William I. Norwood Travel Awards
Supporting Participation in the AATS Congenital Valve Symposium and the 106th AATS Annual Meeting
Applicant Requirements: Deadline ends at 11:59pm Eastern on 1/31/2026
Career Stage: Early Career Surgeons, Residents/ Fellows
Program Type: Annual Meeting Program
Specialty: Congenital
Status: Open
Opens: September 1, 2025
Deadline: January 31, 2026
Program Overview
The AATS Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Norwood Travel Awards, created in honor of Dr. William I. Norwood. These awards are designed to encourage participation at both the AATS Congenital Valve Symposium, a half-day course scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026, in conjunction with the 106th AATS Annual Meeting in Chicago.
Through this program, the Foundation aims to bring congenital and adult cardiac surgeons together to advance their surgical skills and discuss innovative techniques to improve care for patients with congenital heart disease. The travel awards will provide early career surgeons from around the world with the opportunity to learn from the masters in congenital heart surgery and network with hundreds of leaders in the field.
Program Impact
The William I. Norwood Travel Awards honor Dr. Norwood’s legacy by investing in the next generation of congenital cardiothoracic surgeons. Awardees will gain access to world-class education, networking, and collaboration opportunities during the AATS Congenital Valve Symposium and the AATS Annual Meeting.
Eligibility Requirements
North American Applicants
- Senior residents heading toward a congenital focus
- Fellows currently in a congenital-focused fellowship
- Award: $1,000 travel stipend plus complimentary registration to the AATS Congenital Valve Symposium and the 106th Annual Meeting
International Applicants
- Senior residents heading toward a congenital focus
- Fellows currently in a congenital-focused fellowship
- Early-career surgeons (1-7 years out of training) with a congenital focus
- Award: $2,500 travel stipend plus complimentary registration to the AATS Congenital Valve Symposium and the 106th Annual Meeting
Application Process
Eligible applicants will be required to submit:
- A current CV
- A brief statement of interest (500 words or less) outlining professional goals and commitment to congenital surgery
- One letter of recommendation from a program director, division chief, or mentor
*Please note that any award payments made to foreign individuals may be subject to federal tax withholding of up to 30% if a recipient is traveling to the United States.
Review Process: The AATS Foundation’s Travel Award Committee will review all applications and recommend recipients to be presented to AATS Foundation Board of Directors for a final decision.
Applications will be graded on all aspects of the award criteria. All applicants will be notified with an official letter from the AATS Foundation prior to the AATS Congenital Valve Symposium and AATS Annual Meeting. Should you have any questions regarding your status prior to receiving this notification, please contact foundation@aats.org.