Medical Student Opportunity Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by American Association for Thoracic Surgery

Overview This scholarship provides up to $10,000 (spread over as many as two years) to medical students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or who have overcome significant adversity and who plan a career in cardiothoracic surgery. Recipients may also receive up to $1,500 to attend the AATS Annual Meeting. First-year awardees are paired with an AATS member mentor and participate in the AATS “Member for a Day” session.

Who should apply

• Medical students in the 2nd or 3rd year (or equivalent) at a U.S. or Canadian medical school.
• Students who can demonstrate financial need or who have overcome significant adversity and whose long‑term goal is cardiothoracic surgery.

Eligibility (must-have)

• Current enrollment as a 2nd- or 3rd-year medical student (or equivalent) in the U.S. or Canada.
• Demonstrated financial need.
• Ability to provide a copy of current transcripts.

What to submit (complete application)

• Curriculum vitae with a full description of surgical experience.
• Copy of current transcripts.
• A narrative that:
  • Explains financial need and why you qualify for this scholarship,
  • Describes how the funding will support your career goals,
  • States your interest in cardiothoracic surgery and your medical school start date.
• Two letters of support from medical school faculty sponsors who endorse your interest in cardiothoracic surgery.
  • If faculty will send letters directly to AATS Foundation, they should email foundation@aats.org.
• A budget/document that:
  • States the amount and duration requested,
  • Explains whether funds will supplement tuition or living expenses,
  • Includes the requested AATS Annual Meeting stipend (if applicable).

Funding guidelines

• Requests up to $10,000 plus a $1,500 AATS Annual Meeting stipend will be considered.
• Smaller, short-term requests are also eligible.

Review and timeline

• The AATS Foundation Equity & Career Development Scholarship Committee reviews applications and recommends recipients to the AATS Foundation Board of Directors for final approval.
• Applications are evaluated against the award criteria in their entirety.
• Applicants will receive an official notification letter within 2–3 months of the program deadline.
• For questions or to check application status, contact foundation@aats.org.

Post-award requirements

• At the end of the funded year, recipients must submit a report summarizing activities, accomplishments, and plans for further training.
• Recipients will collaborate with AATS Foundation staff to share outcomes with a broader audience.

Quick checklist before you submit

• CV with surgical experience — done
• Current transcripts — included
• Narrative addressing need, goals, CT surgery interest, and start date — included
• Two faculty letters of support — arranged or emailed to foundation@aats.org
• Itemized budget and requested amount/duration, with indication for tuition vs. living expenses and meeting stipend — included

If you want, I can help you turn this into a one-page application checklist or a short email template to request letters from your faculty sponsors.