Wylie Scholar Award
The 2024 Foundation to Advance Vascular Cures Wylie Scholar award is a 1-year, $50,000 grant designed to support outstanding young vascular surgeon-scientists who are dedicated to an academic career combining their clinical practice with original, innovative research. The award supports crucial research that enables them to compete for future funding. Wylie Scholars become North America’s world-class vascular surgeon-scientists; many are now chiefs at major academic centers, prominent leaders in the field, and play a key role in our programs.
Since 1996, 25 surgeon-scientists at 15 institutions around the country have become Wylie Scholars and their work is transforming patient care. Each year, the new grantee is selected by a committee of previous Wylie Scholars. The quality and rigor of the selection process are demonstrated by the fact that the average return on investment for follow-on research funding is 41:1.
The Wylie Impact
Impacts of Wylie Scholar research include contributions to better treatment options for diabetic foot ulcers, new therapies for stroke and chronic limb threatening ischemia, and blood clot prevention.
Wylie Scholar Research Highlights
Dr. Bryan Tillman
Ohio State University
Dr. Bryan Tillman develops minimally invasive vascular devices in his laboratory. The Rescue Stent is a device that was created to stop bleeding after trauma of the torso and a dual chambered stent is being explored to improve outcomes after major aortic surgery and for targeted delivery of therapeutic drugs.
Dr. Robert Thompson
Washington University
Dr. Robert Thompson is an expert in thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and director of the Center for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. TOS is a potentially disabling condition, often affecting athletes, caused by compression of the nerves or blood vessels in the neck. Dr. Thomson consults for many collegiate and professional sports teams.
Dr. Mohamed Zayed
Washington University
Dr. Mohamed Zayed is investigating why individuals with diabetes develop peripheral artery disease (PAD), one of the most common and costly types of vascular disease. His goal is to develop more effective ways to treat this challenging problem.
Dr. Matthew Corriere
University of Michigan
Dr. Matthew Corriere does research on finding ways for doctors to understand patient goals and improve shared decision-making in vascular treatment. He wants to help increase patient participation and engagement in their own care.
Dr. Katherine Gallagher
University of Michigan
Dr. Katherine Gallagher studies how to improve wound healing in patients with Type 2 diabetes, a severe problem that frequently leads to amputation, with the goal of developing new treatments. In 2022, Dr. Gallagher was elected to the National Academy of Medicine for her innovative research on epigenetic regulation of immune cells. “Election to the Academy is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service.”
Support Wylie Scholars
By directly supporting our Wylie Scholar Program, you are investing in an award that has on-going impact. Each $150,000 Wylie award, has generated $6.1 million in additional national research funding.
Wylie Scholar Award Application
Each year, a Wylie Scholar is selected from a competitive group of applicants. The award provides $50,000 for one year, and may be subject to renewal for a second year. The key criteria for selection of the potential Wylie Scholar is a demonstrated aptitude for and interest in vascular research, skill and promise in vascular surgery, teaching ability, and leadership qualities.
The 2024 Wylie Scholar application period is now open. Please visit the 2024 Wylie Scholar Application page for more information.