Awards Program: opens July 1st, 2024

 

TSF Awards Program*

*Subject to Change

General Instructions for Applicants


RESEARCH

TSF Research Award
Operational support of original research efforts by cardiothoracic surgeons who have completed their formal training, and who are seeking initial support and recognition for the research program. Awards of up to $85,000 per year for up to two years are granted to support the work of an early-career cardiothoracic surgeon (within seven years of first faculty appointment at time of application deadline). 
Application Open: 07/01/24, Deadline: 09/15/24

STS Research Award
Operational support of original research efforts by cardiothoracic surgeons who have completed their formal training, and who are seeking initial support and recognition for the research program. Awards of up to $90,000 per year for up to two years are granted to support the work of an early-career cardiothoracic surgeon (within seven years of first faculty appointment at time of application deadline). The STS Research Award designation is given to the highest-ranking TSF Research Award application. 
Application Open: 07/01/24, Deadline: 09/15/24

TSF Resident Research Fellowship Award
This award provides up to $60,000 per year for up to two years to support the research fellowship of a resident who has not yet completed cardiothoracic surgical training. During the fellowship, the resident will work in a cardiothoracic surgical clinical or laboratory research program.
Application Open: 07/01/24, Deadline: 09/15/24

Nina Starr Braunwald Research Fellowship Award→
Nina Starr Braunwald, MD was the first woman to be certified by the ABTS and the first woman to conduct open heart surgery. This award in her name supports up to $55,000 per year for up to two years for a woman resident working in a cardiac surgical clinic or laboratory research program who has not yet completed cardiothoracic surgical training. Since its inception, fellowship recipients have gone on to become established leaders within the field. This is widely recognized as one of the specialty’s most prestigious research fellowships. 
Application Open: 07/01/24, Deadline: 09/15/24

Southern Thoracic Surgical Association (STSA) Resident Research Award→
TSF, through the generosity and philanthropy of the STSA, is offering this award that will provide up to $40,000 per year for up to two years to support the research fellowship of a resident who has not yet completed cardiothoracic surgical training. During the fellowship, the resident will work in a cardiothoracic surgical clinical or laboratory research program and must be working or training in the STSA Membership region. STSA membership is not required; however, applicants must meet STSA membership eligibility requirements

Application Open: 07/01/24, Deadline: 09/15/24

AstraZeneca Lung Cancer Research Award→
The purpose of the award is to provide support to investigators conducting research related to lung cancer. Applicants proposed projects should aim to reduce the burden of lung disease through the advancement of clinical, transitional and/or basic scientific research. Awards of up to $50,000 per year for up to two years are granted to support the work of an early-career cardiothoracic surgeon (within seven years of first faculty appointment at time of application deadline).
Application Open: 07/01/24, Deadline: 09/15/24

AstraZeneca Reversing Health Disparities in Lung Cancer Research Award→
The purpose of the award is to provide support to investigators conducting health disparity research related to lung cancer. Awards of up to $50,000 per year for up to two years are granted to support the work of an early-career cardiothoracic surgeon (within seven years of first faculty appointment at time of application deadline) and research or physician scientists.
Application Open: 07/01/24, Deadline: 09/15/24

STS Database Clinical Research Fellowship Award→
The STS Research and Analytic Center (RAC) is the home for database harvest analytics and clinical research efforts leveraging the family of cardiothoracic surgery registries within the STS National Database. The transition of database and research analytics in-house to the STS RAC presents an opportunity for clinical fellows to deeply engage in STS clinical outcomes research activities working closely with the in-house database and analytics staff, gaining fundamental knowledge in statistical modeling and research based on the STS Database. In collaboration with the Thoracic Surgery Foundation, the STS Research and Analytic Center will support one research fellow for a one-year period with a grant of $80,000. This award is open to those in active residency training in an approved ACGME or equivalent training program, or within the first two years of practice.
Application Open: 07/01/24, Deadline: 09/15/24


