Tag: brooks scholarship

STSA Medical Student and Resident Scholarships Available

Applications Now Being Accepted

STSA is currently accepting applications for two scholarships available for medical students and general surgery residents training at an institution in the STSA region. Applications from students and residents training outside of the STSA region but who are nominated by a STSA member (Active or Senior) will also be considered.

Second, third, and fourth year medical students interested in pursuing a career in cardiothoracic surgery can apply for the STSA James W. Brooks Medical Student Scholarship.

General surgery residents pursuing a career in cardiothoracic surgery can apply for the STSA James W. Brooks Resident Scholarship.

Both awards are named for Jim Brooks, past president of the STSA and a great mentor to countless residents and students.

Scholarship recipients will receive:

  • Complimentary registration to attend the STSA 66th Annual Meeting at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Marco Island, FL, November 6-9, 2019;
  • A three-night hotel stay at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort;
  • Round-trip coach-class airfare to the Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Meyers, FL;
  • Tickets to the President’s Mixer and Dinner Gala, where they will be recognized; and
  • An assigned STSA mentor to assist in planning a schedule of educational programming, answer questions, and facilitate introductions.

Interested applicants must apply online. In addition to completing an application form, applicants will be asked to upload a current CV, a letter of nomination from a STSA member (Active or Senior), and a letter of support from his or her medical institution dean or program director confirming permission to travel to the meeting in Florida. Visit www.stsa.org/awards to learn more and access the online applications.

The application deadline is July 15, 2019. Applicants will be notified of the Scholarship Committee’s decision in early September.


Medical students and general surgery residents are eligible for STSA Pre-Candidate
membership. Learn more and download an application at www.stsa.org/membership.

June 11, 2019 | By More

Read the Latest Issue: STSA News – Spring 2018

The Spring 2018 issue of STSA News is now available. This issue features:

  • A letter from STSA President, Kevin D. Accola, MD
  • STSA membership recruitment information
  • Highlights from the STSA 64th Annual Meeting
  • 2018 awards and scholarship opportunities
  • Updates from the Program and Postgraduate Committees and
  • 2018 Schedule of Events

View additional updates from STSA and past issues of STSA News at www.stsa.org/whats-new.

Please contact STSA Headquarters with questions or suggestions regarding STSA News at stsa@stsa.org.

June 20, 2018 | By More

Online STSA Brooks Scholarship Donations Now Accepted

STSA now accepts online donations for the James W. Brooks Medical Student Scholarship fund. The Brooks Scholarship was founded in 2010 to recognize and honor STSA Past President, Dr. Jim Brooks. Dr. Brooks was a lifetime supporter of the STSA, and he was a great mentor to countless residents and students during his career at the Medical College of Virginia.

The Brooks Scholarship is given annually to a promising 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year medical student interested in pursuing a career in cardiothoracic surgery and training in the STSA region (or training outside of the STSA region but who is nominated by an active STSA member). Scholarship recipients receive funding to attend the STSA Annual Meeting where they benefit from the guidance of STSA members. Since 2010, the Brooks Scholarship has funded the travel of seven medical student scholars to attend the STSA Annual Meeting where they are recognized and actively mentored by an STSA member. Each year, STSA receives dozens of applications for the Brooks Scholarship from accomplished and deserving medical students throughout the country.

Joseph Dearani, MD is Chair of the 2016 STSA Brooks Scholarship Committee. “Innovation and technology are rapidly advancing the specialty of cardiothoracic surgery,” says Dr. Dearani. “We need enthusiastic, bright and talented young surgeons. The Brooks Scholarship provides an awe-inspiring opportunity for medical students to visit and get to know elite surgeons and programs… and get inspired to join our specialty.”

Brooks

STSA Scholarship Committee Chair, Dr. Joe Dearani (left) attended an STSA 62nd Annual Meeting networking reception with his mentee and ’15 Brooks Scholar, Graham Ungerleider (center), and STSA Secretary/Treasurer, Dr. Daniel Miller (right).

Donations made to the James W. Brooks Medical Student Scholarship will be used to fund the travel of future scholarship recipients. Donors are recognized on signage placed near registration at the STSA Annual Meeting.

Login to your STSA user account to make a donation online or download a printable pledge form that can be mailed to STSA with a check.

