The American College of Surgeons offers International Guest Scholarships to young surgeons from countries other than the United States or Canada who have demonstrated strong interests in teaching and research. The scholarships, in the amount of $10,000 each, provide the scholars with an opportunity to visit clinical, teaching, and research activities in the US and Canada and to attend and participate fully in the educational opportunities and activities of the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress.
Scholarship Details
- Administered by the American College of Surgeons (ACS)
- Each scholarship valued at $10,000
- Provides opportunities to visit clinical, teaching, and research centers in the U.S. and Canada
- Includes attendance and full participation in the ACS Clinical Congress
- Endowment originally established by Paul R. Hawley, MD, and expanded through additional gifts and foundations
- Aims to foster international collaboration in surgical education and research
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be medical school graduates who have completed surgical training
- Must be at least 35 years old but under 50 at the time of application
- Must have practiced, taught, or conducted research for at least one year at their permanent location after completing formal training
- Applicants must submit their applications from their intended permanent location
- Must demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching and/or research
- Preference given to early-career surgeons over senior academics
- ACS membership is not required
- Preference may be given to applicants without prior training or fellowships in the U.S. or Canada
Application Process
- Complete the official International Guest Scholarship application form on the ACS website
- Prepare all materials in English and submit them electronically
- Provide a full list of publications and include three complete publications (reprints or manuscripts) of your choice
- Submit three independent letters of recommendation, including one from the department chair or an ACS Fellow residing in your country, detailing your teaching and academic contributions
- Use the structured online form to submit a comprehensive curriculum vitae
- Ensure all materials are received before the official deadline; incomplete applications will not be processed
- If awarded, use the scholarship in the designated year and provide a written report upon completion
- Unsuccessful applicants may reapply up to two additional times with new materials
This scholarship endowment was originally provided through the legacy gift from Paul R. Hawley, MD (FACS Hon), a former ACS Director. More recently, gifts from the family of Abdol Islami, MD (FACS), the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, and others to the International Guest Scholarship endowment have enabled the ACS to expand the number of scholarship awards.
