Surgery Scholarships, Grants and Fellowships for Doctors from African Countries 2025
1. Tirone E. David International Fellowship
The Tirone E. David International Fellowship, offered by the AATS Foundation, honors Dr. Tirone E. David, the 85th president of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery. This prestigious program aims to enhance the skills of international cardiac surgeons by providing them with observational training opportunities at leading North American institutions. The fellowship fosters global collaboration and the exchange of knowledge in the field of cardiac surgery.
Funding and Duration
- Observational Clinical Fellowship: Up to $15,000 USD to support a one-month observational clinical fellowship at an AATS member's institution.
- Visiting Lectureship: Up to $10,000 USD to facilitate a visiting cardiac surgeon-mentor's travel to the award recipient's home institution for training, education, or research support.
Note: Award payments to foreign individuals may be subject to federal tax withholding of up to 30% if the recipient is traveling to the United States.
Application Timeline
- Application Opens: May 18, 2025
- Application Deadline: July 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be international cardiac surgeons within their first 14 years out of training.
- Demonstrate a commitment to advancing cardiac surgery in their home country.
- Secure acceptance from a North American host institution, preferably an AATS member's institution.
- Obtain a letter of agreement from the host surgeon if selecting a host institution outside the suggested sponsors.]
Application Process
- Identify and contact a preferred AATS host surgeon or institution to discuss potential training opportunities and secure acceptance.
- Prepare the necessary documents, including a curriculum vitae (CV) and a letter of agreement from the host surgeon.
- Submit the application through the AATS Foundation's online portal during the application period.
Additional Information
The fellowship is designed to have a significant impact on the specialty, with the selected awardee sharing their findings upon completion of the program. A number of AATS host surgeons, several of whom trained with Dr. David, have partnered with the AATS Foundation on this initiative. Interested applicants also have the option to select their own host institution with approval from the host.
For more details and to apply, visit the official AATS Foundation Tirone E. David International Fellowship page:
This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for international cardiac surgeons to enhance their clinical training, build professional relationships, and contribute to the advancement of cardiac surgery in their home countries.
2. Jack A. Roth Fellowship in Thoracic Surgical Oncology
The Jack A. Roth Fellowship in Thoracic Surgical Oncology, offered by the AATS Foundation, provides early-career thoracic surgeons with a unique opportunity to enhance their expertise through observational training at leading institutions. This fellowship aims to broaden the clinical and academic experience of surgeons dedicated to thoracic surgical oncology.
Funding and Duration
- Award Amount: Up to $15,000 USD to cover travel and living expenses
- Duration:2 to 4 weeks
- Number of Awards: Up to two recipients annually.
Host Institutions
Fellows will be integrated into the clinical and academic programs of one of the following prestigious institutions
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Massachusetts General Hospital
Application Timeline
- Application Opens: April 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: July 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have completed formal training in thoracic surgery or express a strong interest in pursuing a career in thoracic surgical oncology.
- Be fluent in English.
- Fulfill all necessary prerequisites for travel to and from the training center, including visa and licensing requirements.
- Candidates from all training programs worldwide are welcome to apply.
Application Process
Applicants should submit the following:
- A comprehensive curriculum vitae detailing surgical experience.
- A letter of support from the current attending surgeon or future department chair/division chief.
- A one to two-page narrative outlining:
- Objectives for the observational fellowship.
- Plans to apply the acquired skills at the home institution.
- Relevance of the fellowship to prior experience and professional goals.
- Future career aspirations.
Note: Award payments to foreign individuals may be subject to federal tax withholding of up to 30% if the recipient is traveling to the United States.
Review Process
The AATS Foundation’s Thoracic Scholarship Committee will evaluate all applications and recommend recipients to the AATS Foundation Board of Directors for final approval. Applicants will be notified of the decision within 2-3 months following the application deadline.
3. International Surgical Oncology Global Cancer Disparities Fellowship
The International Surgical Oncology Global Cancer Disparities Fellowship is a prestigious one-year program offered by the Department of Surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC).This fellowship is designed to train fully qualified surgeons to effectively lead multimodal cancer therapy for patients in both high- and low-income countries. The program is part of MSKCC's commitment to addressing the growing cancer burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) through its Global Cancer Disparities Initiatives (GCDI).
