GLOBAL LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE
Creating opportunities for all
Providing a curated career growth and mentorship experience for emerging women structural heart interventionalists from low- and middle-income countries.
Application deadline: July 1st
About the Awards
Women cardiologists from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face significant barriers to accessing the global networks and leadership development opportunities that accelerate careers. To address this issue, we have created the Global Leadership Initiative in partnership with The Edwards Lifesciences Foundation.
These awards provide a curated leadership experience for emerging women structural heart interventionalists from LMICs. Awardees receive structured mentorship and sponsorship from expert mentors, curated access to global leaders at ESC Congress, leadership development at RISE, and global visibility through the Women As One community. This opportunity gives mentees access to up-to-date scientific data and helps them build connections with peers and senior leaders, supporting their continued career advancement.
Award format
The Global Leadership Initiative supports emerging female structural heart interventionalists from low- and middle-income countries in attending RISE @ ESC Congress 2026 and the 2026 ESC Congress, providing structured mentorship, peer connections, and scientific immersion.
A focused, high-impact experience
Each mentee is paired with an experienced mentor in structural heart care, selected for their expertise and prior engagement with Women As One and the ESC Congress. These one-to-one pairings are designed to give mentees tailored guidance, help them navigate the scientific program, and foster meaningful professional exchanges throughout RISE @ ESC Congress 2026 and the ESC Congress.
RISE, together
An in-person touchpoint the evening before RISE creates an early opportunity for mentees and mentors to meet, build rapport, and establish goals for the days ahead in an informal setting. On the day of the event, mentees and mentors will be seated together at a reserved table. During the RISE conference, Women As One staff will highlight the mentees and will facilitate informal networking opportunities with senior leaders who are part of the RISE faculty.
Shared learning at ESC Congress
During ESC Congress, mentors and mentees are encouraged to review the scientific program to identify relevant sessions and potential networking opportunities across the four days. The mentors and mentees are expected to connect at least once a day across the Congress, supporting deeper learning, real-time reflection, and stronger engagement with cutting-edge science.
Important information
The Global Leadership Initiative is open only to applications from mentees; mentors are hand-selected for their expertise and prior engagement with Women As One and the ESC Congress.
Applicants must be practicing medicine in nations with low- and middle- income economies (LMICs), as defined by the World Bank.
Applicants must be available to arrive in Munich on August 26th in time for an evening meeting and to stay for the duration of the congress (up to and inclusive of August 31st).
A Visa invitation letter will be provided if required.
Included in the award:
- Travel and accommodation
- Full registration for RISE @ ESC Congress 2026
- Full on-site registration for ESC Congress 2026 Registration
- Mentorship and networking opportunities throughout
- An in-person meeting the evening before RISE @ ESC Congress
How to apply
Mentees must be early-career structural heart specialists, less than 5 years since completing their initial specialty training.
- Have completed the application form within The Pulse
- Share your current curriculum vitae (CV).
- Have a complete profile within The Pulse.
Application deadline: July 1st
With thanks to our sponsor
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