Medical Student Diversity Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by American Association for Thoracic Surgery

Overview
This scholarship offers up to $10,000 (paid over a maximum of two years) to medical students planning careers in cardiothoracic surgery who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or who have overcome substantial adversity on their path to medicine. In addition to the monetary award, recipients may receive up to $1,500 to attend the AATS Annual Meeting. First-year awardees will be matched with an AATS member mentor and will take part in the AATS “Member for a Day” experience.

Program type: Scholarship
Career stage: Medical students
Specialty: Multi-specialty (cardiothoracic surgery focus)
Status: Upcoming

Key dates
- Opens: May 1, 2026
- Application deadline: closes at 11:59 PM Eastern on July 1, 2026 (please note program listings may also show July 2, 2026)
- Notification: official decisions will be sent within 2–3 months after the deadline

Eligibility
- Current enrollment as a medical student in the 2nd or 3rd year (or equivalent) at an accredited U.S. or Canadian medical school.
- Demonstrated financial need.
- Ability to provide current academic transcripts.

Application requirements
Submit all of the following:
1. Curriculum vitae that includes a detailed description of surgical experience.
2. Copy of current official or unofficial transcripts.
3. Personal narrative explaining:
- Evidence of financial need and eligibility for the scholarship;
- How the scholarship will support your career objectives;
- Interest in pursuing cardiothoracic surgery;
- Medical school start date.
4. Two letters of support from medical school faculty endorsing your interest in cardiothoracic surgery. (If faculty prefer to send letters directly to the AATS Foundation, email them to foundation@aats.org.)
5. Budget attachment that specifies:
- Requested award amount and the proposed funding duration (up to two years);
- A proposed budget detailing how funds will be spent, including whether they will supplement tuition or living expenses;
- Request for the AATS Annual Meeting stipend (up to $1,500), if desired.

Funding guidelines
- Applicants may request the full award amount of $10,000 plus up to $1,500 for AATS Annual Meeting expenses. Smaller or shorter-term funding requests will also be considered.

Review and selection
- Applications are reviewed by the AATS Foundation’s Equity & Career Development Scholarship Committee, which will recommend recipients to the AATS Foundation Board of Directors for final approval.
- Applications are evaluated against the award criteria in their entirety.

Notification and contact
- All applicants will receive an official letter from the AATS Foundation within approximately 2–3 months following the deadline.
- Questions about application status or submission details may be directed to foundation@aats.org.

Post-award requirements
- At the end of the funded year, recipients must submit a report summarizing activities supported by the award, accomplishments, and plans for continued training and professional development.
- Awardees will collaborate with AATS Foundation staff to identify ways to share their work and outcomes with a broader audience.