, simply check the box:
“I want to be considered for the Have a Heart Travel Award Program.”
The Call for Science opens March 3 and closes May 7 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Don’t miss this opportunity to present, connect, and grow at CCC 2026!
Former Have a Heart Bursary
The Have a Heart Bursary Program, now in its 24th year, continues to be an extremely successful and valued program.
Each year, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Academy (CCSA) funds a number of promising Canadian medical students, graduates, post-graduate trainees, and basic scientists-in-training to attend the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress (CCC).
Congratulations to the 2025 Recipients
CCSA Bursaries in Action
Past Recipients – Click here to see past recipients of the Have a Heart Bursary.
Video Testimonials – Watch these video testimonials from some of our past bursary recipients.
Who can apply?
This bursary program is sponsored by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Academy, a charitable organization created in 2000 by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS). The CCSA’s mandate is to support education, research, scholarships and bursaries for medical students and prospective cardiovascular specialists.
The Have a Heart Bursary Program is designed for promising young Canadian medical students, post-graduate medical trainees not yet in a cardiovascular residency program, and graduate students in the cardiovascular sciences (clinical and basic sciences) to encourage a strong Canadian cardiovascular community. Applicants should be committed to a future career in Canada. Those already established in a cardiovascular residency program or post PhD are not eligible to apply.
Bursary awardees are invited to learn more about their future through participation in the annual Canadian Cardiovascular Congress. The CCC is the largest gathering of cardiovascular health professionals in Canada. The CCC draws physicians, researchers, trainees, medical students and other cardiovascular professionals from across Canada and around the globe.
What do awardees receive?
- Roundtrip air or ground travel to attend CCC;
- Up to four nights of hotel accommodation in the city where CCC is hosted;
- Complimentary registration to CCC, which includes full access to all education sessions, the largest Canadian cardiovascular exhibition, industry sponsored accredited symposia, the opportunity to meet colleagues from across Canada, and much more;
- A unique opportunity to meet with Canadian leaders in the field.
How can I apply?
A complete application must include:
- A letter explaining your career goals in Canada and how this bursary will further your career (maximum two pages)
- A letter of support from your supervisor or director of your training program
- A second letter of reference (preferably from a CCS Member other than your director/supervisor)
- An abbreviated copy of your curriculum vitae (maximum two pages).
NOTE: An abstract is not required to apply to the HHB program.
For questions, contact:
Canadian Cardiovascular Society Academy
ccsa@ccs.ca