Thoracic Surgery Foundation & Francis Fontan Fund International Travelling Fellowship

Programme overview

Two-way international travelling fellowship co-administered by the EACTS Francis Fontan Fund and the STS Thoracic Surgery Foundation for a young faculty cardiothoracic surgeon to spend 4–16 weeks at a host institution chosen by the applicant, learning a novel technique or fostering collaboration.

Programme details

Focus

Self-designed international training visit

Duration

4–16 weeks

Eligibility

Completed a programme leading to ABTS certification or equivalent; within seven years of first faculty appointment; full unrestricted licence; EACTS or STS member. North American applicants go to a European mentor; European/other applicants go to a North American mentor

International applicants

Yes – programme is international by design

Language

English

Funding

Up to €16,500 (EACTS page); TSF page states US$23,200; free registration and travel bursary for 2027 EACTS Annual Meeting and 2028 STS Annual Meeting

Application documents

CV, mentor CV, mentor letter of support, letter of interest, budget

Official contact

tsf@sts.org (TSF) / EACTS Francis Fontan Fund

Data quality

Official institutional source verified 9 Oct 2026

Source type

Official institutional or society page

Registration

Full and unrestricted licence in home jurisdiction (main fellowship); host licensing/visa is applicant's responsibility

Participation

Clinical fellowship; privileges depend on credentialing

Visa information

Not publicly listed — confirm directly with the host.

International applicant check

Language

English

Clinical participation

Clinical fellowship; privileges depend on credentialing

Registration

Full and unrestricted licence in home jurisdiction (main fellowship); host licensing/visa is applicant's responsibility

Visa

Not publicly listed — confirm directly with the host.

This is a source summary, not an eligibility decision. Confirm licensing, immigration, funding and clinical privileges with the responsible institution.

How to apply

Secure a mentor and position at the host institution first (mentor must be an STS or EACTS member for the main fellowship), then apply online during the window with CV, mentor's one-page CV, mentor's letter of support confirming the training environment, letter of interest and approximate budget.

Verification notes

EACTS page shows 'Applications are now closed' and the 2026 window 1 July – 15 September 2026, start from January 2027. The TSF page (thoracicsurgeryfoundation.org/awards/tsf-fff) lists the next window as 1 July – 15 September 2027 and gives the award in US dollars.