Purpose

Named for surgeon-inventor Arshad Quadri and aortic surgery innovator Joseph Bavaria, this award is designed to support cardiac surgeons, residents, trainees, research scientists, and other inventors in their pursuit of innovations in cardiac surgery that will create better patient outcomes for all those who suffer from cardiac disease.  

This award is intended for basic and pre-clinical or translational research into heart failure secondary to heart disease and revolves around the use of novel devices to lessen the burden of heart failure from end-stage valvular or other conditions, including, but not limited to, heart valve device design. Associated translational research related to function, physiology, and efficacy of novel heart valve devices also falls under the scope of the award.

Eligibility

• Cardiac surgeon who has completed a program leading to certification by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery or its equivalent in a country outside of the United States, or who will successfully complete such training by the grant start date, and who is within seven years of their first faculty appointment*
• Research Scientist or Physician Scientist At the time of application, the applicant must hold a doctoral degree and have a faculty appointment or equivalent with demonstrated institutional commitment (salary support, research space) in a recognized academic or other not-for-profit institution; Fellows and PhD post-docs are eligible to apply only if their Department Chair can assure a promotion to faculty status by the start of the award.
• Resident working in a cardiac surgical clinic or laboratory research program who has not yet completed cardiothoracic surgical training.  
• General Surgery Trainee or Cardiac Surgery Trainee who intends to pursue a career in investigative cardiac surgery.

*Extending applicant eligibility beyond seven years of first faculty appointment may be considered under extraordinary circumstances. Examples include career interruptions caused by military service, health challenges, or unusual family responsibilities. Exceptions must be requested in writing and approved by the President of the TSF Board of Directors prior to the application deadline

Award Amount

• For Cardiac Surgeons, Research Scientists, Physician Scientists: $50,000 per year, for up to two years ($100,000 total)
• For Residents, General Surgery Trainees, Cardiac Surgery Trainees: $40,000 per year, for up to two years ($80,000 total)

Application Requirements

• Biographical Information
• Lay Summary: 500 words or less
• Goals: 100 words or less
• Career Development Plan and Environment: 1,400 words or less
• Specific Aims: 700 words or less
• Background and Significance: 700 words or less
• Research Plan: 3,500 words or less
• Budget and Justification: 1,400 words or less

Required Application Materials

• Applicant CV
• Mentor CV
• One (1) Letter of Support from Mentor: The letter should confirm: (a) the availability of adequate training environment/educational experience that will provide the proposed training, and (b) his or her agreement to serve as mentor.
• Budget (approximate breakdown of funding costs)

Mentor/Convenor

• Applicant is responsible for selection of his/her mentor.
• Applicant is responsible for securing a position with the mentor at the host institution.

‍Timeline

• Application Open: To be determined
• Application Deadline: ‍To be determined