Overview: The Thoracic Surgery Foundation (TSF), through the generosity of the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation, is offering travel scholarships of $2,500 for qualified cardiothoracic surgery residents and early-career cardiothoracic surgeons who are interested in participating in international medical volunteerism in underserved regions.
Purpose: The TSF International Medical Volunteer Scholarships aim to provide a global cardiothoracic surgery volunteer experience for cardiothoracic surgery residents or surgeons (within seven years of completion of CT surgery residency), who wish to gain experience in charitable surgical outreach efforts for underserved patients in the developing world, under the mentorship of an experienced surgeon volunteer. Scholars will choose from TSF-sponsored cardiac medical mission trips, and serve as an active member of the volunteer team, assisting with surgery, screening, and medical education for underserved patients. These trips 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.
Eligibility - Candidates must meet one of the following descriptions:
a) A cardiothoracic 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, and who is within seven years of completion of CT surgery residency, or;
b) A cardiothoracic surgery resident enrolled in an ACGME-accredited cardiothoracic surgery residency fellowship program who has not yet completed their training.