Douglas Mathisen Traveling Fellowship in General Thoracic Surgery

About the Fellowship

The purpose of this traveling fellowship is to facilitate the continuing education of deserving early-career general thoracic surgeons. The award is to be used for international or domestic travel to another institution for up to four weeks to learn a novel technique, adapt innovative technology, and/or foster collaboration between surgical investigators to further the progress of general thoracic surgery at the recipient’s home institution. The successful applicant will have a record of excellence in training and academic achievement.

Applicants may choose to pursue a fellowship with a mentor they have already identified or select from a list of mentors and fellowship opportunities provided by TSF. The mentor should be capable of supporting continued growth and development in general thoracic surgery.

Eligibility

• Cardiothoracic surgeon who has completed a program leading to certification by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery or its equivalent in a country outside of the United States, or who will be certified by the grant start date.
• Within 5 years of their first faculty appointment.
• Surgeons who have achieved recognition of achievement in thoracic surgery and devote their professional efforts to the subspecialty of general thoracic surgery.
• Full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in their respective geographic area with no pending actions that could adversely affect hospital staff privileges.

Award Amount

Awards of $10,000 for up to four weeks will be granted to support a cardiothoracic surgeon. The first award payment (75%) will be distributed at the time of award notification. The second and final grant installment (25%) will be made upon completion of a satisfactory progress report, approved by the TSF Mathisen Award Committee. The award will be used to defray travel and living expenses for the fellowship period.

Application Requirements

• Biographical Information
• Career & Personal Goals (750 words)
• Education Environment at Host Institution (750 words)
• Mentor/Convenor Information

Required Application Materials

• Applicant CV
• Mentor CV
• One (1) Letter of Support from Mentor, confirming:
  • Availability of adequate training environment/educational experience that will provide the proposed training.
  • Agreement to serve as mentor.
• Budget (approximate breakdown of funding costs)

Note that a visa and appropriate international travel materials may be required after the award is issued.

Mentor/Convenor

Applicants may apply with a fellowship proposal developed with a mentor they have already identified or choose from a list of potential mentors and fellowship opportunities. Applicants are responsible for coordinating with both the mentor and the host institution to confirm the fellowship arrangement prior to submitting their application.

Timeline

• Application Open: July 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
• Applicants Notified of Award or Regrets: December 2026 - January 2027