Purpose

Through the generosity of the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation, TSF offers grants of up to $35,000 for qualified surgeons who conduct charity surgical outreach work in underserved regions with underserved populations. The TSF Every Heartbeat Matters 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 and;
• Other programs that advance health care and address underserved populations. This can include education and awareness campaigns, research, and/or direct care for underserved populations.

‍Eligibility

‍Applicants must be ABTS (or equivalent) certified cardiothoracic surgeons.

‍Resources/Guidelines

‍The Partnership for Quality Medical Donations (PQMD) HSS Initiative has created a set of standards designed to better align sending organizations and host organizations. The nine PQMD standards outline the general principles to help create a partnership and mutual respect. These standards also focus on improving the process and practice of medical missions and programs including training and capacity building efforts. Applicants for the TSF Every Heartbeat Matters Award are encouraged to review the guidelines and checklists made available by the Partnership for Quality Medical Donations (PQMD) to assist in planning the humanitarian program.

Required Application Materials

• Completed online application
• Submit Goals related to the following
  1. Proposed screening strategies and translation to surgical interventions in underserved regions/populations.
  2. Focus on heart valve disease recognition and treatment in underserved regions/populations.
  3. Specific statistics on the quantity of patients who will be screened.
  4. Specific statistics on the nature and quantity of heart valve issues that will be detected are required as part of the application process
  ‍
• Two (2) letters of recommendation:
  • Department Chair (or equivalent) at institution in which applicant currently practices
  • Facility Sponsor at institution in underserved region where charity work will occur
• Applicant’s Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Department Chair’s Curriculum Vitae (or individual equivalent to Department Chair)
• Headshot Photograph

Timeline

• Application Open: July 1, 2024
• Application Deadline: September 15, 2024
• Applicants Notified of Award or Regrets: December 2024 - January 2025

See full award timeline here.