STSA will begin accepting applications for the 2016 Brooks Scholarship in May 2016. Learn more about the Scholarship and view a list past recipients.

Contact STSA Headquarters with questions at stsa@stsa.org or 312.202.5892.

February 10, 2016 | By More

STSA Brooks Scholarship Recipient Profile: Bogdan Kindzelski

The STSA Brooks Scholarship was established in 2010 in honor of Past President, James W. Brooks, MD. The Scholarship funds the travel of a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year medical student to attend the STSA Annual Meeting.

Bogdan Kindzelski, a 4th year medical student at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of CWRU, received a 2015 Brooks Scholarship. Richard Lee, MD, served as Bogdan’s STSA member mentor throughout the 62nd Annual Meeting. STSA Member, Keith Horvath, MD, nominated Bogdan for this award, saying “Bogdan has shown that he is a team player, has great rapport with patients and is beginning to develop and learn proper surgical techniques.”

Scholarship Image

2015 STSA Brooks Scholar, Bogdan Kindzelski (left), attended an STSA 62nd Annual Meeting networking reception with Dr. Melanie Edwards and his STSA member mentor, Dr. Richard Lee (right).

Bogdan recently shared feedback with STSA about his experience as a Brooks Scholar attending the November 2015 STSA 62nd Annual Meeting.

What did you enjoy most about the STSA 62nd Annual Meeting and STSA Scholarship Program?
The meeting was fantastic; the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge research in addition to networking with the cardiothoracic surgery community, from fellow trainees to leaders in the field, was particularly memorable. My assigned mentor was exceptional and provided great career advice, facilitated introductions, and made sure that I felt welcome throughout the meeting.

Did the STSA Scholarship Program affect your level of interest in pursuing cardiothoracic surgery?
The program only strengthened my decision to pursue cardiothoracic surgery based on my experience from the scientific sessions, excellent lectures, jeopardy event, social events, interactions with other members, and guidance from my assigned mentor.

Was there anything about the STSA Annual Meeting that surprised you or stands out as different from your experiences at other national medical meetings?
The collegial atmosphere established during the STSA Annual Meeting was truly unique. The social events provided ample opportunity for exciting conversations and laughs. It was a privilege to interact with so many individuals who were willing to share their insight into the field of cardiothoracic surgery.  Everyone was cordial, approachable and truly vested in trainee mentorship and education.

Have you included your Brooks or Resident Scholarship award on your CV, and if so, do you believe the designation adds value to your resume?
Yes, it was an honor to include this designation on my CV. It has frequently become a talking point during my integrated cardiothoracic surgery interviews.

What was your overall impression of the STSA Scholarship Program?
My experience was exciting and enlightening. I would highly recommend any medical student considering cardiothoracic surgery to attend the STSA annual meeting and also to apply for the Brooks Scholarship.

STSA is pleased to announce that funding has been secured for two medical student Brooks Scholars to attend the STSA 63rd Annual Meeting, November 9-12, 2016 in Naples, FL. The 2016 Resident and Brooks Scholarship applications will be available in late-May.

Learn more about the STSA Brooks Scholarship and make a donation to help fund the program at www.stsa.org/awards. Contact STSA Headquarters with questions or to request additional information by e-mailing stsa@stsa.org or calling 312.202.5892.

February 2, 2016 | By More

STSA Resident Scholar Profile: Mansi Shah, MD

The STSA Resident Scholarship was established in 2014 to sponsor a general or thoracic surgery resident to travel to the STSA Annual Meeting. Mansi Shah, MD received the 2015 STSA Resident Scholarship and attended the STSA 62nd Annual Meeting – held November 4-7, 2015 in Lake Buena Vista, FL – where she was mentored by STSA Brooks Scholarship Committee Member, Stephen Yang, MD.

Dr. Shah is a general surgery resident at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill. STSA Member and University of North Carolina Hospitals’ Thoracic Surgery Residency Program Director, Benjamin Haithcock, MD, nominated Dr. Shah for the 2015 Resident Scholarship, describing her as a “phenomenal candidate.”

