Celebrating a decade of the HFA young community: Achievements and future directions by the HFA Young Committee

Introduction

The core mission of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is to comprehensively optimize the care of heart failure (HF) patients by enhancing prevention, diagnosis, treatment and overall management. This vision includes fostering networks for education, research, and holistic care supported by stakeholders across generations and professional groups. Aligned with this mission, the Heart Failure Association Young (HFA Young), originally known as HF Specialists of Tomorrow (HoT), was launched in 2014. Since the 2022–2024 mandate, the initiative has expanded to include all HFA members under 40, establishing a global network focused on education, career advancement and engagement to promote professional growth and improve HF care. Currently, the HFA Young community is led by a 12-member committee, ensuring diversity in terms of geography and gender (see Figure 1). The chair and co-chair are appointed by the president of the HFA, together with the chairs of the other committees. Subsequently, the chair and co-chair select candidates based on their motivation letters and achievements in the field of HF. The final selection is then reviewed by the presidential trio. Additionally, national ambassadors serve as intermediaries between local young cardiologists and trainees, the HFA Young Committee and the HFA board. These ambassadors are critical in addressing region-specific challenges and opportunities. As of 2024, 67 ambassadors from 44 countries (40 ESC member countries and 4 non-ESC members) were actively involved in HFA Young initiatives.

Members of this vibrant community are actively engaged in initiatives and receive updates through newsletters, social media and the ESC homepage, ensuring access to educational and career development opportunities. This manuscript offers a comprehensive overview of the initiatives undertaken by HFA Young, with a focus on key activities, survey findings and the contributions of its ambassadors. Furthermore, it outlines future directions aimed at strengthening the global network of young HF professionals within the HFA.

Beginnings and growth of HFA Young in last decade

Current activities and opportunities for HFA Young community

Over the last decade, the HFA Young community has evolved into a dynamic and active group dedicated to advancing cardiology by fostering the next generation of HF specialists. Through a variety of activities, HFA Young provides its members invaluable resources to excel in their careers (See Table 1).

One of the flagship activities of the HFA Young is the HFA Cardiotalk Podcast Series, available on platforms such as Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer and Google Podcasts. Driven by the HFA Young Committee, these monthly episodes explore relevant HF topics, featuring discussions between experts and young professionals. The series provides an accessible, ongoing educational resource for members. Since January 2022, HFA CardioTalk has released 34 episodes, with a total of 21 324 downloads and an average of 627 downloads per episode (see Table 2).

The HFA Congress is another cornerstone of HFA Young's activities. Tailored sessions for young professionals, known as the Young Track Sessions, focus on the latest HF developments and provide opportunities to learn directly from experts. One of the most unique and beneficial opportunities offered at the HFA Congress is the Career Café, which provides personalized career advice to young cardiologists in the early stages of their careers. Selected applicants participate in 20 min one-on-one interviews with leaders in their field, receiving mentorship on research opportunities, clinical practice and academic career paths. Interactive events, such as ‘Who Wants to Be an HFA Millionaire?’, challenge participants to test their knowledge through a quiz, covering questions sourced from the HFA Certification exam. The competitive event serves as both an engaging and educational platform, providing participants with a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of HF through an interactive format. Furthermore, it incentivizes participation by offering the chance to win complimentary Congress registration, fostering enthusiasm among young cardiologists to expand their knowledge and expertise in HF. Complementing this, the dedicated networking event at the HFA Congress offers an invaluable platform for informal engagement. Participants exchange experiences, address shared challenges and establish professional connections that often evolve into future collaborations. This initiative underscores the critical role of fostering a sense of community and highlights the significance of building a global network of peers committed to advancing HF care. To enhance accessibility and inclusivity, HFA Young members are also eligible to apply for travel grants, facilitating their participation in the HFA Congress and ensuring broader representation within this dynamic community. Priority is given to members from low-income countries, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent young cardiologists from participating in essential learning and networking experiences.

Beyond the Congress, the HFA Young community continues to innovate. The HFA Journal Club, launched in collaboration with the HFA, facilitates in-depth discussions of recent HF research, promoting critical thinking and keeping members at the forefront of advancements in the field. By critically evaluating new studies and sharing perspectives, participants enhance their knowledge and clinical practice. The Journal Club offers more than just a discussion forum—it provides a collaborative learning experience that develops critical thinking skills while ensuring members stay updated on the latest advancements in HF research and allows to learn some aspects of research methodology in order to implement them in own research.

Looking ahead, the community is preparing to launch HFA Fundamentals+. This is a novel project aiming to provide a series of educational on-demand videos targeting various aspects of heart failure management, from diagnostic procedures, treatment techniques and cutting-edge research methodologies with an expert and an HFA Young member, in a format of how to, debates or clinical case series.

