Awards Program

TSF Awards Program* – PDF

*Subject to Change

General Instructions for Applicants

RESEARCH

TSF Research Award→
Operational support of original research efforts by cardiothoracic surgeons who have completed their formal training, and who are seeking initial support and recognition for the research program. Awards of up to $85,000 per year for up to two years are granted to support the work of an early-career cardiothoracic surgeon (within seven years of first faculty appointment at time of application deadline). 
Application Open: 07/01/23, Deadline: 09/15/23

STS Research Award→
Operational support of original research efforts by cardiothoracic surgeons who have completed their formal training, and who are seeking initial support and recognition for the research program. Awards of up to $90,000 per year for up to two years are granted to support the work of an early-career cardiothoracic surgeon (within seven years of first faculty appointment at time of application deadline). The STS Research Award designation is given to the highest-ranking TSF Research Award application.
Application Open: 07/01/23, Deadline: 09/15/23

TSF Resident Research Fellowship Award→
This award provides up to $60,000 per year for up to two years to support the research fellowship of a resident who has not yet completed cardiothoracic surgical training. During the fellowship, the resident will work in a cardiothoracic surgical clinical or laboratory research program.
Application Open: 07/01/23, Deadline: 09/15/23

Nina Starr Braunwald Research Award→
Nina Starr Braunwald, MD was the first woman to be certified by the ABTS and the first woman to conduct open heart surgery.  This award in her name provides operational support of original research efforts by women cardiac surgeons who have completed their formal training, and who are seeking initial support and recognition for their research program. Since its inception, award recipients have gone on to become established leaders within the field and this award is one of the specialty’s most prestigious research grants. Awards of up to $85,000 per year for up to two years are made each year to support the work of an early-career woman cardiac surgeon (within five years of first faculty appointment).
Application Open: 07/01/23, Deadline: 09/15/23

Nina Starr Braunwald Research Fellowship Award→
Nina Starr Braunwald, MD was the first woman to be certified by the ABTS and the first woman to conduct open heart surgery. This award in her name supports up to $60,000 per year for up to two years for a woman resident working in a cardiac surgical clinic or laboratory research program who has not yet completed cardiothoracic surgical training. Since its inception, fellowship recipients have gone on to become established leaders within the field. This is widely recognized as one of the specialty’s most prestigious research fellowships.
Application Open: 07/01/23, Deadline: 09/15/23

Southern Thoracic Surgical Association (STSA) Resident Research Award→
TSF, through the generosity and philanthropy of the STSA, is offering this award that will provide up to $40,000 per year for up to two years to support the research fellowship of a resident who has 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.
Application Open: 07/01/23, Deadline: 09/15/23

AstraZeneca Lung Cancer Research Award→
The purpose of the award is to provide support to investigators conducting research related to lung cancer. Applicants proposed projects should aim to reduce the burden of lung disease through the advancement of clinical, transitional and/or basic scientific research. Awards of up to $50,000 per year for up to two years are granted to support the work of an early-career cardiothoracic surgeon (within seven years of first faculty appointment at time of application deadline).
Application Open: 07/01/23, Deadline: 09/15/23

AstraZeneca Reversing Health Disparities in Lung Cancer Research Award→
The purpose of the award is to provide support to investigators conducting health disparity research related to lung cancer. Awards of up to $50,000 per year for up to two years are granted to support the work of an early-career cardiothoracic surgeon (within seven years of first faculty appointment at time of application deadline) and research or physician scientists.
Application Open: 07/01/23, Deadline: 09/15/23

EDUCATION

TSF/Francis Fontan Fund International Traveling Fellowship→
The TSF/FFF International Traveling Fellowship is a two-way international educational fellowship to support a cardiothoracic surgeon to travel to another international institution, and is co-administered by the FFF/EACTS and TSF/STS. The award offers support of $20,000 (€16,500) for 4-16 weeks to be used for international travel for the purpose of learning a novel technique, adapting innovative technology and/or fostering collaboration between surgical investigators in order to further the progress of cardiothoracic surgery at the recipient’s home institution.
Application Open: 07/01/23, Deadline: 09/15/23

TSF/FFF International Traveling Fellowship in Partnership with LACES→
Following the success of the Thoracic Surgery Foundation/Francis Fontan Fund International Traveling Fellowship, EACTS and STS are expanding to partner with the Latin American Association of Cardio and Endovascular Surgery (LACES). The award offers support of $11,000 (€10,000) for 4-10 weeks for early career cardiothoracic surgeons and senior cardiothoracic surgical residents to travel internationally for the purpose of learning a novel technique, adapting innovative technology and/or fostering collaboration between surgical investigators in order to further the progress of cardiothoracic surgery at the recipient’s home institution.
Application Open: 07/01/23, Deadline: 09/15/23

Michael J. Davidson Structural Heart Fellowship Award→
Michael J. Davidson, MD was an outstanding cardiothoracic surgeon and teacher, who was murdered in January of 2015 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. This tragedy profoundly affected the cardiothoracic community and brought to light Dr. Davidson’s achievements in mastering sophisticated catheter skills and advocating for a future that would meld the cardiac catheterization lab with the operating theater. This award in his name provides support of up to $50,000 for cardiothoracic surgeons and trainees who are seeking to enhance their skills in both transcatheter valve techniques and open valve surgery.
Application Open: 07/01/23, Deadline: 09/15/23