While attending the STSA 62nd Annual Meeting as a Resident Scholar, Dr. Shah also served as a Resident Moderator; she assisted STSA President, Andrea J. Carpenter, MD and STSA Past President, Richard Prager, MD in moderating the final plenary session of the meeting.

2015 Resident Scholar, Mansi Shah, MD

2015 STSA Resident Scholar, Mansi Shah, MD (center) moderated a plenary session with A.J. Carpenter, MD and Rich Prager, MD during the STSA 62nd Annual Meeting in Lake Buena Vista, FL on November 7, 2015.

STSA recently solicited Dr. Shah’s feedback about her experience at the STSA 62nd Annual Meeting.

What did you enjoy most about the STSA 62nd Annual Meeting and/or STSA Scholarship Program?
I thought being set up with a mentor was the greatest benefit of the meeting. Dr. Yang was a fantastic resource, and was able to introduce me to other meeting attendees. It really made me feel like a true member of the meeting. The opportunity to co-moderate a session at the meeting also was fantastic. I was able to meet more practicing CT surgeons and it provided a unique way for me to be an active member of the meeting.

Did the STSA Scholarship Program affect your level of interest in pursuing cardiothoracic surgery?
I have been undecided for a long time on a career in thoracic surgery, although interested. The meeting provided absolute confirmation that I am making the right decision.

If you were encouraged by an STSA member to apply for the Resident Scholarship, please describe how that encouragement affected your decision to apply.
I was unaware of the scholarship opportunity until I was encouraged by an STSA member to apply. Without the encouragement, I wouldn’t have even been aware of this fantastic opportunity, so I feel very fortunate.

Was there anything about the STSA Annual Meeting that surprised you or that stands out as different from your experiences at other national medical meetings?
I was pleasantly surprised as to how welcoming the members were. I think the smaller scale of this meeting compared to other national medical meetings made me feel more like an active participant of the meeting, as opposed to an observing outsider, while still exposing me to many leaders of the CT surgery field.

Have you included your Resident Scholarship award on your CV, and if so, do you believe the designation adds value to your resume?
Absolutely! Undeniably so.

What was your overall impression of the STSA Scholarship Program?
I cannot say enough great things about the STSA Scholarship Program. I am so honored to have been chosen as a recipient. Everyone involved in the process was extremely helpful and welcoming. The mentorship was one of the best parts, and absolutely should be continued. I think the Scholarship Program is a great way to expose residents interested in CT surgery to the CT surgery field outside of the clinical hospital setting. I can’t thank everyone enough for the wonderful experience I had!

STSA is pleased to announce that funding has been secured for two Resident Scholars to attend the STSA 63rd Annual Meeting, November 9-12, 2016 in Naples, FL. Learn more about STSA Scholarship Programs at www.stsa.org/awards. The 2016 Resident and Brooks Scholarship applications will be available in May 2016. Contact STSA Headquarters with questions or to request additional information by e-mailing stsa@stsa.org or calling 312.202.5892.

January 5, 2016 | By More

2015 Scholarship Recipients & Finalists Announced

The STSA Brooks Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce the following 2015 medical student and resident Scholarship recipients.

2015 STSA Brooks Scholarship Recipients:

  • Bogdan Kindzelski, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University
  • Graham Ungerleider, Wake Forest School of Medicine

Bogdan was nominated by STSA member, Keith Horvath, MD. A 2014 Brooks Scholarship Finalist, Bogdan is currently a fourth year medical student, and his surgical areas of interest include adult cardiac surgery, transplant surgery, and aortic surgery.

Graham was nominated by STSA member and Past President, Ross Ungerleider, MD. He is currently in his third year of medical school and his surgical area of interest is congenital heart surgery.

2015 STSA Resident Scholarship Recipients:

  • Erin Schumer, MD, MPH, University of Louisville
  • Mansi Shah, MD, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Dr. Schumer was nominated by STSA member, Mark Slaughter, MD. She is a PGY 5 general surgery resident interested in general thoracic surgery and transplant surgery.

Dr. Shah was nominated by STSA member, Benjamin Haithcock, MD. She is a PGY 5 general surgery resident interested in general thoracic surgery.

