AATS Research Scholarship

Program Overview

The American Association for Thoracic Surgery announces the Second Michael DeBakey Research Scholarship to provide an opportunity for research, training and experience to North American surgeons committed to pursuing an academic career in cardiothoracic surgery. 

In 1985, the AATS established a two-year research scholarship awarded annually to a North American surgeon committed to pursuing an academic career in cardiothoracic surgery. Each year the Association honors one of the specialties major contributors to the science of cardiothoracic surgery through their efforts in basic and clinical research. This year’s scholarship recognizes the contributions of Dr. Norman Shumway.

Successful applicants will receive complimentary registration to the 2020 AATS Annual Meeting in New York, NY taking place April 25-28, 2020 as well as to the 2021 Annual Meeting to be held in Seattle, WA May 1-4, 2021. During the Annual Meeting, the awardee(s) will be formally acknowledged during the AATS Foundation Reception.

Application Guidelines

Please note the following guidelines when submitting a proposal;

• All applications will be subjected to a rigorous peer-review process which will be established and overseen by the Program's Review Committee.
• The yearly stipend shall be $80,000 paid to the host institution for support of salary, research supplies, travel and other legitimate academic expenses of the scholar.
• The stipend is to be used for direct salary support and related research expenses only; it cannot be used to support indirect institutional costs.
• The Scholarship will begin July 1, 2020 and concludes on July 1, 2022. The scholar shall submit an interim and a final written report of his/her research activities to the Council of the Association.
• After completion of research, investigators will be required to submit a final report of their research activities and findings to the AATS Foundation Board.
• All publications emanating from the research must include acknowledgement of the award.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an award, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• A candidate should have completed his/her formal training in cardiothoracic surgery and be certified or in the process of obtaining certification by the appropriate Thoracic Surgery Board in the United States or Canada;
• Applications for the scholarship must be submitted during the candidate's first two years in an academic position;
• Candidates must have completed their cardiothoracic residency within 3 years of application.

Application Process

• Curriculum Vitae;
• Description of the proposed research, including Background, Specific Aims, Significance and Research Plan – 5 page limit;
• Description of research facilities;
• Detailed budget, including indirect costs;
• Letter of support from Surgical Chief or Director of laboratory where research will be conducted addressing his/her endorsement of proposal and feasibility of the research proposal being carried out;
• First most significant Publication;
• Second most significant Publication;
• One page narrative describing the relationship of the proposed research to the applicant’s career goals.