EHM Structural Heart Diversity Fellowship→
The Every Heartbeat Matters Structural Heart Diversity Fellowship offers support for cardiothoracic surgeons and trainees who are seeking to enhance their skills in either transcatheter valve techniques or open valve surgery. Support of up to $50,000 is available for surgeons and trainees who are members of an underrepresented demographic group.
Application Open: 07/01/23, Application Deadline: 09/28/23

Nicholas Kouchoukos Award→
STS Past President and Historian Nicholas T. Kouchoukos, MD, has had a long, remarkable career in cardiothoracic surgery, and among his greatest achievements was the development of the modified Bentall procedure, and hypothermic TAAA Repair. This award in his name provides support of up to $10,000 to facilitate the continuing education of a cardiothoracic surgeon or senior resident committed to the treatment of thoracic aortic disease. The award is to be used for travel to another institution for the purpose of learning a novel technique, adapting innovative technology and/or fostering collaboration between surgical investigators in order to enhance patient care at the recipient’s home institution.
Application Open: 07/01/23, Deadline: 09/16/23

TSF/STS Douglas Mathisen Traveling Fellowship in General Thoracic Surgery→
STS Past President and TSF Past Board Member, Douglas J. Mathisen, MD, has had a huge impact in the cardiothoracic surgery specialty through his dedication to patient care and unwavering commitment to resident education. He has been a tremendous role model, mentor, and sponsor to scores of residents, fellows, and early careerists. This award in his name provides support of up to $20,000 to support the continuing education of early career general thoracic surgeons to travel domestically or internationally in order to learn a new technique, adapt new technology, and collaborate between investigators in order to further the progress of general thoracic surgery at the recipient’s home institution.
Application Open: July 1 2023, Launching in the 2024 Awards Program

Carolyn E. Reed Traveling Fellowship Award→
Carolyn E. Reed, MD was a thoracic surgeon, an educator and successful researcher, who died early while still in her prime. She served as the first female Chair of the ABTS and was also President of the STSA and STS. This award in her name provides support of up to $10,000 for a clinically-established woman cardiothoracic surgeon, or woman resident in her last year of cardiothoracic surgery residency, to travel to another institution for the purpose of learning a new skill or technology.
Application Open: 07/01/23, Deadline: 09/15/23

Robert L. Replogle Traveling Fellowship Award→
Robert L. Replogle, MD was a talented pediatric cardiac surgeon as well as an educator, researcher, and national leader in cardiothoracic surgery. The purpose of the Replogle Fellowship is to facilitate the continuing education of a deserving young faculty surgeon or resident committed to the treatment of congenital heart disease in neonates, infants, children, and adults. The award will be used for travel to another institution for the purpose of learning a novel technique, adapting innovative technology, and/or fostering collaboration between surgical investigators in order to further the progress of congenital heart surgery at the recipient’s home institution. This award in Dr. Replogle’s name will provide support of up to $10,000 for up to four weeks for early career congenital heart surgeons, fellows enrolled in a congenital cardiac surgery fellowship, or cardiothoracic surgery residents who have matched in a congenital cardiac surgery fellowship.
Application Open: 07/01/23, Deadline: 09/15/23

Sarns Terumo Perfusion Education Fellowship Award→
The purpose of this traveling fellowship is to facilitate the continuing education of a deserving Board certified perfusionist committed to expanding cardiovascular perfusion education and knowledge base. The $10,000 award is to be used for travel to another institution for the purpose of learning unique techniques, simulation approaches, and opportunities to adapt innovative technology to further the progress and care of cardiothoracic surgery patients at the recipient’s home institution. The successful applicant will have a record of excellence in training, leadership and achievement. He/she will have secured a position at an institution or group practice capable of providing continued growth and development in the realm of cardiovascular perfusion education.
Application Open: 07/01/23, Deadline: 09/15/23

Underrepresented Robotic General Thoracic (URGT) Surgeon Development Award→
The URGT award is designed to provide skills for eligible surgeons and cardiothoracic surgery residents to grow a robotic general thoracic surgical practice, and is supported by Intuitive. Support of up to $10,000 is available for general thoracic surgeons and cardiothoracic surgery residents (in their last year of training) who are either: a member of an underrepresented demographic group in medicine, work in a designated rural area, or, work in a medically underserved area/population.
Application Open: 07/01/23, Deadline: 09/28/23

Advanced Robotic Cardiac Surgery Fellowship→
This advanced fellowship opportunity will be awarded to a surgeon and their institution to support and facilitate the successful initiation of a high quality robotic cardiac surgery program at his/her home institution. Surgeon applicant and first assistant must have attended the STS Workshop on Robotic Cardiac Surgery, meet specific requirements confirming institutional support and resources, and have experience performing mitral valve repair and replacement and/or have significant OPCAB experience. The fellow will be assigned to a proctor, and the primary mentor/sponsor will assist the fellow with five robotic cases, at the fellow’s institution. This fellowship is supported by the generosity of Intuitive.
Application Open: 01/27/22, Deadline: Open year-round and submissions are reviewed quarterly