Location
- Institution: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC)
- City: New York, NY, USA
Duration
Funding
Specific funding details are not publicly disclosed. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the program directly for information regarding financial support, stipends, or other funding opportunities.
Application Deadline
Application deadlines may vary. Interested candidates should refer to the official fellowship page for the most current information.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be fully trained surgeons from outside the United States and Canada.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in surgical oncology and global health.
- Be committed to improving cancer care in low- and middle-income countries.
- Possess the ability to lead multimodal cancer therapy programs.
Program Highlights
- Training Focus: Equipping fellows with the skills to direct comprehensive cancer treatment programs in diverse healthcare settings.
- Global Health Emphasis: Addressing cancer disparities in LMICs through education, research, and clinical practice.
- Collaborative Opportunities: Engagement with MSKCC's Global Cancer Disparities Initiatives, including partnerships with institutions in Nigeria and East Africa. M
Application Process
Interested candidates should visit the official fellowship page for detailed application instructions and to access the application portal.
👉 Apply Here
4. International Clinical Fellowship in Thoracic Aortic Surgery
The International Clinical Fellowship in Thoracic Aortic Surgery, offered by the AATS Foundation, is a prestigious one-year program designed to provide early-career cardiothoracic surgeons with comprehensive training in thoracic aortic surgery. Hosted at the University of Vienna's Department of Cardiac Surgery, the fellowship offers full clinical access and immersion in a high-volume surgical environment, aiming to cultivate future leaders in the field.
Location
- Institution: University of Vienna, Department of Cardiac Surgery
- City: Vienna, Austria
Duration and Funding
- Length:12 months
- Funding:€55,000, covering Austrian taxes, health insurance, and all social benefits required by Austrian labor law. Additionally, lodging in Vienna is provided for the duration of the fellowship. The fellowship also includes funding to attend the AATS Annual Meeting, covering travel, lodging, and registration fees.
Application Timeline
- Application Opens: April 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: July 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be early-career cardiothoracic surgeons who have recently completed or are finalizing their residency training.
- Have no prior exposure to thoracic aortic surgery in their own departments.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to developing exceptional skills and knowledge in thoracic aortic surgery.
- Possess proficiency in English or German.
- Fulfill all necessary licensure, visa, and credentialing criteria required by the host center.
Application Process
Applicants should submit the following materials:
- A comprehensive curriculum vitae detailing surgical experience.
- A letter of support from the chief or chair of their current institution or training program.
- A one to two-page narrative outlining:
- Objectives for the fellowship.
- Plans to apply acquired skills at their home institution.
- Relevance of the fellowship to prior experience and professional goals.
- Future career aspirations.
Note: Letters of support can be sent directly to the AATS Foundation via email at foundation@aats.org
Program Highlights
- Host Member: Prof. Dr. Marek Ehrlich, Director of the Aneurysm Program and Surgical Ablation Program.
- Clinical Exposure: The Aortic Aneurysm Program is one of the largest in Europe, performing approximately 250-300 aortic cases annually, including aortic dissection, thoracoabdominal aortic repair, and aortic root procedures such as Tirone David and TEVAR.
Review Process
The AATS Foundation’s Cardiac Scholarship Committee will review all applications and recommend recipients to the AATS Foundation Board of Directors for final approval. At the conclusion of the fellowship, recipients are required to submit a final report describing their experience and its application to clinical practice, as well as the impact of attending the AATS Annual Meeting.
This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for early-career cardiothoracic surgeons to gain specialized training in thoracic aortic surgery, enhancing their clinical expertise and contributing to the advancement of cardiac care in their home institutions.
For more information and to apply, visit the official AATS Foundation page: International Clinical Fellowship in Thoracic Aortic Surgery
This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for surgeons dedicated to global health to gain specialized training in surgical oncology, with the goal of reducing cancer disparities worldwide. By participating in this program, fellows will be at the forefront of efforts to improve cancer outcomes in underserved regions.
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