In summary, the HFA Young community has seen immense development over the last few years, offering a comprehensive suite of activities and opportunities designed to support the professional growth of young HF specialists. Through it, the HFA Young community is building a strong, connected and well-informed generation of cardiologists. By participating in these activities, young professionals can not only advance their own careers but also contribute to the broader mission of improving HF care worldwide.

The HFA Young National Ambassadors

The HFA Young Ambassadors initiative was established to actively involve young healthcare professionals in cardiology, fostering a global network of emerging HF specialists and increasing the visibility of HFA's activities.

The HFA Young Committee, in collaboration with National HF Societies or Working Groups, selects ambassadors for a 2 year term. The candidates are nominated by national societies or apply directly. Eligible applicants must be under 40 years and hold either an HFA silver or gold membership or be fellows of the HFA.

Applicants must submit a detailed curriculum vitae and a motivation letter outlining their career stage, goals, previous contributions to HFA activities and the objectives they wish to achieve during their tenure. Following a comprehensive review by the HFA Young Committee, the final selection is approved by HFA board and president.

HFA Young Ambassadors liaise between the HFA Young Committee and young HF professionals in their respective countries. Their primary task is to establish and maintain national networks of young professionals at various career stages, promoting HFA membership and activities. Additionally, they advocate for the needs and interests of their local colleagues.

Ambassadors participate in regular HFA conference calls and meetings. They are expected to engage with the national community through social media platforms to increase visibility and interaction, sharing updates and opportunities related to HF. They must provide reports detailing their activities and national networks. These reports help HFA assess regional needs and improve support and resources.

The programme enhances ambassadors' visibility and recognition within international HF community, creating opportunities for collaboration, research and leadership. By representing young professionals of their country, ambassadors contribute also to global HF strategy.

The HFA Young Ambassadors programme empowers young professionals to shape the future of HF management and improve patient care worldwide. The programme benefits the ambassadors professionally and enriches the global HF community with fresh perspectives, renewed energy and innovative collaborations.

The survey results: ‘Needs of HFA Young members’

At the beginning of professional development, finding the pathway that works for each of us can be an overwhelming process. Young professionals often need guidance and excellent mentors to achieve their goals. It is crucial to acknowledge the significant disparities that exist across various regions, countries, hospitals and even wards within the same institution. These differences can impact the alignment between available facilities and individual needs.

Currently, the HFA Young Committee is actively promoting diversity and inclusion, emphasizing that being part of this community means joining a supportive and collaborative ‘family’. By creating opportunities for young professionals to grow together, share experiences and celebrate achievements, the committee helps members navigate their career paths with confidence. We can learn from one another and improve ourselves through shared experiences, supporting and celebrating achievements together. Finding colleagues on similar paths helps you gain self-confidence and make progress together, fostering a sense of belonging to a community with shared values. Initiatives such as mentorship programmes and collaborative events aim to address these challenges and foster professional fulfilment.

During 2022–2023, the HFA Young team conducted a global electronic survey to better understand the needs of young professionals and refine its offerings. The survey, which included 305 respondents from six continents, represented a diverse mix of medical staff with a mean age of 35 years. Participants included physicians, general practitioners and pharmacists, with 75% being cardiologists, 63% in current practice, 25% still in training and 12% students and other. The insights gained from this survey have shaped the committee's strategies to better support its members.

Among all HFA Young activities, the travel grants for the HFA Congress emerged as the most popular. These grants cover registration fees and provide additional financial support for first authors of abstracts or clinical case presentations who are HFA Young members. Recognizing that financial barriers often limit participation in international events, the committee has worked diligently to reduce these obstacles, ensuring broader access for young professionals.

The HFA CardioTalk Podcast, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, is the second most favoured initiative. In third place is the Young Track Sessions at the HFA congress, followed by the HFA Career Café. Each of these initiatives has contributed to enhancing professional development and expanding access to knowledge for members and contact with mentors who can inspire young people's professional careers.

Survey respondents highlighted mentorship and career development as critical priorities, underscoring the need to increase awareness of the HFA Career Café and its associated benefits (see Figure 2). Networking emerged as a central theme, with members expressing a strong desire for opportunities to establish connections and foster collaborations across regions. Educational initiatives, including webinars and podcasts, were highly valued, with 60% of respondents indicating interest in engaging in research collaborations and 57% seeking access to pivotal HF research projects. These findings reflect the diverse professional aspirations of HFA Young members, emphasizing the importance of tailored programmes that address their evolving needs. The HFA Young Committee remains committed to meeting these demands through an expanding portfolio of initiatives aimed at advancing education, collaboration and professional growth within the HF community.

