Medical Student Opportunity Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by American Association for Thoracic Surgery

Overview
This scholarship offers up to $10,000 over a maximum of two years to support medical students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or those who have overcome substantial adversity and intend to pursue a career in cardiothoracic surgery. Recipients also receive up to $1,500 to attend the AATS Annual Meeting. First-time awardees will be matched with an AATS member mentor and take part in the AATS “Member for a Day” program.

Eligibility
- Enrolled as a medical student in the second or third year (or equivalent) at an accredited institution in the United States or Canada.
- Demonstrable financial need.
- Able to provide a copy of current academic transcripts.

Application requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
- Curriculum vitae that includes a detailed summary of surgical experiences.
- Copy of current medical school transcripts.
- A narrative statement that: (1) documents financial need and eligibility for the scholarship; (2) explains how the award would support career objectives; (3) describes interest in a future career in Cardiothoracic Surgery; and (4) indicates the medical school start date.
- Two letters of support from medical school faculty endorsing the applicant’s interest in cardiothoracic surgery. (If letter writers prefer to send letters directly to the AATS Foundation, they may email them to foundation@aats.org.)
- A budget attachment specifying the requested amount and funding duration and detailing how funds will be used, including whether the money will supplement tuition or living expenses and whether the AATS Annual Meeting stipend is requested.

Funding guidelines
Requests of up to $10,000 plus the $1,500 AATS Annual Meeting stipend will be accepted for consideration. Smaller, shorter-term funding proposals will also be considered.

Review and notification process
The AATS Foundation’s Equity & Career Development Scholarship Committee will evaluate applications and forward recommendations to the AATS Foundation Board of Directors, which makes the final award decisions. Applications are assessed against the stated award criteria. Applicants will receive an official notification letter within 2–3 months following the program deadline. For questions about application status prior to that notification, contact foundation@aats.org.

Post-award reporting
At the end of the funded year, recipients must submit a report summarizing activities supported by the scholarship, accomplishments achieved, and plans for continued training. Awardees will collaborate with AATS Foundation staff to determine appropriate ways to share their progress with a broader audience.