This scholarship will provide funding for a woman Cardiothoracic surgeon with greater than 5 years in practice to participate in further leadership training as part of a recognized national leadership program. The overarching goal of the scholarship is to provide support and career development for women interested in leadership opportunities. It is our hope to propel more women into prominent local, regional, and national leadership positions.

Potential sites for leadership training include: Brandeis Health Leadership Program, Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education programs, Stanford Executive Program, Northwest Kellogg Women’s Senior Leadership Program, or the AAMC Executive leadership program. However, applicants can propose other sites for completing their training. 

This year’s recipient will be awarded $10,000 towards the cost of completion of the leadership training. 

Interested applicants will be required to submit the following application materials through this form:

Application Form

• A letter of intent delineating the intended program 
• A current CV
• A letter of support from the applicant’s Division Chief or Equivalent that confirms support for the applicant to complete the leadership course and attests to how the full cost of the leadership program, beyond what is covered by the scholarship, will be funded.

Post-Award Documentation of Program Acceptance

• Before funds are awarded, the applicant must provide documentation confirming acceptance into a leadership program, including anticipated dates of completion

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

For questions, please email help@wtsnet.org.

This Scholarship is sponsored by AtriCure.

Scholarship Overview  

The WTS Kohman Scholarship supports women cardiothoracic surgeons as they explore meaningful transitions beyond the operating room. Inspired by Dr. Kohman’s own fulfilling post-surgical career, this award encourages recipients to pursue personal and professional growth through activities such as:

• Career coaching or executive leadership training
• Certification or board exam preparation
• Academic coursework or degrees
• Creative or entrepreneurial endeavors
• Other innovative transition pathways

Each recipient will receive $10,000 to support their chosen activity. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Interested applicants looking for assistance in identifying their professional growth activity may reach out to WTS to be paired with Senior WTS Mentors for personalized guidance and support with their application.

Eligibility Criteria 

Applicants must:

• Be an active member of WTS
• Be a practicing thoracic surgeon with a primary focus in cardiothoracic surgery

Application Requirements  

Applicants must submit a complete application packet including:

• Essay Responses:
• Why are you interested in transitioning out of surgery?          
  • What ideas or plans do you have for your next career step?
•  Current CV
• Letter of Support from the applicant’s Division Chief or equivalent (required only if time off is needed):

Post-Award Requirements  

Before funds are disbursed, recipients must provide documentation of acceptance into the selected program or activity and anticipated dates of completion. Recipients may choose to remain anonymous.

For questions, please email help@wtsnet.org.

This award allows a woman resident or fellow in a US training program with an interest in cardiothoracic surgery the opportunity to attend the WTSA Annual Meeting, and to be mentored throughout the meeting by a WTS/WTSA member. In addition, women postdoctoral candidates in a research or other gap year who have graduated medical school in the U.S. and are committed to cardiothoracic surgery, are eligible to apply.

Interested applicants will be required to submit the following application materials through this form:

Application Form This application form includes a 250-word maximum essay question response. 

Current CV

Letter of Support Letter of support from the applicant’s medical school official or residency program director permitting participation (Letter of support must reference the name of the applicant)

Letter of Recommendation

The submission deadline for applications is Midnight, PDT, April 13, 2026.

For questions, please email help@wtsnet.org.