EDUCATION

TSF/Francis Fontan Fund International Traveling Fellowship→
The TSF/FFF International Traveling Fellowship is a two-way international educational fellowship to support a cardiothoracic surgeon to travel to another international institution, and is co-administered by the FFF/EACTS and TSF/STS. The award offers support of $20,000 US Dollars for 4-16 weeks to be used for international travel for the purpose of learning a novel technique, adapting innovative technology and/or fostering collaboration between surgical investigators in order to further the progress of cardiothoracic surgery at the recipient’s home institution.
Application Open: 07/01/24, Deadline: 09/15/24

TSF/FFF International Traveling Fellowship in Partnership with LACES→
Following the success of the Thoracic Surgery Foundation/Francis Fontan Fund International Traveling Fellowship, EACTS and STS are expanding to partner with the Latin American Association of Cardio and Endovascular Surgery (LACES). The award offers support of $11,000 US Dollars for 4-10 weeks for early career cardiothoracic surgeons and senior cardiothoracic surgical residents to travel internationally for the purpose of learning a novel technique, adapting innovative technology and/or fostering collaboration between surgical investigators in order to further the progress of cardiothoracic surgery at the recipient’s home institution.
Application Open: 07/01/24, Deadline: 09/15/24

Michael J. Davidson Structural Heart Fellowship Award→
Michael J. Davidson, MD was an outstanding cardiothoracic surgeon and teacher, who was murdered in January of 2015 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. This tragedy profoundly affected the cardiothoracic community and brought to light Dr. Davidson’s achievements in mastering sophisticated catheter skills and advocating for a future that would meld the cardiac catheterization lab with the operating theater. This award in his name provides support of up to $17,500 for 6 months to 1 year for early-career cardiothoracic surgeon (within 7 years of first faculty appointment at the time of application deadline), and cardiothoracic surgery residents in their last year of training at an ACGME-accredited program who are seeking to enhance their skills in both transcatheter valve techniques and open valve surgery.
Application Open: 07/01/24, Deadline: 09/15/24

Nicholas Kouchoukos Award→
STS Past President and Historian Nicholas T. Kouchoukos, MD, has had a long, remarkable career in cardiothoracic surgery, and among his greatest achievements was the development of the modified Bentall procedure, and hypothermic TAAA Repair. This award in his name provides support of up to $10,000 for one year, to facilitate the continuing education of a cardiothoracic surgeon or senior resident committed to the treatment of thoracic aortic disease. The award is to be used for travel to another institution for the purpose of learning a novel technique, adapting innovative technology and/or fostering collaboration between surgical investigators in order to enhance patient care at the recipient’s home institution.
Application Open: 07/01/24, Deadline: 09/15/24

TSF/STS Douglas Mathisen Traveling Fellowship in General Thoracic Surgery→
Created to honor Dr. Douglas Mathisen’s legacy of mentorship and sponsorship of a generation of thoracic surgeons, this award is aimed at facilitating the continuing education of an early career general thoracic surgeon by supporting travel to another institution for up to four weeks for the purpose of learning a novel technique, adapting innovative technology, and/or fostering collaboration between surgical investigators. The applicant must be a cardiothoracic surgeon based in North America who has completed a program leading to certification by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, or who will be certified by the grant start date and who is within 5 years of their first faculty appointment. Awards up to $10,000 US Dollars for domestic fellowship for 1 year or up to $20,000 US Dollars for international fellowship for 1 year.
Application Open: 07/01/24, Deadline: 09/15/24

Carolyn E. Reed Traveling Fellowship Award→
Carolyn E. Reed, MD was a thoracic surgeon, an educator and successful researcher, who died early while still in her prime. She served as the first female Chair of the ABTS and was also President of the STSA and STS. This award in her name provides support of up to $10,000 for one year, for a clinically-established woman cardiothoracic surgeon, or woman resident in her last year of cardiothoracic surgery residency, to travel to another institution for the purpose of learning a new skill or technology.
Application Open: 07/01/24, Deadline: 09/15/24

