Swiss National MD-PhD Fellowship granted to ISPM researcher

Severin Fankhauser

16.12.2025 – Severin Fankhauser, PhD student at ISPM Bern, has been awarded a Swiss National MD-PhD Fellowship by the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences (SAMW). The national fellowship supports talented young physicians in pursuing research careers as clinician-scientists.

Severin’s research focuses on cardiovascular health after childhood cancer within the CardioOnco study, supervised by PD Dr. med. Christina Schindera and Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Kuehni.

Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk of severe cardiac late effects, particularly after treatment with cardiotoxic chemotherapy, including anthracyclines. The CardioOnco study invites childhood cancer survivors for a comprehensive cardiac assessment including a heart ultrasound, electrocardiogram and exercise testing, and assesses health behaviours with questionnaires. The study aims to identify risk factors for cardiovascular disease and to develop methods for detecting early signs of cardiac impairment. This knowledge will enable timely diagnosis and help to establish interventions to improve and maintain survivors’ long-term quality of life.

We warmly congratulate Severin on receiving this fellowship!