This award is named for Dr. Nora Burgess, the 9th President of the Women in Thoracic Surgery. After attending the Medical School at Brown University and completing Cardiothoracic Surgical training at the Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, she was the 31st woman to certify with the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and was one of the founding members of the WTS.
In addition to having a prolific and amazing clinical practice, Dr. Burgess served innumerable leadership positions locally and nationally. This award serves to recognize Dr. Burgess’ magnificent career in both clinical medicine and leadership.
This scholarship will provide funding for a Woman Cardiothoracic Surgeon with greater than 5 years in practice to participate in further leadership training as part of a recognized national leadership program. The overarching goal of the scholarship is to provide support and career development for women interested in leadership opportunities. It is our hope to propel more women into prominent local, regional, and national leadership positions.
Potential sites for leadership training include:
- Brandeis Health Leadership Program
- Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education programs
- Stanford Executive Program, Northwest Kellogg Women’s Senior Leadership Program
- The AAMC Executive leadership program,
- Foundations for Excellence in Physician Leadership Program
- CHCF Health Care Leadership Program
- Physician Leadership Academy, Columbus, OH
However, applicants can propose other sites for completing their training.
This year’s recipient will be awarded $15,000 towards the cost of completion of the leadership training.
Application Information
Interested applicants are required to submit the following in one application here.
Incomplete packets will not be accepted:
- A letter of intent delineating the intended program
- A current CV
- A letter of support from the applicant’s Division Chief or Equivalent that:
- Confirms support for the applicant to complete the leadership course.
- Attests to how the full cost of the leadership program, beyond what is covered by the scholarship, will be funded (e.g., personal funds, departmental support, or other external funding sources).
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be a practicing Woman Cardiothoracic Surgeon for a minimum of 5 years
- Applicants must be an active WTS Member, learn more and apply here.
Post-Award Documentation of Program Acceptance
- Before funds are awarded, the applicant must provide documentation confirming acceptance into a leadership program, including anticipated dates of completion
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. The deadline to apply is August 1, 2026.
Award recipient will be recognized at the WTS 3rd Annual Conference in Lake Buena Vista, FL.
Contact WTS Headquarters at help@wtsnet.org with questions.
Sponsored by AtriCure in partnership with the WTS Nora Burgess Leadership Scholarship Fund