SRS 2017 Scholarships and Awards

The Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) lists several scholarship awards and research fellowships for 2017.

SRS’ Awards and Scholarships Committee Chair Dr. Jeffrey S. Kanel, told OTW that he “is pleased to offer several unique opportunities for medical professionals to continue their medical education and experiences in the specialty of spinal deformity.”

In addition to member recognition awards and those reserved for SRS papers and posters, the Society provides scholarships and research fellowships. Scholarships fund the winners’ attendance at annual meetings while the fellowships finance surgeons’ visits to spinal deformity centers.

SRS is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but hosts member conferences worldwide and is committed “to research and education in the field of spinal deformities.” A sampling of these scholarships and awards reflect this vision, and include:

• The Fikry MENA Scholarship, reserved for Middle East and North Africa orthopedic or neurosurgery physicians, provides a $2, 500 stipend to attend the SRS annual meeting or the International Meeting on Advanced Spinal Techniques (IMAST).
• A Global Outreach Educational Scholarship reimburses spinal orthopedic and neurosurgeons up to $2, 500 to attend IMAST or the SRS annual meeting.
• Practicing spine surgeons from developing countries are eligible to apply for the Global Outreach Visiting Fellowship. The recipient spends three to four weeks to observe “clinical care and spinal deformity surgeries” and is reimbursed up to $6, 000 for travel and lodging expenses.
• The Eduardo R. Luque Scholarship awards physicians located in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Iberian Peninsula with $2, 500 for a two-week fellowship or attendance at IMAST or the SRS annual meeting.
• Reserved for spine surgeons living in a “developing country or financially-challenged under-served area, ” the Robert B. Winter Global Outreach Fellowship provides up to $12, 000 reimbursement for a four to six-week at an SRS recognized (and staffed) global spine center.
• SRS-Medtronic Research Fellowship provides a grant “to provide travel and living expenses allowing a young surgeon/researcher to spend time [3-6 months] at a selected SRS member center improving research skills while completing a research project.”

For details on these and other award qualifications and prizes, Kanel invites those interested to visit the SRS awards application page. They may also direct any inquiries to Lily Atonio at latonio@srs.org.