The TSF/Francis Fontan Fund International Traveling Fellowship in Partnership with the Latin American Association of Cardiac and Endovascular Surgery (LACES)
The European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) are proud to further their collaboration following the success of the Thoracic Surgery Foundation (TSF)/Francis Fontan Fund (FFF) International Traveling Fellowship. The organizations are expanding to partner with the Latin American Association of Cardiac and Endovascular Surgery (LACES). The new fellowship is named the TSF/FFF/LACES International Traveling Fellowship.
This unique and prestigious fellowship will support the advancement of cardiothoracic surgical care through the sharing of clinical experiences across the global cardiothoracic surgery community. The fellowship fosters the continued growth and development of cardiothoracic surgeons by providing opportunities to learn the highest standards of cardiothoracic surgical care in Europe and North America, and gain knowledge of novel techniques and innovative technologies used by institutions on those continents.
Successful applicants will use the valuable learnings and collaborative relationships developed through the fellowship to enhance the practice of cardiothoracic surgery at their home institution in Latin America and support the delivery of the highest quality patient care.
Purpose:
The purpose of the fellowship is to facilitate the continuing education of deserving senior cardiothoracic surgery residents or early career cardiothoracic surgeons committed to filling possible gaps in their knowledge or abilities. The award is designed for members of LACES to enable international travel to an institution in either Europe or North America. The fellowship will run for 4-10 weeks. Successful applicants will have a record of excellence in training and academic achievement. They will have secured a position at a host institution and a mentor capable of nurturing their continued growth and development in the realm of cardiothoracic surgery.
Eligibility:
- Early career cardiothoracic surgeons or senior cardiothoracic surgery residents who have achieved appropriate certification or recognition of their achievements in cardiothoracic surgery training, and who devote their professional efforts to the interests of the specialty.
- In possession of a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in their respective geographic area, with no action pending that could adversely affect their qualification for staff privileges at any hospital.
- A member of LACES.
Mentor/Convenor:
Applicants from Latin America will be expected to identify a host/mentor surgeon in either North America or Europe, willing and able to host them for a suitable period to facilitate the fellowship. The educational and training content and length of the fellowship should be determined by the applicant in consultation with the hosting surgeon, so long as the objectives of the fellowship (stated above) are achieved. The applicant will also be invited to submit a budget, up to the maximum available, justifying the living and learning costs associated with the proposed fellowship.
In summary:
- Applicant is responsible for the selection of his/her mentor.
- Applicant is responsible for securing a position with the proposed mentor at the proposed host institution.
- Mentor must be an EACTS or STS member
Funding: Awards of up to $11,000 US Dollars for 4-10 weeks will be granted to support a cardiothoracic surgeon or resident for this fellowship. The first award payment (75%) will be distributed at time of award notification (TBC). The second and final grant instalment (25%) will be made upon completion of a satisfactory progress report, which will be approved by the TSF/FFF/LACES Award Committee. This award of up to $11,000 US Dollars will be used to defray the travel and living expenses for the fellowship period.
Application Selection: The TSF/FFF/LACES grant applications will be reviewed and evaluated by the TSF/FFF/LACES Awards Committee.
TSF/FFF Awards Selection Committee:
- TSF President
- FFF Chairman
- LACES President
Application:
- Biographical Information
- Personal Goals
- Career Goals
- Education Environment at Host Institution
- Mentor/Convenor Information
Required Application Materials:
- Online Application (Application Open Date: July 1, 2023)
- Applicant CV
- Mentor CV: Restricted to one page CV / biography / NIH biosketch / or equivalent
- One (1) letter of support from proposed mentor: the letter should confirm: (a) the availability of adequate training environment/educational experience that will provide the proposed training, and (b) the proposed mentor’s agreement to serve as mentor.
- Budget (approximate breakdown of funding costs)
- Visa and appropriate international travel materials
Timeline:
- Application Open: July 1, 2024
- Application Deadline: September 15, 2024
