Enormous amounts of research funding in the United States flow from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It is imperative for academic cardiothoracic surgeons to be familiar with the NIH and its process for grant review and approval, because obtaining NIH funding is a complex endeavor.

AATS has organized a workshop on writing grants that is unique in the field of cardiothoracic surgery. This workshop was created in 2004 to provide participants a better understanding of the complex nature of preparing and submitting successful grant proposals.

This year under direction of Dr. del Nido from Boston Children's Hospital, the Workshop on Grantsmanship covered the changes in the process for grant review and approval.  This is the first time in over 20 years that NIH has changed it procedures, and it is important for grant applicants to understand these changes and its consequence. 

Subsequently Dr. Sellke from Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center, expanded on the “Review process”.  It is important to understand different study sections as well as the constitution of different members.  Thereafter, Dr. Martin from the Center for scientific review at NIH continued on to grant review process as well as its recent modifications.  Dr. Martin is in charge of an integrated review group that oversees numerous study sections that review grants.  Therefore, his comments were very insightful and helpful for participants and future applicants.

After a great session ending with panel discussion, Dr.Horvath from National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provided to participants and more detailed look inside the NHLBI. NHLBI is a significant source of research funding for cardiothoracic surgeons within NIH funds.

The workshop’s last presentation was on “Fellowships and career development awards”.  Dr. Kron from University of Virginia Medical Center explained the differences between different mentor-associated research grants such as F32, K08 and K23.
In summary, the Workshop on Grantsmanship is an excellent tool for surgeons interested in academic cardiothoracic surgery to obtain insight view into the grant review and approval process.