Robert L. Replogle Traveling Fellowship Award→
Robert L. Replogle, MD was a talented pediatric cardiac surgeon as well as an educator, researcher, and national leader in cardiothoracic surgery. The purpose of the Replogle Fellowship is to facilitate the continuing education of a deserving young faculty surgeon or resident committed to the treatment of congenital heart disease in neonates, infants, children, and adults. The award will be used for travel to another institution for the purpose of learning a novel technique, adapting innovative technology, and/or fostering collaboration between surgical investigators in order to further the progress of congenital heart surgery at the recipient’s home institution. This award in Dr. Replogle’s name will provide support of up to $10,000 for up to four weeks for early career congenital heart surgeons, fellows enrolled in a congenital cardiac surgery fellowship, or cardiothoracic surgery residents who have matched in a congenital cardiac surgery fellowship.
Application Open: 07/01/24, Deadline: 09/15/24

Sarns Terumo Perfusion Education Fellowship Award→
The purpose of this traveling fellowship is to facilitate the continuing education of a deserving Board certified perfusionist committed to expanding cardiovascular perfusion education and knowledge base. The $10,000 award, for up to four weeks, is to be used for travel to another institution for the purpose of learning unique techniques, simulation approaches, and opportunities to adapt innovative technology to further the progress and care of cardiothoracic surgery patients at the recipient’s home institution. The successful applicant will have a record of excellence in training, leadership and achievement. They will have secured a position at an institution or group practice capable of providing continued growth and development in the realm of cardiovascular perfusion education.
Application Open: 07/01/24, Deadline: 09/15/24

Robotic Thoracic Surgery Equity and Access Award→
The TSF Robotic Thoracic Surgery Equity and Access Award is designed to provide skills for eligible surgeons and cardiothoracic surgery residents to grow a robotic general thoracic surgical practice, and is supported by Intuitive. Support of up to $10,000 is available for general thoracic surgeons and cardiothoracic surgery residents (in their last year of training) who are either: a member of an underrepresented demographic group in medicine, work in a designated rural area, or, work in a medically underserved area/population.
Application Open: 07/01/24, Deadline: 09/15/24

Advanced Robotic Cardiac Surgery Fellowship

This advanced fellowship opportunity will be awarded to a surgeon and their institution to support and facilitate the successful initiation of a high quality robotic cardiac surgery program at his/her home institution. The fellow will be assigned to a proctor, and the primary mentor/sponsor will assist the fellow with five robotic cases, at the fellow’s institution. This fellowship is supported by the generosity of Intuitive.

  • Eligibility: Surgeon applicant and first assistant must have attended the STS Workshop on Robotic Cardiac Surgery, meet specific requirements confirming institutional support and resources, and have experience performing mitral valve repair and replacement and/or have significant OPCAB experience.
  • Up to $25,000

Application Deadline: 06/10/24 – Click here to apply

The Levi Watkins Innovation and Leadership Development Scholarship→
Levi Watkins, MD was an accomplished cardiothoracic surgeon and social activist at Johns Hopkins Medical Center, and made medical history by working with innovative physicians and engineers to implant the first automated internal cardiac defibrillator in a human-being. The Watkins Scholarship will provide a training and/or development grant to support travel to a center of excellence to acquire additional clinical, translational or leadership training to enhance skills and practice in an area of innovation or surgical significance. This award in his name will provide support of up to $5,000 for up to two weeks for cardiothoracic surgeons who are within ten years of first faculty appointment, and who are members of an underrepresented group in medicine.
Application Open: 07/01/24, Deadline: 09/15/24


LEADERSHIP

TSF Alley-Sheridan Scholarship→ 
Ralph Alley, MD was a Founding Member of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and served as President from 1975-1976. David Sheridan was an inventor and close friend of Dr. Alley who held more than 50 patents for innovations that have improved health care.  Moved by his collaborator and friend’s commitment to thoracic surgery, Sheridan created the Alley-Sheridan Fund, which provides the following educational opportunities for cardiothoracic surgeons:

