TSF Every Heartbeat Matters Awards

Through the generosity of the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation, TSF offers grants of up to $35,000 for qualified surgeons who conduct charity surgical outreach work in underserved regions with underserved populations. The TSF Every Heartbeat Matters Award is designed to provide support for:

  • Programs that educate, screen and/or treat underserved populations to reduce the global burden of heart valve disease and;
  • Other programs that advance health care and address underserved populations. This can include education and awareness campaigns, research, and/or direct care for underserved populations.

Projects that address the following will be sought:

  1. Proposed screening strategies and translation to surgical interventions in underserved regions/populations.
  2. Focus on heart valve disease recognition and treatment in underserved regions/populations.
  3. Specific statistics on the quantity of patients who will be screened.
  4. Specific statistics on the nature and quantity of heart valve issues that will be detected.

Resources/Guidelines for Medical Missions
The Partnership for Quality Medical Donations (PQMD) HSS Initiative has created a set of standards designed to better align sending organizations and host organizations. The nine PQMD standards outline the general principles to help create a partnership and mutual respect. These standards also focus on improving the process and practice of medical missions and programs including training and capacity building efforts. Applicants for the TSF Every Heartbeat Matters Award are encouraged to review the guidelines and checklists made available by the Partnership for Quality Medical Donations (PQMD) to assist in planning the humanitarian program.

Evaluation: Grant applications will be reviewed/initially evaluated by the Charitable Outreach Initiatives Committee, and awardees ultimately will be selected by the TSF Board of Directors. Award notifications will be distributed February 2024, and the surgical outreach work is expected to be completed by December 1, 2024. All TSF Every Heartbeat Matters Award recipients will be required to submit a summary essay and complete provided reporting documents within 30 days of project completion or by December 15, 2024,  documenting achievements with respect to the four measures listed above.

Eligibility: Applicants must be ABTS (or equivalent) certified cardiothoracic surgeons.

Timeline:

  • Application Open: July 1, 2024
  • Application Deadline: September 15, 2024

Required Application Materials:

  • Completed online application
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation (Chair of the Department (or equivalent) at institution in which applicant currently practices, and the Facility Sponsor at institution in underserved region where charity work will occur.)
  • Applicant’s current CV
  • Applicant’s Chair’s CV (or equivalent)

Click here to view the 2025 Awards Timeline