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.


To apply for the TSF International Medical Volunteer Scholarship, candidates must: 

1. Submit and complete this online application.
2. Submit a CV or resume
3. Submit one letter of recommendation*.

*If the applicant is a resident, the letter of recommendation must come from the applicant’s program director, and it must confirm that the resident has permission to participate as an international medical volunteer, which would remove them from their residency program for up to two weeks.

Incomplete applications cannot be considered. If you have questions, please contact TSF Headquarters at tsf@sts.org or (312) 202-5868.

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* 1. Applicant Information:

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* 2. Gender:

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* 3. Are you a Board certified cardiothoracic surgeon?

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* 4. Please list the name of the certifying body of your medical certification (if applicable).

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* 5. What is the name of the medical school that you attended?

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* 6. Please indicate the number of years you have been practicing cardiothoracic surgery after completion of a cardiothoracic surgery residency or other training.

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* 7. What type of medical environment best describes your current work situation?

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* 8. Do you have experience serving as a medical volunteer for underserved patients?

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