The Scholarship Committee also named the following 2015 Scholarship Finalists:

2015 STSA Brooks Scholarship Finalists:

  • K. Candice Jones, Wake Forest School of Medicine
  • Brendan Lovasik, Emory University School of Medicine
  • Ryan Meyerhoff, Duke University School of Medicine
  • Parth Patel, Indiana University School of Medicine
  • Matthew Terwelp, University of Texas Medical School at Houston

2015 STSA Resident Scholarship Finalists:

  • James Mehaffey, MD, University of Virginia
  • Vivekkumar Patel, MD, Baylor College of Medicine
  • Eden Payabyab, MD, Virginia Commonwealth University/National Institutes of Health
  • William Ragalie, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin
  • Walter Wakwe, MD, Emory University School of Medicine
  • Judson Williams, MD, Duke University Medical Center

Thank you to everyone who applied or wrote a letter of nomination! Both Scholarship Programs will be offered again in 2016. The 2016 Scholarship application process will open in late-May 2016, and the deadline to apply will be July 15, 2016.

Introduce yourself to the 2015 Scholarship recipients during the STSA 62nd Annual Meeting. Scholarship recipients will have an orange scholar ribbon affixed to their name badge. Register for the STSA 62nd Annual Meeting, secure your tickets to the Annual Awards Dinner & Dance, and make hotel reservations at www.stsa.org/62ndannual.

Contact STSA Headquarters at stsa@stsa.org or 800.685.7872 with questions.

September 1, 2015 | By More

Upcoming Scholarship Application Deadline: July 15

The deadline to submit STSA Brooks Medical Student Scholarship and STSA Resident Scholarship applications is coming up on Wednesday, July 15, 2015. Medical students, general surgery residents, and cardiothoracic surgery residents training at an institution in the Southern region are invited to apply. Applications from students and residents training outside of the STSA region but who are nominated by an STSA member will also be considered.

Second, third, and fourth year medical students interested in pursuing a career in cardiothoracic surgery can apply for the James W. Brooks Medical Student Scholarship. This award is named for Jim Brooks, past president of the STSA and a great mentor to countless residents and students.

General surgery and cardiothoracic surgery residents pursuing a career in cardiothoracic surgery can apply for the Resident Scholarship.

Scholarship recipients will receive:

  • Round-trip, coach-class airfare to attend the 2015 STSA Annual Meeting in Lake Buena Vista, FL, November 5-8 and reimbursement for travel-related expenses;
  • A three-night hotel stay at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort;
  • A ticket to the President’s Mixer and Awards Dinner; and
  • An assigned STSA mentor to assist in planning a schedule of educational programming, answering questions, and facilitating introductions.

An interested applicant must complete an online application, as well as submit a current CV, a letter of nomination from an STSA member, and a letter of support from his or her medical institution dean or program director confirming permission for the applicant to travel to the meeting in Florida.

All application materials must be submitted to STSA by July 15. Applicants will be notified of the scholarship committee’s decision in early September. Contact STSA Headquarters with questions at stsa@stsa.org or 800.685.7872.

June 29, 2015 | By More

2015 Medical Student & Resident Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted

STSA is currently accepting applications for two scholarships available for medical students, general surgery residents, and cardiothoracic surgery residents training at an institution in the STSA region. Applications from students and residents training outside of the STSA region but who are nominated by an STSA member will also be considered.

Second, third, and fourth year medical students interested in pursuing a career in cardiothoracic surgery can apply for the James W. Brooks Medical Student Scholarship. This award is named for Jim Brooks, past president of the STSA and a great mentor to countless residents and students.

General surgery and cardiothoracic surgery residents pursuing a career in cardiothoracic surgery can apply for the Resident Scholarship.

Scholarship recipients will receive:

  • Round-trip, coach-class airfare to attend the 2015 STSA Annual Meeting in Lake Buena Vista, FL, November 5-8 and reimbursement for travel-related expenses;
  • A three-night hotel stay at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort;
  • A ticket to the President’s Mixer and Awards Dinner; and
  • An assigned STSA mentor to assist in planning a schedule of educational programming, answering questions, and facilitating introductions.

An interested applicant must complete an online application, as well as submit a current CV, a letter of nomination from an STSA member, and a letter of support from his or her medical institution dean or program director confirming permission for the applicant to travel to the meeting in Florida.

