Summary of Awardee Experiences
2024
Ibraheem Hamzat, MD
Site: University of Maryland
Site Mentor: Dr. Shelby Stewart
“The pathway to a medical career is lined with clear financial disparities. Putting aside all other factors, and taking into account only the economic burden of applying to residency, and the external rotations somewhat required of an applicant into a competitive specialty—it becomes clear that a low socioeconomic status precludes many qualified applicants from even getting their foot in the door. It is for this reason that I am extremely grateful for the ABCTS/STS pipeline scholarship for granting me this opportunity. This scholarship was life changing for me for two reasons: 1) It facilitated a visiting rotation at an integrated cardiothoracic surgery program and 2) it put me in a position where my only concern was with learning and providing excellent patient care rather than how I’d afford parking or my next meal. In particular, I am very thankful to Dr. Shelby Stewart, the cardiothoracic surgery faculty and residents, and the ICU staff for putting me in a position where hard work was rewarded and learning was always encouraged. At Maryland, I felt for the first time that I was truly a member of the field of cardiothoracic surgery as opposed to an external observer. As I march on into this residency application cycle, I am even more certain of my desire to be a cardiothoracic surgeon, and more confident in my technical and intellectual ability to do so. I feel that my time at Maryland was a watershed moment in my nascent academic career and I have the ABCTS to thank for that.”
Justin Olivera, MD
Site: Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Site Mentor: Dr. Fatima Wilder
2023
Lina Elfaki, MD
Site: Stanford University
Site Mentor: Dr. Leah Backhus
“In October 2023, I completed an Adult Cardiothoracic (CT) Surgery sub-internship at Stanford Health Center with Drs. Joseph Woo, Michael Fischbein, and Leah Backhus. I learned how to assess and prepare surgical patients for the OR and then manage their post-operative course. As a prospective Aortic surgeon, I was privileged to be exposed to the most complex aortic pathologies as well as outstanding teachers who took me in gracefully. It was a remarkable opportunity to see niche surgical cases and learn about cutting-edge research in the field. It was an inspiring experience that I will inform my career in many ways!”
Eric Lucas Jr, MD
Site: Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Site Mentors: Dr. Robert Higgins & Dr. Fatima Wilder
“My name is Eric Lucas Jr., and I am a PGY-1 Integrated Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident at The University of Southern California. The ABCTS Pipeline Scholarship was a truly life altering experience that was an honor and blessing to be awarded. I was fortunate to serve on the Brigham and Women’s Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery services as a Sub-Intern for 4 weeks. Under the mentorship of Dr. Robert Higgins, Dr. Fatima Wilder, and all the Brigham Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery department, I was exposed to not only great clinical/operative experiences but also true mentorship. Prior to the Scholarship, I had little operative exposure to Cardiothoracic Surgery and few mentors in the field. This program reassured my passion for the field of Cardiothoracic Surgery but more so provided invaluable mentorship, clinical exposure, and networking. I would like to extend my gratitude to ABCTS, STS, and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital for this life changing opportunity!”
