TSF/Southern Thoracic Surgical Association (STSA) Resident Research Award Grant

The TSF/Southern Thoracic Surgical Association Resident Research Award offers up to $40,000 annually for two years, aimed at supporting residents in general and cardiothoracic surgery. This fellowship emphasizes the development of investigative skills through dedicated research training in clinical or laboratory settings. Candidates must demonstrate potential based on prior achievements and commitment to advancing cardiothoracic surgery education. Notably, STSA membership is not a prerequisite for applicants.

TSF, through the generosity and philanthropy of the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association (STSA), is offering this award that will provide up to $40,000 per year for up to two years to support the research fellowship of a resident for general surgery or cardiothoracic surgery residents who have not yet completed cardiothoracic surgical training. No additional funds will be paid out for indirect, fringe, or other expenditures. During the fellowship, the resident will work in a cardiothoracic surgical clinical or laboratory research program. STSA membership is not required; however, applicants must meet STSA membership eligibility requirements.
These awards are designed to provide salary and/or direct experimental support for surgical trainees who wish to acquire investigational skills. Although a specific research program is required as the major component of the application, emphasis in making the award is placed on the potential of the applicant, based on prior accomplishments, and the quality of the educational experience for the applicant. Particular emphasis is placed on evidence of supervisory interaction in preparation of the application, the extent to which research training and a productive educational experience is convincingly described, and the training environment. Additional criteria include the probability of successful project completion and an assessment of the importance of the particular educational effort toward the advancement of cardiothoracic surgery.
The TSF/STSA Resident Research Fellowship provide support of up to $40,000 per year for up to two years. Requests for support for a single laboratory year are discouraged unless this represents the second of two consecutive research years. If two years of funding are requested and awarded, a progress report approved by the chairperson of the TSF Research Committee is required prior to release of payment for the second year. The applicant must be willing to present their research at the STSA Annual Meeting.
The awarded funds must be used solely for the direct expenses related to the proposed research project, including salary, services, and supplies; no additional funds will be provided. The award is not to be used to cover indirect expenses, fringe benefits, or expenditures that are not related to the project.

Eligibility

Any general surgery or cardiothoracic surgery trainee who intends to pursue a career in investigative cardiothoracic surgery; or general surgery or cardiothoracic thoracic surgery trainees whose program director indicates that the applicant will be allowed not less than 80% protected time for research; or general surgery or cardiothoracic surgery residents who have not yet completed their training but wish to acquire an investigative education with a specified mentor.General surgery or cardiothoracic surgery residents who currently practice or are enrolled at a program in one of the following states or regions: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, or the U.S. territories and commonwealths in the Caribbean.STSA membership is not required.