The STS Looking to the Future Scholarship program is a best-in-class education and workforce development program that helps general surgery residents and medical students pursue careers in cardiothoracic surgery. STS works directly with the country’s most talented residents and students from diverse backgrounds and provides education and mentorship to help them navigate this exciting and complex surgical specialty.
The primary goal of the scholarship is to provide mentorship and exposure for medical students and general surgery residents interested in pursuing careers in cardiothoracic surgery.
Since 2006, 845 aspiring cardiothoracic surgeons have received LTTF scholarships.
2026 STS LTTF Scholarship Benefits
- Complimentary registration for 2026 STS Annual Meeting, January 29-February 1, 2026, in New Orleans, LA
- Scholars will be expected to arrive at the hotel on Wednesday, January 28 by 5pm CT and depart the meeting no earlier than 12pm CT Sunday, February 1. No early/late departure will be accommodated.
- General Surgery residents: If you are selected for a scholarship, there will be no exceptions made to accommodate the ABSITE exam. Scholarship recipients are expected to make arrangements with their institutions to take the exam before/after attending the STS Annual Meeting.
- A 3 to 4-night stay at an STS-designated hotel (check in January 28, check out February 1). Scholars are expected to stay the entire weekend. Hotel nights TBD.
- Participation in exclusive events
- Reimbursement of up to $700 in related travel expenses
- Scholars will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements (i.e., flights).
- Expenses will be reimbursed after the meeting, which could take up to two months. Scholars should keep all receipts that show itemized purchase and payment details.
Eligibility
The following are eligible to apply:
- Medical students training at an institution in the United States or Canada
- Clinical PGY1, PGY2, or PGY3 general surgery residents training at an institution in the United States or Canada
- General surgery residents on dedicated research time who have not started their PGY4 clinical year training at an institution in the United States or Canada
Priority is given to applicants who have not attended a national cardiothoracic surgery meeting or received another CT surgery meeting scholarship. Please do not apply if you have received any of the following scholarships: AATS Member for a Day or Medical Student Diversity Scholarships, STSA Brooks Scholarship, or WTS Carpenter, Thistlethwaite, or Annual Meeting Scholarships.
All Applicants must provide the following:
- A current CV
- A signed letter of commitment form from Dean (Medical Students) or Program Director (General Surgery Residents)
- A letter of recommendation from a Program Director, cardiothoracic surgeon, or faculty member who knows you best
- An essay question: In 250 words or less, please describe why STS should select you for this scholarship, incorporating your answers to these questions: What is your interest in cardiothoracic surgery? What is your access to mentoring and exposure to CT surgery at your current institution? What would this scholarship offer you that you do not have access or exposure to at the moment at your current institution? What doesn’t your CV tell us about you that would add to your application?
Applications will open mid-August 2025 and close September 26, 2025. Links will be posted here once the applications open in August.
Questions?
Email Maureen Ewing.