  1. Brandeis Health Leadership Program in Health Policy and Management: TSF offers up to four partial scholarships of $2,500 towards the $5,400 cost to attend the Leadership Program at the Heller School of Public Policy and Management at Brandeis UniversityApplication Deadline: 04/19/24 – Click here to apply
  2. Surgeons as Educators: TSF will support up to four partial scholarships of $2,500 towards the $7,700 cost to attend the Surgeons As Educators Course hosted by the American College of Surgeons. Application Deadline: 03/29/24 – Click here to apply 

SURGICAL OUTREACH AND TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIPS

TSF Every Heartbeat Matters Award→ 
TSF, through the generosity and philanthropy of the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation, is offering support of up to $35,000 for qualified surgeons who conduct charity work in underserved regions/populations. This award is designed to provide support for programs that educate, screen and/or treat underserved populations to reduce the global burden of heart valve disease, or to support other programs that advance health care and address underserved populations. It is anticipated this program will lead to treatment of hundreds of valve patients and diagnosis of thousands of valves in an effort to ultimately help Edwards Lifesciences reach their goal of treating 2.5 million underserved patients. 
Application Open: 07/01/24, Deadline: 09/15/24

TSF International Medical Volunteer Scholarship→
The Thoracic Surgery Foundation (TSF), through the generosity and philanthropy of the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation, is offering travel scholarships of $2,500 for qualified cardiothoracic surgery residents, and early-career cardiothoracic surgeons (within seven years of completion of CT surgery residency), who are interested in participating in international medical volunteerism (charity work) in underserved regions/populations. The TSF International Medical Volunteer Scholar will join an upcoming TSF Every Heartbeat Matters Award surgical cardiac outreach trip scheduled to occur in 2024. TSF Every Heartbeat Matters surgical outreach trips are designed to educate, screen and/or treat underserved populations to reduce the global burden of heart valve disease, and may include other programs that advance health care and address underserved populations. 
Application Deadline: 5/15/24 – Click here to apply

TSF Saha Scholarship→
Provides the opportunity for junior faculty from India and cardiothoracic surgery residents from India and North America (United States and Canada) to attend the STS Annual Meeting. The award covers the cost of registration for the STS Annual Meeting, three nights lodging at an STS Annual Meeting partner hotel, and a stipend to cover meals, ground transportation and airfare. This award is made possible by the generosity of Sibu P. Saha, MD, MBA. 
Application Opens: 2/21/24, Deadline: 6/01/24 – Click here to apply

TSF Travel Scholarships – STS/EACTS Latin America Cardiovascular Surgery Conference →
Cardiothoracic surgeons, physicians, and residents from around the world at under-resourced institutions who are treating underserved patients, and who demonstrate a financial need are eligible for a $1,250 travel scholarship to attend the STS/EACTS Latin America Cardiovascular Surgery Conference.
Application Open: 5/01/24; Application Deadline: 6/30/24


 NAMED LECTURE

Vivien T. Thomas Lecture→
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons launched a new named lecture at its 2020 Annual Meeting. It was in honor of Vivien Thomas, a black surgical technician with only a high school education who steadfastly designed and tested anastomosis of the subclavian artery to the pulmonary artery, resulting in the landmark “blue baby” operation in 1944 for children with tetralogy of Fallot. The STS 2024 Vivien T. Thomas Lecture was given by Edward M. Barksdale, Jr., MD, chief of the Division of Pediatric Surgery at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Barksdale also is a past president of the American Pediatric Surgical Association.
—The Vivien Thomas award is an honorarium, and will cover the cost of the speaker’s registration, travel, and lodging to participate at the STS Annual Meeting.

Links to Additional Grant Resources→

* The TSF reserves the right to determine the amount of support at the time of the award up to the amounts indicated herein. Only electronic submissions for TSF awards will be accepted.