90th AATS President Alec Patterson, MD President, AATS Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, Missouri

A Commitment to Scholarship

As my presidential year progresses, the true depth and importance of the AATS’ commitment to research and the support of our cardiothoracic surgeons at all levels of practice has become increasingly evident. The AATS’ primary mission is to support scholarship and research in the specialty of cardiothoracic surgery. A key focus of the Association in fulfilling this mission has been the annual AATS Research Scholarship award program. 

Established in 1985 on the recommendation of then AATS Councilor David B. Skinner, the research scholarship provides two years of research funding to deserving young North American surgeons committed to pursuing an academic career in cardiothoracic surgery.  The $80,000 stipend is provided each year directly to the recipient’s institution for salary support, research supplies, travel and other academic expenses.  Since its inception the association has provided close to $2 million for 29 physician scientists representing 19 of the leading research institutions in North America.  The results of these grants have proven to be most rewarding. 

There is no stronger confirmation of the success of an initiative than actual results. Of the 29 recipients of the award, there are currently 11 Professors at some of the most prestigious US institutions; 7 Associate Professors in both the US and Canada; and 11 Assistant Professors on a track to match their predecessors. In addition to academic appointments and career successes, the program has resulted in the publication of research in peer-reviewed journals, books, and chapters as well as the presentation of research results at national and international scientific meetings.

The research efforts of these young men and women have been no less productive following the conclusion of their scholarships. Recipients have used the Awards to serve as a foundation for successful pursuit of funding and grants from national level agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research. Private sources, such as the American Heart Association, The Physicians Services Corporation and the Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education have also provided grant support to expand the research programs of the Awardees.

One recipient attributes over a half million dollars in additional research support to the efforts initiated under the grant which has resulted in at least 13 peer-reviewed publications. A second credits the ability to train research associates who have added significantly to the research efforts of his institution; yet another has been awarded a Research Chair by his institution in recognition of his clinical and research activities and the subsequent publication of 6 peer-reviewed articles.  Many have cited the value of the support in relieving the immense pressure young faculty members experience to generate clinical revenue.

In addition to the Research Scholarship program, the AATS has over the years contributed more than $1 million to the TSFRE to enable the foundation to continue and expand its program of research support.

Members of the AATS should be extremely proud of the contribution our organization makes on a continuing basis to the development of scholars to assure the future of our specialty as well as encourage and support young surgeons dedicated to expanding basic and clinical research which will enable us to provide better care for our patients in the years to come.

Past Presidents