Nurse holding tablet with heart figure
Nurse holding tablet with heart figure

An Introduction to the Fascinating World of Cardiology

This course offers in-depth training in Cardiology & Cardiothoracic Surgery, featuring clinically focused lectures and hands-on practical sessions led by top professors and doctors. The course is designed for (bio)medical students interested in Cardiology or pursuing a research or clinical career within the fields of Cardiology or Cardiothoracic surgery.

Apply now
General

This unique course will teach you about various clinical and research aspects of Cardiology & Cardiothoracic Surgery. Led by top professors and doctors, it includes focused lectures and hands-on sessions to help you understand the basics of Cardiology and explore various sub specialties of Cardiology, like echocardiography, interventional cardiology, and electrophysiology. Participants will practice dissection skills and surgical techniques in various practical workshops. Join us for an engaging experience that bridges Cardiology theory with practical skills!

Learning objectives

  1. Apply your knowledge on Cardiology & Cardiothoracic Surgery, highlighting the anatomy and (patho)physiology of the heart.
  2. Apply and interpret a range of diagnostic tools and understand different treatment options for specific heart diseases.
  3. Practice basic surgical skills, you are taught how to make an incision and how to handle instruments in a correct and safe manner.
  4. Practice resuscitation skills, if performed correctly an official certificate will be rewarded.

What Our Alumni Say

Starting date

22 June 2026, 8:30 am
Location
Main entrance Radboudumc
City
Nijmegen
Costs
€925
Discount
15% when applying before 1 April 2026
VAT-free
Yes
Educational method
On-site
Main Language
English
Deadline registration
15 May 2026, 11:59 pm
Maximum number of participants
40

Factsheet

Type of education
Course
Entry requirements
We expect participants to have basic knowledge about the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system as provided by their own medical school. A preparatory assessment will be provided to make up for any knowledge gaps.
Study load (ECTS)
2
Result
Proof of participation
Organisation
Radboud Summer School

Contact information

Radboud Summer School
Postbus 9102
6500 HC NIJMEGEN

radboudsummerschool [at] ru.nl (radboudsummerschool[at]ru[dot]nl)

Monday

The course starts with lectures on anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, followed by hands-on porcine heart dissection guided by a cardiac surgeon. 

Tuesday

Diagnostic Tuesday starts with lectures on three key diagnostic tools: electrocardiography, coronary angiography and echocardiography. During the afternoon students practice their echocardiography skills. 

Wednesday

Wednesday focuses on interventions, covering lectures on percutaneous coronary interventions and coronary artery bypass surgery, allowing students to perform a coronary bypass on porcine hearts. 

Thursday

Thursday's morning session addresses inflammation, and the afternoon focuses on congenital conditions, including lectures on diagnosing anomalies and a practical session to observe and diagnose some very unique tiny hearts. 

Friday

On Friday, the students learn about resuscitation with a practical session.

timetable
An Introduction to the Fascinating World of Cardiology

Prof. Niels van Royen has been appointed Professor of Cardiology at The Radboud University Medical Center with effect from 1 June 2017.

Niels van Royen (Amsterdam, 1971) studied medicine at the University of Amsterdam and received his doctorate degree in 1998. In 2003 he obtained - with honors - his PhD on research stimulation of collateral artery formation in the heart. The research was conducted in collaboration with the Max-Planck Institute in Bad Nauheim and the University of Freiburg.

Van Royen specialized in Cardiology at the AMC Amsterdam (2003-2008). In 2010 he started as a Cardiologist at the VU medical center. In 2012 he was appointed Professor of Interventional Cardiology. Here he has set up translational research lines focusing on ischemic heart disease and approaches to attenuate the damage on the heart caused by coronary artery disease.

Costs

Early bird | €787

The deadline for our early bird application is 31 March 2026.

Regular | €925

The deadline for our regular application is the 15 May 2026.

Includes

Your course, coffee and tea during breaks, warm lunch every day, welcome dinner on Monday, Official Opening, Official Closing.

Excludes

Transport, accommodation, social events and other costs. 

Discounts and scholarships

There are discounts and scholarships available for our partners. Click below to find out if you are eligible. 

Discounts and scholarships

Admission

Level of participant

Bachelor, Advanced Bachelor, Master.

Admission requirements

We expect participants to have basic knowledge about the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system as provided by their own medical school. 

Admission documents

Motivation letter.