Fellows Research Day - A Background

Pittsburgh boasts a rich history in cardiovascular research and has been the site of many important discoveries and advances in the field. Therefore, it is fitting that the American Heart Association’s Fellows Research Day takes place in this city, offering a unique and highly competitive program with remarkable presentations that other regions in the country are striving to emulate. 

Over the past 28 years, the Fellows Research Day meeting has become an important part of the fabric of cardiovascular and stroke research in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Eastern Ohio. This friendly and collegial event brings together trainees and mentors from throughout the region, and alumni awardees include current program and fellowship directors from the Allegheny Health Network, UPMC, and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, as well as Carnegie Mellon and West Virginia University. 

Trainees from all institutions, including undergraduates, medical students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, residents, and clinical fellows, are invited to submit their best cardiovascular or stroke-related research for review and acceptance.

Of note, the past several years events attracted abstracts from as far east as Connecticut and as far west as South Dakota, reminding us that Pittsburgh’s impact upon the world of cardiovascular and stroke research is truly national. Fellows Research Day provides outstanding exposure for research as well as networking opportunities with clinical and research leaders from across the region.

The American Heart Association (AHA) plays a vital and unique role in providing support for cardiovascular and stroke-related research.  A large proportion of the grants awarded by the AHA are targeted to the beginning investigator.  The wisdom of this focus and investment has been proven over the years as many of the most successful cardiovascular researchers can testify that it was the AHA that awarded them their first grant.  That initial vote of confidence is crucial to beginning clinicians and scientists and may profoundly impact their professional paths.  It is in this spirit of identifying and nurturing the promising beginning researcher that we hold Fellows Research Day.