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Hani Najm Global Scholar Award
Observership Program

The Hani Najm Global Scholar Award was established to encourage the sharing of knowledge between international cardiology professionals to better combat the devastating effects of cardiovascular disease worldwide. It aims to provide early career cardiologists residing in low- to middle-income countries, or the Middle East or North Africa, the opportunity to elevate their training by participating in the ACC Annual Scientific Session and completing an Observership Program in the U.S.

This Observership Program offers awardees the opportunity to shadow practicing cardiologists and health professionals at a U.S. hospital, watch procedures and surgeries first-hand, and attend patient rounds and teaching conferences. The goal is to strengthen the awardees clinical knowledge in their particular specialty as well as facilitate knowledge exchange between the participating awardee and U.S. medical professionals and institutions.

Please email globalawards@acc.org for questions about the application.

The Award

Who Can Apply

The Hani Najm Global Scholar Award is open to Early Career Cardiologists and Cardiac Surgeons who meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Must reside and practice in a low- to middle-income country, or the Middle East or North Africa
  • Practicing cardiology between 2-10 years after completion of formal training. Training must have been completed by April 2025 and no earlier than April 2017.
  • Has, or will be able to obtain, a passport and the appropriate visa for travel to the United States
  • Will be available to complete their observership during April 2027
  • Has a good command of the English language
  • Has not previously participated in the ACC Annual Scientific Session
  • If selected, eligibility to receive the award is dependent on active ACC membership. To join, visit ACC.org/Join.

What Awardees Receive

  • The ACC will award three early career cardiologist of any specialty – with one dedicated to a cardiovascular surgeon – with the Hani Najm Global Scholar Award.
  • This is a three-to four-week observership set for April 2027.
  • One week will include a trip to ACC's Annual Scientific Session in Houston, TX where awardees will be invited to programming by the Early Career Member Section and recognized at the ACC.27 Convocation ceremony. The ACC will cover flights, lodging, and meeting registration and offer a stipend of the length of the program.

How to Apply

Each applicant is responsible for ensuring their application is complete and that all information and supporting documents provided are authentic and accurate. Due consideration will be given to applicant's previous achievements, career goals, and ability to demonstrate ACC's core values.

Documents Required

  • Completed Online Application
  • Letter of Intent
  • Current Curriculum Vitae
  • Two Letters of Recommendations
  • Copy of Form of ID (for residency verification)
  • Proof of successful completion of a training program that allows you to practice CV medicine*

*Proof includes copies of any of the following documents: medical license, medical school certificate/diploma, residency or training program certificate/diploma

All documents must be submitted in English or must be accompanied by an official translation. Applicants assume all costs associated with authenticating, retrieving and submitting documents and material in support of their application. The ACC does not charge an application fee.

Award Schedule†

  • Application opens: April 13, 2026
  • Application closes: June 8, 2026
†Check back for future application dates.

Award Guidelines

  • Awardees may be required to fulfill further eligibility requirements requested by the participating U.S. institution (ex. proof of immunization). These topics will be discussed with awardees upon invitation to the program.
  • In line with goals of the ACC's Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, this program is committed to improving diversity and inclusion within the cardiovascular workforce. The ACC recognizes the success of its mission to transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health is dependent on including people, as members and as leaders, who provide a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, ideas and perspectives. All professionals meeting the requirements are encouraged to apply.

Questions?

Please review the FAQs before applying.