AWRSC-Heniford Talent Grant

Following the individual correspondence with several surgeons regarding the “AWRSC-Heniford Talent Grant,” we are pleased to announce that the following surgeons have consented to provide a short-term mentorship program:

• Todd Heniford - Chicago, USA: 2 weeks

• Conrad Ballecer - Phoenix, Arizona, USA: 1 week

• Flavio Malcher - New York, USA: 1-2 weeks

• Sully Ayuso - University of Texas, USA: 1-2 weeks Oct / Nov 2026

• Yuri Novitsky - New York, USA: 1-2 weeks except March, August & September

• Miguel Ángel García Urena - Spain: 2 weeks

• Ulrich Dietz - Switzerland: 1-2 weeks

• Victor Radu - Romania: 1-2 weeks

• Filip Muysoms - Belgium: 2 weeks (Observation and Hands-on Training at ORSI Academy Center)

• Ramana Balasubramaniam - Melbourne, Australia: 2 weeks

• Kellee Slater - Brisbane, Australia: 2 weeks

Given the availability of two candidates for next year, we will implement this program and allow the candidates to select their preferred location based on their requirements.
The following criteria will be applied to candidates seeking this fellowship:

• Age: Less than 45 years

• AWRSC Life Member: Membership in the AWRSC

• Minimum Qualification: 2 years of post-graduate training in General Surgery (MS/DNB)

Interest in Hernia and AWR Surgeries: Demonstrated interest in the aforementioned surgical specialties.

The grant per candidate will be $3,000 USD, which can be utilized for various purposes, including travel expenses, accommodation during observership, and meal expenses. The bills for all the above have to be submitted on completion and return.
Observer Terms and Conditions:

• Please note that this fellowship is an observership program, and candidates will not receive hands-on training. Candidates are responsible for arranging and funding their visas independently

• Selected Candidates

• Upon formalization, selected candidates will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the AWRSC. This MOU will encompass non-liability clauses, grant amount limits, expectations from the candidate, and reporting obligations for completion

• An observership completion report must be submitted within one month of completion. Additionally, the candidate must present their experience at an upcoming AWRSC conference

Application Process:

• Once formalized, a flyer will be released and circulated across all social media platforms to announce the program. The website, www.awrsurgeons.com, will provide detailed information about the agreed-upon centers and the stipulated time of observership

• A short questionnaire will be available on the website for interested candidates to complete. Subsequently, the secretary of the AWRSC will email a Google form to the candidates

• After the post-screening process, a detailed Zoom interview will be conducted by the president, trustees, and vice president to finalize the selection of the candidate

• Once the candidate is selected, they will be introduced to the surgeon via email, and final logistics will be arranged. The grant will be awarded to the candidate during the Deep Impact meeting in Mumbai in 2027

• Feedback regarding the candidates and the centers will be exchanged reciprocally

Please inform us if the above process is satisfactory or if any changes are required. We will make the necessary adjustments to establish the process for attracting candidates for the 2026 program.

Regards,
Deepak Subramanian
Secretary