Annual Meeting Scholarships
GTSC is proud to continue its tradition of supporting aspiring medical professionals by offering seven prestigious scholarships.
PETER C. PAIROLERO (PCP) SCHOLARSHIP
One outstanding medical student will be selected to receive the Peter C. Pairolero (PCP) Scholarship. This award honors Dr. Peter Pairolero, a founding member of GTSC, in recognition of his tremendous contributions to the Club. Dr. Pairolero remained a dedicated participant, attending every GTSC Annual Meeting through 2024.
The ideal candidate for the Peter C. Pairolero Scholarship is a medical student who demonstrates a strong interest in general thoracic surgery and a clear commitment to professional growth in this field. Applicants should show motivation to engage actively with the General Thoracic Surgical Club and its mission. The scholarship aims to support students who will benefit from increased exposure to thoracic surgery through GTSC activities and who exhibit dedication to pursuing a career in this specialty. Enthusiasm for learning and meaningful participation within the thoracic surgery community are important factors in the selection process.
MCKENNA SCHOLARSHIP
One general surgery resident and one general thoracic surgery fellow will be selected to receive the McKenna Scholarship. Dr. Rob McKenna, a long-time member of the Club, and his wife Kathy, both regular attendees of the Annual Meeting, made a generous donation in 2025 to support the education and growth of future general thoracic surgeons. We are proud to offer this scholarship as part of our ongoing commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders in general thoracic surgery.
The McKenna Scholarship will be awarded to one general surgery resident and one general thoracic surgery fellow who demonstrate a clear intention to pursue cardiothoracic surgery and are actively working to increase their exposure to the field. Ideal candidates are those preparing to apply to cardiothoracic surgery programs or further their training in general thoracic surgery. This scholarship serves as both recognition and encouragement for individuals committed to advancing their careers and contributing to the future of the specialty. Candidates should show motivation for engagement with the thoracic surgery community.
STS SCHOLARSHIP - TOP ABSTRACTS
Medical students, general surgery residents, thoracic surgery residents, and fellows are eligible for the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Scholarship. The top three abstracts will be selected to receive this recognition and will be invited to present their work orally on Saturday morning.
Please see the Abstracts page for more details.
STS SCHOLARSHIP - TOP SURGICAL MOVIE
Medical students, general surgery residents, thoracic surgery residents, and fellows are eligible for the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Scholarship. The top video submission will be selected to receive this recognition and will be invited to present their work orally on Friday evening.
An additional five video submissions will be selected for presentation without scholarship designation; however, all selected videos will be eligible to compete for one of two award, to be presented during the Saturday Awards Dinner.
Please see the Movie Night page for more details.
Application Opens: August 14, 2026
Deadline for Submission: September 30, 2026, 11:59 PM CT
Acceptance/Rejection Notifications: November 5, 2026
PCP & McKenna Recipients will receive:
Submission Platform:
GTSC uses Bravura for scholarship submissions.
Submission Guidelines:
To apply, please upload:
This is your opportunity to shine! Showcase your commitment to thoracic surgery, take advantage of valuable connections, and be recognized by leaders in the field.
All submissions will be thoughtfully reviewed by GTSC leadership, and while we can’t guarantee acceptance, we encourage you to share your work with us.
