WTS–CHSS Scholarship

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The WTS-CHSS Scholarship is a collaboration between the Congenital Heart Surgeons Society and the Women in Thoracic Surgery (WTS). The goal of this Scholarship is to encourage a woman who may not yet be fully invested in Congenital Heart Surgery to engage and pursue that path for their professional career, rather than a rising star who has already pre-selected Congenital Heart Surgery and who may already have a successful path ahead of them.

 

This award allows a woman medical student, general surgery resident, or cardiothoracic surgery resident enrolled at an accredited institution, with an interest in cardiothoracic surgery, the opportunity to attend the CHSS Annual Meeting, and to be mentored throughout the meeting by a CHSS member. In addition, women postdoctoral candidates in a research or other gap year who have graduated medical school and are interested in cardiothoracic surgery are eligible to apply.

The application process for the 2026 WTS-CHSS Scholarship will open May 18, 2026.

Interested applicants will be required to submit the following application materials here.

  • Application form
  • Current CV
  • A letter of support should indicate that the applicant has permission from the applicant’s Chief/Program Director to attend the CHSS Annual Meeting.
  • Letter of Interest Essay Prompt: Please describe your interest in pursuing a career in Cardiothoracic Surgery and how the WTS–CHSS Scholarship to attend the CHSS meeting will impact your future goals. (250-word maximum essay question response)

The submission deadline for applications is July 19, 2026, 11:59 p.m. PDT.

WTS-CHSS Scholarship for Attendance at the CHSS 53rd Annual Meeting

Meeting Dates:
October 23 to 25, 2026

Location:
Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel, 5300 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018

2026 WTS-CHSS Scholarship Award Details:

The Scholarship Winner will be invited to attend the CHSS 53rd Annual Meeting, including complimentary registration for both the Annual Meeting and the CHSS‑sponsored pre‑meeting Friday program, “The Big Leap.”

The Annual Meeting will be held October 24–25, 2026, with the pre‑meeting program on October 23, 2026, at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel.

The award also includes up to $1,500 to offset eligible travel-related expenses, including:

  • One round‑trip coach‑class airfare
  • Ground transportation (shuttle, taxi, Uber/Lyft)
  • Lodging for up to three nights at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel
  • Meals not otherwise provided by CHSS

Award Payout: Following the CHSS Annual Meeting, up to $1,500 in travel and lodging expenses will be reimbursed upon receipt of a completed report/evaluation of experience, and expense reimbursement form and receipts.

Eligibility: Women medical students, general surgery residents, and cardiothoracic surgery residents enrolled at an ACGME-accredited institution in the U.S.  In addition, women postdoctoral candidates in a research or other gap year who have graduated medical school in the U.S. and are committed to cardiothoracic surgery, are eligible to apply.

Mentor: A CHSS member will be assigned prior to the CHSS Annual Meeting.

Applicants who are not selected will be offered complimentary registration at the CHSS meeting if they have alternate funding sources for travel.