Surgical Fellowship Grant

Program Overview

The Foundation for Surgical Fellowships awards grants to support post-graduate surgical fellowship training in minimally invasive surgical disciplines.

Eligible Disciplines

• MIS General Surgery
• Bariatric Surgery
• MIS General/Bariatric Surgery
• Colorectal Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) Surgery
• Robotic-focused fellowships within any of the above disciplines

Eligibility Requirements

• Institutional Eligibility: Institutions with programs accredited by The Fellowship Council
• Alternative Accreditation: Certain fellowship programs with ACGME-accreditation that do not receive CMS funding may also be considered
• Geographic Scope: Currently funds institutions in the United States only
• Fellowship Focus: Fellowship training must be primarily minimally invasive

Robotics Fellowship Grant Requirements

To be considered for a robotic-focused fellowship grant:

• Each fellow in the program must have a minimum of 50 cases performed using a dual console in the last academic year
• Combined case volume for all primary faculty administering training must be at least 75 cases performed as a console surgeon in the last academic year
• Programs are evaluated first within their specialty, then for robotics caseload

Award Details

• Maximum Award: Up to $20,000 per fellowship position (varies by year based on funds raised and number of applications)
• Payment Schedule: Grant funds are awarded in two payments during the funded fellowship year (November and May), contingent on program submission of case logs and other requirements on time
• Award Notification: Notifications sent approximately 90 days from application close date

Allowed Uses of Funds

Grant funds may only be used for:

• Fellow salary and benefits
• Travel expenses for no more than one surgical society meeting or conference attendance per fellowship year

Prohibited Uses of Funds

Funds cannot be used for:

• Administrative overhead
• Malpractice insurance
• Capital equipment purchases
• Computer hardware or software
• Cellular phones or related charges
• Parking fees
• Meals
• Any purpose other than MIS fellowship training as specified in the original application

Multiple Applications

• Fellowship programs may apply for multiple awards in a given specialty in one application
• Program directors applying for fellowships in different disciplines must submit a separate application for each discipline
• Awarding of one position does not ensure that all positions will be funded

Tax Status

Whether the fellowship grant is taxable depends on the institution's tax designation. Applicants should consult with their institution's accounting department or tax professional for definitive advice.

How to Apply

1. Online Application Portal
   • Complete and submit all necessary materials through the online application
   • Submit on or before the posted deadline
   • Important: Click "SAVE AND CONTINUE" at the bottom of each screen if you need to stop and continue later
2. Required Materials
   • Complete online application form via the portal at surgicalfellowships.org/grant-application/apply/
   • Case logs documenting fellow cases and faculty case volume
   • All evaluation forms and supporting documentation
3. Case Log Submission
   • Fellowship Council Members: Submit through The Fellowship Council system
   • Non-Fellowship Council Members: Download the FSF Case Log Template, complete the spreadsheet, and email to grantsupport@surgicalfellowships.org
4. Multiple Discipline Applications
   • If applying for different disciplines, submit a separate application for each discipline
   • Multiple awards within the same specialty may be included in one application
5. Post-Award Requirements
   • Submit Fellow case logs and evaluation forms on time to receive the second payment installment (May)
   • Failure to submit may delay or affect funding
6. Documentation
   • Invoices and receipts will be sent following the close of the application process (typically February)
   • Credit card receipts can be located at the bottom of your completed application PDF

Accreditation Verification

If your program is not accredited by The Fellowship Council and wishes to become a member, consult The Fellowship Council's website and application process before applying to FSF.