Eugene H. Blackstone Resident Surgical Investigator in AI and Data Science

Program Overview

The Eugene Blackstone Legacy of Leadership Program is designed for cardiothoracic surgery residents who have demonstrated an interest in data science, statistics, machine learning, or artificial intelligence as applied to cardiothoracic surgery. Applicants should have a clearly defined research interest that leverages machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science, or statistical methodologies to advance the field of cardiothoracic surgery.

The research fellowship is anticipated to span one to two years and will provide awardees with dedicated time to develop and advance a focused research program in these areas. Participants will receive weekly mentorship from Dr. Eugene Blackstone and will primarily conduct their work at their home institution while collaborating remotely on a regular basis. Periodic travel to the Cleveland Clinic may be required for those not based on-site, with travel expectations determined on a case-by-case basis.

Application Process

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Mentor’s NIH Biosketch.
• Training plan and environment which includes outlining the proposed training goals, core laboratory experience and didactic curriculum and mentoring/career counseling plans.
• Description of the proposed research, including background, specific aims, significance, and research plan (5 page limit).
• Description of research facilities.
• Detailed budget.
• Disclosure of other currently funded research projects and pending applications for support.
• Letter of support from the sponsoring research mentor addressing his/her endorsement of proposal and feasibility of the research proposal being carried out. The mentor letter should also include history of mentorship of previous research residents and outcomes of previous trainees. It should provide the mentorship/supervision plan, including information on research environment, salary, available laboratory space, and other educational activities during the award cycle.*
• Letter of support from the Surgical Chief or Director of Laboratory where research will be conducted guaranteeing protected time and that the applicant will spend the entire funding period focused on described research and that the department is committed to providing additional support, if needed, to ensure completion of the research.*
• One-page statement describing the relationship of the proposed research to the applicant’s career goals.

*For those looking to send letters of support for the candidate directly to the AATS Foundation, please email foundation@aats.org.

Review Process

The AATS Foundation’s Resident Research Scholarship Committee will review all applications and recommend recipients to be presented to AATS Foundation Board of Directors for a final decision. Applications will be graded on all aspects of the award criteria.

Funding

Each individual $40,000 grant would be for up to a 2-year duration. The funding would be for support of salary.

The 2nd year of funding will be provided based on evidence of progress and accomplishments as documented in a progress report submitted by awardee to the AATS Foundation after the initial 9 months of funding.

Progress reports should include:

• An update on the specific aims of the project.
• Indicate what was expected to be done at this point in the project cycle.
• Describe any barriers to progress to-date.
• Update project plans for the second year.
• Indicate how they expect to continue or complete this research project.
• Describe plans to submit a manuscript/grant proposal or some other tangible mark of progress in the coming months.
• If available, submit any tables, figures, or graphics from a report or paper being worked on.
• Any additional information that will support a second year of funding.

All applicants will be notified with an official letter from the AATS Foundation within 3-5 months of the program deadline. Should you have any questions regarding your status prior to receiving this notification, please contact foundation@aats.org.

Supported By

• Eugene H. Blackstone Legacy of Leadership Program