Beyond the professional development, educational support plays a pivotal role. More than 80% of respondents recognized the value of the committee's contribution to education, with 43% rating HFA Young activities as ‘very important’ and 40% as ‘important’ for this purpose. Programmes like webinars, podcasts and congress activities provide resources that complement traditional training, equipping members with the tools to advance in their fields. Looking to the future, over 85% of young members expressed interest in scholarships to achieve HF expertise, with similar percentages for continued funding of congress travel grants. Research activities, online workshops, educational webinars and HF certification preparatory materials also ranked high on the list of desired initiatives (see Figure 3). The committee is actively exploring ways to meet these expectations, ensuring its activities align with the evolving needs of its members.

Guided by the survey findings and ongoing feedback, the HFA Young Committee remains committed to providing a supportive, enriching environment. Its initiatives continue to empower young HF specialists, helping them thrive personally and professionally while advancing global HF care.

The implication of the survey and future directions

The survey conducted by the HFA Young Committee provides valuable insights into the needs, aspirations and expectations of young professionals in HF care. It serves as a guiding framework for shaping the group's future priorities and activities. By carefully analysing the results, several focus areas emerge that will enable the committee to enhance its relevance and impact, both for individual members and the broader medical community. These findings highlight where targeted efforts are needed as the group continues to expand and evolve.

One key takeaway is the critical role of financial support in facilitating the professional growth of young HF specialists. The popularity of travel grants for the HFA Congress underscores the financial challenges many early-career professionals face in accessing educational and networking opportunities. Building on this success, the committee considers exploring additional forms of support, such as scholarships or stipends. These programmes should be tailored to the needs of all members of the community, including nurses and allied professions.⁵

Mentorship and career development also stand out as significant priorities. Respondents expressed a strong desire for structured guidance from established experts in HF, extending beyond clinical knowledge to broader career navigation. To address this, the committee envisions formal mentorship programmes that pair young professionals with experienced mentors, including the opportunity to meet up in person at the congresses such as the HFA congress. The programme is available at the online platform (https://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/ESC-Young-Community/ESC-Mentoring). These relationships could provide invaluable insights into academic and clinical career trajectories, helping members define their professional paths while fostering the next generation of HF leaders.

The survey also highlights the importance of networking, with respondents seeking opportunities to connect across geographic and professional boundaries. In an increasingly interconnected medical landscape, the committee is committed to facilitating cross-border collaboration. Plans include expanding virtual networking events, creating collaborative projects and establishing platforms where young professionals can share experiences and ideas with peers worldwide. These efforts aim to strengthen professional relationships and expose members to diverse perspectives in HF treatment, research and education.

Education continues to be a cornerstone of the HFA Young Committee's mission. The survey underscores a strong demand for high-quality, accessible educational resources that reflect the latest advancements in heart failure care. Building on the success of existing initiatives, such as webinars and podcasts, the committee is committed to diversifying its offerings. This includes exploring innovative formats, such as self-paced learning modules, online workshops and certification preparation courses. Furthermore, by leveraging digital platforms, the committee aims to ensure that these resources remain accessible to members who are unable to participate in live events or congresses.

In the realm of research, young professionals are eager for opportunities to contribute to scientific advancements in HF. The committee can play a pivotal role in fostering research collaborations, connecting members with experienced research teams, and facilitating access to research grants. By bridging the gap between early-career professionals and established researchers, the committee can nurture a generation of contributors to advance HF science.

Another noteworthy implication of the survey is the expressed need for clinical support, particularly among younger members in training. The committee is exploring initiatives such as clinical case discussions, expert-led panels, basic HF education through HFA+ and access to clinical support tools. These resources would offer practical assistance for managing complex cases, helping young professionals build confidence and expertise in their day-to-day practice.

Lastly, the survey highlights the importance of fostering a sense of community and emotional well-being among members. Beyond technical and professional support, young professionals value opportunities to connect personally and build camaraderie. These initiatives will create a supportive and inclusive environment, strengthening the bonds within the HFA Young community.

The limitations of the survey, including sampling bias, particularly due to the relatively small sample size compared with the entire HFA young community could affect the overall reliability and inclusiveness of the results. Moreover, many national associations are underrepresented, which reflects the low awareness and limited interest in HFA in some countries.

The survey has provided valuable input to determine the future direction of the HFA Young Committee. By addressing financial, educational, career development and community-building needs, the committee is well-positioned to continue its growth and deepen its impact on both its members and the broader HF community. Through these efforts, the committee will remain a vital resource for young HF specialists navigating their professional journeys.

Conclusions

Over the past decade, the HFA Young community has undergone substantial evolution to meet the diverse needs of its members. It offers a range of educational activities such as the HFA Cardiotalk Podcast and Journal Club, career development programmes like the Career Café and networking events at scientific meetings. Insights from the 2022–2023 electronic survey have provided valuable guidance for shaping ongoing and future priorities. Joining the HFA Young community offers members access to a dynamic network of heart failure specialists, comprehensive educational resources and invaluable mentorship opportunities—all aimed at advancing careers while contributing to the global effort to reduce the burden of heart failure. Together, we grow to create a healthier future.⁶

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.