Journey to Equity: The NESVS Interviewing Travel Scholarship Experience

The New England Society for Vascular Surgery is deeply committed to providing care for all vascular patients. The anticipated shortage in the workforce poses a significant threat to this mission. The NESVS is also dedicated to fostering a heterogeneous workforce of vascular surgeons, reflecting the diversity of the community we serve. This includes surgeons who have faced financial difficulties, similar to many of our patients.

Annually, numerous qualified candidates across New England vie for a limited number of spots in an integrated vascular residency. As of the ongoing match cycle (2024-25), approximately 40% of programs have returned to in-person interviews, necessitating travel for students. While in-person interviews offer various advantages, they also present a financial burden. This can result in disparities among candidates, where some students may not have the means to attend as many interviews as others.

NESVS is thrilled to introduce a new $1,500 Travel Scholarship for two medical students, currently enrolled in an accredited MD/DO institution in New England and applying to integrated vascular residency programs this cycle. Additionally, students must either be Candidate Members of NESVS or apply for membership at the same time as this scholarship application.

To apply for this grant, students need to submit a copy of their personal statement and curriculum vitae (the same ones used in the ERAS application are acceptable), along with responses to two concise (<250 words each) questions:

1. A description of their financial situation that would warrant the need for this grant
2. A reflection on how your encounters with financial hardship could enable you to effectively contribute to the care of vascular surgery patients.

The NESVS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee will evaluate applications and determine the recipients. The scholarship will be distributed in mid-March of 2025. We ask recipients to reconnect with us to share feedback, including where they matched, how the award assisted them, and any suggestions for enhancing the program.

Submission Deadline: Monday, February 17, 2025 at 5pm eastern standard time