Applications are due July 15. Applicants will be notified of the scholarship committee’s decision in early September. Contact STSA Headquarters with questions at stsa@stsa.org or 800.685.7872.

May 29, 2015 | By More

STSA Brooks Scholar Profile: Xiaoying Lou

2014 STSA Brooks Scholar, Xiaoxiao Lou

2014 STSA Brooks Scholar, Xiaoxiao Lou, attended Dr. Richard Prager’s President’s Reception during the STSA 61st Annual Meeting with her mentor and STSA Past President, Dr. Walter Merrill (center).

The STSA James W. Brooks Scholarship was established in 2010 to identify and encourage medical students interested in pursuing a career in cardiothoracic surgery.

Xiaoying (Xiaoxiao) Lou received a 2014 Brooks Scholarship to attend the STSA 61st Annual Meeting in Tucson, AZ where she was mentored by STSA Past President, Walter Merrill, MD.

Since receiving the 2014 Brooks Scholarship, Xiaoxiao completed her medical school training at Northwestern University and matched at Emory University’s Integrated Six-year Residency Program.

STSA recently interviewed Xiaoxiao about her experience attending the STSA 61st Annual Meeting as a Brooks Scholar.

What did you enjoy most about the STSA 61st Annual Meeting and STSA Brooks Scholarship Program?
The whole experience was amazing – the sessions were worthwhile and educational, the social events were well organized and fun, but I especially enjoyed meeting the other attendees. Dr. Walter Merrill was my assigned mentor at the meeting, and I could not have asked for a better one! He made me feel welcomed with his thoughtfulness and generosity, and made every effort to introduce me to his colleagues. Everyone I met was so supportive and encouraging, and I left the meeting even more excited about the field and inspired to be a part of it. It was truly my privilege to be included in the meeting and scholarship program!

Was there anything about the STSA Annual Meeting that surprised you or that stands out as different from your experiences at other national medical meetings?
The fun and collegiality! More so than any other meeting I have attended, the STSA Annual Meeting provided a warm, social, yet academically rigorous environment. Everyone seemed to truly enjoy each other’s company, and I could tell that the people who attended are as much friends as they are colleagues. It will be my privilege to work with, learn from, and share laughs with such a wonderful group of people throughout my training and professional career. I sincerely hope to be able to be a part of this amazing Association in the future.

Did receiving the Brooks Scholarship affect your level of interest in pursuing a career in cardiothoracic surgery?
It only further confirmed my decision to pursue cardiothoracic surgery. I loved learning about groundbreaking work being done all over the country. And it was an incredible honor to meet so many wonderful leaders in the field – all of whom are so passionate about what they do and so enthusiastic in their support of those who want to enter and contribute to the field in the future. I am now even more excited about CT surgery and its bright future and cannot wait to get started in the training ahead.

Would you recommend that other medical students apply for the Brooks Scholarship?
Absolutely, no question! There are few opportunities for medical students to engage with those in the field already while learning about advances in CT surgery in a fun, academic setting. The built-in social activities provide a comfortable environment to network with other students, residents, and currently practicing CT surgeons. The Brooks Scholarship was the perfect way to introduce me to the CT surgery community.

Were you encouraged by an STSA member mentor to apply for the Brooks Scholarship? If so, how did that encouragement affect your decision to apply?
Yes, by my long-time mentor, Dr. Richard Lee. His mentorship and support throughout medical school have been instrumental in my personal and professional development and made me more eager to apply for the Brooks Scholarship.

Have you included your Brooks Scholarship award on your CV, and if so, do you believe the designation adds value to your resume?
Yes, I was actually congratulated and asked about it on the I-6 interview trail, and it was a wonderful addition to my application. Including the award in my CV served as further evidence of my commitment to joining the field, which I think is critical for any CT surgery applicant.

STSA will begin accepting applications for the 2015 Brooks Scholarship Program in the coming weeks. Second, third, or fourth year medical students training at a U.S. accredited medical institution in the STSA region are encouraged to apply. Applicants not training at an institution in the STSA region but who obtain a letter of recommendation from an STSA member will also be considered. Learn more about the Scholarship and application requirements. Contact STSA Headquarters with questions at stsa@stsa.org or 312.202.5892.

May 12, 2015 | By More