2023 - Virtual Science & Leadership Symposium
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WomenHeart is currently looking for dynamic, driven women with heart disease to apply to become WomenHeart Champions at the 2023 Virtual WomenHeart Science & Leadership Symposium. This is the nation’s only volunteer program that trains women with heart disease to serve as educators, advocates, and support for women living with heart disease.

About the Science & Leadership Symposium

Since 2002, the nationally renowned WomenHeart Science & Leadership Symposium has brought together over 1,000 women living with heart disease. During this training, women gain skills and education to become volunteer leaders, community educators, national spokeswomen, patient advocates, and support network leaders to empower women to take charge of their own health. WomenHeart selects women heart patients each year, through a comprehensive and competitive application process, to attend this prestigious 3-day educational symposium at one of the nation’s leading women’s heart institutions – The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. However, in an effort to reach a wider audience and include those who may prefer to attend this training remotely, WomenHeart is now proud to offer this opportunity as a virtual course. 

WomenHeart Champions are trained on the science of heart disease, how to share their story and message effectively, and how to become powerful patient advocates. They are also equipped with skills in leading support groups, presenting heart disease education, and engaging communities through outreach, such as local media, community health fairs, or other local events. All participants will receive training in the following areas

  • One-to-one and group peer support
  • Support group management and engagement
  • Community education and outreach
  • Public speaking
  • Advocacy

The WomenHeart Science & Leadership Symposium training will help you develop an action plan for the work you do in your community. WomenHeart will also provide you with resources to aid you along the way.

This year’s virtual symposium will be held from April 3 through April 21, 2023. WomenHeart will also have an in-person symposium in the fall of 2023 for those who prefer this type of setting. 

Eligibility to Apply:

Women interested in applying must meet the following criteria:

  • Woman, or person identifying as a woman, currently living with or have previously been diagnosed with heart disease
  • At least 6 months post most recent cardiovascular event (e.g., surgery, heart attack)
  • Women who are emotionally and physically ready to serve as a women's heart health advocate

Cost:

There is no cost for attending the virtual symposium and WomenHeart will provide all materials required for this training. 

Application:

All applications must be submitted electronically, using the online application form.

  • References: In order to complete the application, you will be required to list two personal references who must each complete a recommendation form. Personal references will be sent the required recommendation form to the email address listed by the applicant.
  • WomenHeart Champion Agreement: Please read the WomenHeart Champion Agreement in its entirety. By completing and submitting the application, you understand and agree to the responsibilities outlined in this agreement upon acceptance as a WomenHeart Champion.

Deadline to apply: All applications are due no later than March 10, 2023.

Additional Information:

  • The Symposium curriculum and schedule are challenging and may bring up strong emotions related to your heart disease diagnosis. In order to benefit from this immersive educational program, we recommend that all attendees are in good physical and mental health.
  • We encourage you to complete an anonymous Mental Health Screening utilizing the Depression and Anxiety Screening Tools to assess if you are mentally ready to provide peer support to women diagnosed with heart disease. While the results are anonymous, we recommend you consider your results prior to submitting your application:
    • If either your Depression or Anxiety Test score is 10 or higher we recommend having a discussion with a member of your health care team as to their recommendations for managing your symptoms and advice regarding whether you should defer participation until your symptoms are improved.
    • If on the Depression Test you indicated any response other than “Not at all” on Questions #9 or responded “Very” or “Extremely” difficult on Question #10, we recommend you discuss these results with your health care team and defer your participation until your symptoms are improved.