Press Release 02/08/17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TSF Awards $200,000 in 2017 Edwards Lifesciences Every Heartbeat Matters Awards
Projects will educate, screen, and treat underserved populations to reduce the global burden of heart valve disease and advance health care.

CHICAGO, IL (February 8, 2017) – The Thoracic Surgery Foundation (TSF) has awarded six new surgical mission grants that will help advance treatment options for patients with heart valve disease, and offer much-needed assistance in countries, including Cambodia, Nepal, Nigeria, Peru, Rwanda, and Uganda. These grants were made possible by the generosity of the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation.

“The TSF is pleased to fund the work of six surgeons in 2017. A committee of seven cardiothoracic surgery research leaders, including representatives from the nation’s best academic institutions, with experience conducting charitable work, identified the most promising projects,” said newly elected TSF President, Douglas E. Wood, MD. “19 applications were thoroughly analyzed. It was a tough decision, but six charitable proposals rose to the top. We know each project will have a great impact for the underserved in these regions of the world where treatment for patients and education for medical professionals is truly needed. We are so grateful to our partner, Edward Lifesciences, for making these grants possible.”

Dr. Wood is The Henry N. Harkins Professor and Chair of the Department of Surgery at the University of Washington in Seattle. He is a world-renowned surgeon in thoracic oncology, specializing in the areas of lung, airway, and esophageal cancer. Dr. Wood is enthusiastic to help lead the Thoracic Surgery Foundation in the mission of fostering the development of surgeon scientists in cardiothoracic surgery; increasing knowledge and innovation to benefit patient care.

The TSF Board of Directors voted unanimously and enthusiastically to support the following projects:

Reshma M. Biniwale, MD
University of California Los Angeles
“Hearts with Hope Foundation in Peru”
Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Every Heartbeat Matters Award, $25,000

R. Morton Bolman, III, MD
University of Vermont Medical Center
“Addressing the Burden of Rheumatic Heart Disease in Rwanda: A Plan for Future Sustainability”
Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Every Heartbeat Matters Award, $37,500

Frederick L. Grover, MD
University of Colorado
“Enhancing Access to Care and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease in Nepal”
Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Every Heartbeat Matters Award, $37,500

Reza A. Khodaverdian, MD
Stanford University
“VOOM Foundation in Nigeria”
Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Every Heartbeat Matters Award, $25,000

Pranava Sinha, MD
Children’s Research Institute
“Management of Rheumatic Heart Disease in Uganda”
Edwards Lifesciences Every Heartbeat Matters Award, $37,500

Luca A. Vricella, MD
Johns Hopkins University
“Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Mission to Cambodia”
Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Every Heartbeat Matters Award, $37,500

TSF is a pivotal force for growth and vitality in cardiothoracic surgery, especially for research and academic career development, awarding nearly $15 million in cardiothoracic surgery research and education grants. The Foundation was first established in 1988 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization and is the charitable arm of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. The mission of TSF is to foster the development of surgeon scientists in cardiothoracic surgery; increasing knowledge and innovation to benefit patient care.

Contact: Priscilla S. Kennedy, TSF Executive Director
pkennedy@sts.org
312-202-5868

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