The Levi Watkins Innovation and Leadership Development Scholarship→
Levi Watkins, MD was an accomplished cardiothoracic surgeon and social activist at Johns Hopkins Medical Center, and made medical history by working with innovative physicians and engineers to implant the first automated internal cardiac defibrillator in a human-being. The Watkins Scholarship will provide a training and/or development grant to support travel to a center of excellence to acquire additional clinical, translational or leadership training to enhance skills and practice in an area of innovation or surgical significance. This award in his name will provide support of up to $5,000 for up to two weeks for cardiothoracic surgeons who are within ten years of first faculty appointment, and who are members of an underrepresented group in medicine.
Application Open: 07/01/23, Deadline: 09/15/23

LEADERSHIP

TSF Alley-Sheridan Scholarship→ 
Ralph Alley, MD was a Founding Member of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and served as President from 1975-1976. David Sheridan was an inventor and close friend of Dr. Alley who held more than 50 patents for innovations that have improved health care.  Moved by his collaborator and friend’s commitment to thoracic surgery, Sheridan created the Alley-Sheridan Fund, which provides the following educational opportunities for cardiothoracic surgeons:

1. Leadership Program in Health Policy Management: TSF offers up to ten partial scholarships of $2,500 towards the $5,400 cost to attend the Leadership Program at the Heller School of Public Policy and Management at Brandeis University. Application Deadline: 04/21/23 – CLOSED
2. Surgeons as Educators: TSF will support up to two scholarships of $2,500 towards the cost of tuition to attend the Surgeons As Educators Course hosted by the American College of Surgeons. To apply for this course click here. Application Deadline: 03/31/23 – CLOSED

SURGICAL OUTREACH

TSF Every Heartbeat Matters Award→ 
TSF, through the generosity and philanthropy of the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation, is offering support of up to $35,000 for qualified surgeons who conduct charity work in underserved regions/populations. This 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, or to support other programs that advance health care and address underserved populations. It is anticipated this program will lead to treatment of hundreds of valve patients and diagnosis of thousands of valves in an effort to ultimately help Edwards Lifesciences reach their goal of treating 2.5 million underserved patients.
Application Open: 07/01/23, Deadline: 09/15/23

TSF International Medical Volunteer Scholarship→
The Thoracic Surgery Foundation (TSF), through the generosity and philanthropy of the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation, is offering travel scholarships of $2,500 for qualified cardiothoracic surgery residents, and early-career cardiothoracic surgeons (within seven years of completion of CT surgery residency), who are interested in participating in international medical volunteerism (charity work) in underserved regions/populations. The TSF International Medical Volunteer Scholar will join an upcoming TSF Every Heartbeat Matters Award cardiac mission trip scheduled to occur in 2023. The upcoming scheduled TSF Every Heartbeat Matters Awards are designed to educate, screen and/or treat underserved populations to reduce the global burden of heart valve disease, and may include other programs that advance health care and address underserved populations. To apply, click here. 
Application Open Year Round starting: 02/28/23

TSF Saha Scholarship→
Provides the opportunity for junior faculty from India and cardiothoracic surgery residents from India and North America (United States and Canada) to attend the STS Annual Meeting. The award covers the cost of registration for the STS Annual Meeting (including President’s Reception), lodging at a STS Annual Meeting Partner hotel (three nights), meals, ground transportation (taxi service), and coach class air transportation. This award is made possible by the generosity of Sibu P. Saha, MD, MBA.

Application Open: 05/15/23, Deadline: 08/01/23

TSF Travel Scholarships – STS/EACTS Latin America Cardiovascular Surgery Conference →
Cardiothoracic surgeons, physicians, and residents from around the world at under-resourced institutions who are treating underserved patients, and who demonstrate a financial need are eligible for a $1,250 travel scholarship to attend the STS/EACTS Latin America Cardiovascular Surgery Conference.
Application Open: TBD 2023; Application Deadline: TBD 2023

 MISCELLANEOUS

Vivien T. Thomas Lecture→
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons launched a new named lecture at its 2020 Annual Meeting. It was in honor of Vivien Thomas, a black surgical technician with only a high school education who steadfastly designed and tested anastomosis of the subclavian artery to the pulmonary artery, resulting in the landmark “blue baby” operation in 1944 for children with tetralogy of Fallot. The STS 2020 Vivien T. Thomas Lecture was given by Clyde W. Yancy, MD, vice dean for diversity and inclusion and chief of the Division of Cardiology at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. Dr. Yancy also is a past president of the American Heart Association.
—The Vivien Thomas award is an honorarium, and will cover the cost of the speaker’s registration, travel, and lodging to participate at the STS Annual Meeting.

Links to Additional Grant Resources→

* The TSF reserves the right to determine the amount of support at the time of the award up to the amounts indicated herein. Only electronic submissions for TSF awards will be accepted.