The AATS and AATS Foundation programs are advancing innovation in cardiothoracic surgery around the world. Some have been in effect for decades; others have been added over time. The Association and Foundation have been a major force in the field, reaching surgeons from six continents. Fellowships and research scholarships bring the community of cardiothoracic surgeons together and create bonds that last lifetimes.
The AATS Foundation is responsible for funding the research initiatives of the AATS through programs that address the cardiothoracic specialty as a whole. From the introduction of the first traveling fellowship in 1951 to the present day, the AATS and the AATS Foundation have funded millions of dollars in fellowships and research opportunities. Much of that supports a two-year scholarship program for young faculty pursuing an academic career. Started in 1985, the AATS Research Scholarship honors several of the pioneers in cardiothoracic surgery and some of the leaders of today were early recipients of the scholarship.
One of the newest ways the Foundation supports cutting edge research and the future leaders in the field is through the Surgical Investigator Program. The two-year grant supports young cardiothoracic surgeons in innovative clinical or translational research on topics including outcomes research, robotically assisted surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and other applications of new and innovative technologies in cardiothoracic surgery.
Since 2013, the Foundation has recognized several of the leading surgeons in our specialty through these unique Honoring Our Mentor programs: F. Griffith Pearson Fellowship, Marc R. de Leval Fellowship, Denton A. Cooley Fellowship, Lawrence H. Cohn Clinical Scholar Program, Jack A.Roth Fellowship in Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Honoring Our Cleveland Clinic Mentors Program (recognizing Drs. Floyd D. Loop, Delos M. Cosgrove, and Bruce W. Lytle), Timothy J. Gardner Visiting Professorship, Aldo R. Castaneda Fellowship, and the David J. Sugarbaker Lectureship. These awards were established by surgeons to honor their mentors’ guidance, leadership and dedication. Those that have created these awards are immortalizing their mentors’ legacies through these fellowships, as well as helping to cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. The award winners then foster the careers of other young surgeons, thereby continuing the education cycle. Support of these programs is essential to promote our specialty for the next generation of leaders, educators, and surgeons.
The Foundation's oldest program is the Evarts A. Graham Traveling Fellowship which was established in 1951. It provides support for young surgeons outside the United States to come to North America to intensify their training in a program of special interest and to increase their contacts with cardiothoracic surgeons around the world. Today, the Foundation has a number of cardiac, thoracic, and congenital fellowships that are available for North American and international surgeons. These programs vary and offer a variety of opportunities for those interested in enhancing their surgical skills and knowledge. To learn more about the programs we offer please visit our scholarship and award site.