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Evarts A. Graham Memorial Traveling Fellowship

Program Overview

The Evarts A. Graham Memorial Traveling Fellowship was established in 1951 by the American Association for Thoracic Surgery for the purpose of supporting study within North America by promising young academic cardiothoracic surgeons from outside the region to broaden their overall training and increase international contacts. Since the inception of the Graham Traveling Fellowship, 66 individuals from 30 countries have completed the Fellowship.


Eligibility

  • Awards are made to surgeons of unique promise who are regarded as having potential for international thoracic surgical leadership.
  • A candidate should have completed his/her formal training in general surgery and in thoracic and/or cardiovascular surgery, but should not yet have reached a senior position.
  • Candidates must be sufficiently proficient in English to realize the full benefits of the Fellowship.
  • The Fellow must identify an individual at a primary center who will act as his/her sponsor and who will assist in planning the course of study at the host institution for a minimum of six - nine months. A letter of support from that sponsor is required.
  • In addition to their primary center, the Fellow is encouraged to select secondary centers in which complementary experience can be acquired, and at which the candidate will spend shorter periods of time. These centers should be selected with guidance from their primary host, and mentors at those locations should submit letters of support.
  • The Fellow is expected to engage in observation, consultation, teaching, and research during the 12 months. Patient contact will be determined by the sponsoring surgeon and will conform to the regulations and licensing requirements of the state, province, or country in which he/she is studying.
  • Candidates must be non-North American residents without significant (> 6 months) previous training in North America prior to applying. While candidates with prior North American experience may apply, those with no prior experience will receive preference.

Application Process

  • The applicant's proposed plan of study must clearly outline the educational insights and benefits that the fellowship will have on their professional career.
  • Letters of support and biography submitted by the applicant must outline future ambitions leading towards a potential leadership role in cardiothoracic surgery.
  • The successful candidate should be planning to return to their native country following the completion of their fellowship.

Review Process

The Evarts A. Graham Memorial Traveling Fellowship Committee will review all applications and select one awardee to be presented to AATS Board of Directors for a final decision. Applications will be graded on all aspects of the award criteria. At the conclusion of their experience, a final report is required for submission to the Foundation prior to the AATS Board of Directors Meeting at the Annual Meeting.