Background
Rehabilitation plays a pivotal role in the holistic management of patients with cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure. It carries a class I A recommendation in contemporary European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines. Serving as a multimodal intervention, it improves physical and mental functioning, quality of life, extends the disability-free lifespan and reduces hospitalisations and cardiovascular mortality. Secondary prevention is most effectively provided through cardiovascular rehabilitation. The management of prevention and rehabilitation programmes for a diverse range of patients with cardiovascular diseases, as well as those with cancer during or after cardiotoxic treatment, is an integral part of the ESC Core Curricula for basic cardiology training and subspecialty training in preventive cardiology and cardio-oncology. 


Aim of the Programme
To obtain European certification in preventive cardiology, the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) mandates an online exam and a logbook with 150 documented clinical cases spanning all domains of preventive cardiology. The goal of this programme is to equip fellows with the necessary competencies to successfully pass the exam and provide access to a wide array of clinical cases for the logbook. 

Training Centres
The fellowship programme is organized by the Centre for Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine of the Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, Switzerland, in cooperation with the Cardiovascular Centre, and the Institute for Social and Preventive Medicine of the University of Bern. The EAPC has accredited the Centre for secondary prevention and cardiac rehabilitation. Training in both in- and outpatient cardiovascular rehabilitation and sports cardiology will take place on the campus of the Inselspital in Bern. Optionally, fellows can participate in a rotation for inpatient rehabilitation at the Berner Reha Centre, situated in the Bernese Highlands near the Bernese Alps. The Berner Reha Centre also hosts the Berner Reha Living Lab, a research facility dedicated to co-creation research on digital health interventions, machine learning, and artificial intelligence for rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation care. 

Structure and Clinical training
The fellowship programme offers comprehensive clinical training in all domains of preventive cardiology, placing a particular emphasis on secondary prevention and rehabilitation. The programme's structure aligns with the entrustable professional activities (EPAs) outlined in the EAPC Core Curriculum for Preventive Cardiology. A recommended duration of three months is advised for obtaining the requisite cases to complete the logbook. 

Research
Fellows have the opportunity to actively engage in centre’s research activities, particularly within the framework of the Bern Rehab Registry. Networking with their home universities is strongly encouraged. 

Who should apply?
The fellowship programme is designed for physicians aspiring to specialize in preventive cardiology, and aim to work in or lead cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation programmes. Applicants should be either Regular (free) of Silver (paying) EAPC members, possess an MD degree, and either be board-certified cardiologists or have completed at least two years of successful core cardiology training. The fellowship program should be undertaken from one year before to one year after the EAPC online exam. 

Tuition Fees
The fellowship programme is offered free of charge for EAPC members. However, participants are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, and other associated expenses.