Purpose

Through the generosity of the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association (STSA), this award provides up to $40,000 per year for up to two years to support the research fellowship of a resident for general surgery or cardiothoracic surgery residents who have not yet completed cardiothoracic surgical training. During the fellowship, the resident will work in a cardiothoracic surgical clinical or laboratory research program. STSA membership is not required; however, applicants must meet STSA membership eligibility requirements.

These awards are designed to provide salary and/or direct experimental support for surgical trainees who wish to acquire investigational skills. No additional funds will be paid out for indirect, fringe, or other expenditures. Although a specific research program is required as the major component of the application, emphasis for selection is placed on the potential of the applicant, based on prior accomplishments, and the quality of the educational experience for the applicant. Particular emphasis is placed on evidence of supervisory interaction in preparation of the application, the extent to which research training and a productive educational experience is convincingly described, and the training environment. Additional criteria include the probability of successful project completion and an assessment of the importance of the particular educational effort toward the advancement of cardiothoracic surgery.

Eligibility

• Any general surgery or cardiothoracic surgery trainee who intends to pursue a career in investigative cardiothoracic surgery; or general surgery or cardiothoracic thoracic surgery trainees whose program director indicates that the applicant will be allowed not less than 80% protected time for research; or general surgery or cardiothoracic surgery residents who have not yet completed their training but wish to acquire an investigative education with a specified mentor.
• General surgery or cardiothoracic surgery residents who currently practice or are enrolled at a program in one of the following states or regions: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, or the U.S. territories and commonwealths in the Caribbean.
• Note: STSA membership is not required.

Award Amount

The STSA Resident Research Fellowship provides support of up to $40,000 per year for up to two years. Requests for support for a single laboratory year are discouraged unless this represents the second of two consecutive research years. If two years of funding are requested and awarded, a progress report is required prior to release of payment for the second year. The applicant must be willing to present their research at the STSA Annual Meeting.

The awarded funds must be used solely for the direct expenses related to the proposed research project, including salary, services, and supplies; no additional funds will be provided. The award is not to be used to cover indirect expenses, fringe benefits, or expenditures that are not related to the project. This grant is made possible by the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association.

Required Application Materials

• Biographical Information
• Lay Summary (500 words or less)
• Training Plan and Environment (3,500 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
• Literature references
• Applicant’s NIH Biosketch
• Mentor’s NIH Biosketch
• 2 Letters of Support (Department Chair and Mentor)
• Headshot Photograph
• Optional: Other relevant data, such as figures, additional letters of support, etc.

Timeline

Application Open: July 1, 2024
Application Deadline: September 15, 2024
Grant Period: July 1, 2025 – July 1, 2027
Applicants Notified of Award or Regrets: December 2024 - January 2025
See full award timeline here.