Dear Colleagues,

Challenging times require us to work together in new ways to bring sleep research and career training opportunities to a broader, more diverse population. Working together also enables the AASM Foundation to build new partnerships with our peers allowing us to make a greater impact on the field of sleep medicine. To advance our vision of Healthier Lives through Better Sleep, I’m excited to share that we will be offering joint awards with both the AMA Foundation and CHEST Foundation in 2021. I hope that you will consider applying for these opportunities or sharing them with your colleagues, mentees, and institutions.

Increasing the pipeline of future clinicians

The AASM Foundation is committed to the expansion of the field of sleep medicine with highly qualified researchers and clinicians. To meet this need, the AASM Foundation has partnered with the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation to support the AMA Foundation’s Physicians of Tomorrow program. Through this program, a $10,000 scholarship will be provided to medical students who are interested in pursuing a career in sleep medicine. Applications are due on Wednesday, March 31, 2021.

Improving patient-centered care through high-impact research

The AASM Foundation provides funding for high-impact research because we want to ensure that all patients have access to evidence-based care in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. To support this priority, our new initiative is a partnership with the CHEST Foundation to jointly fund a $30,000 research grant.

Applications for the 2021 AASM Foundation and CHEST Foundation Research Grant in Sleep Medicine will be available on February 15, 2021. Applications must address topics that advance sleep medicine and ultimately improve patient outcomes. The projects must also demonstrate how they will have a positive impact on the lung health of a community. Applications are due on March 31, 2021. For more information and to apply visit the CHEST Foundation’s website.

Putting donations to work

We are very grateful to have members of the sleep community contributing to our ongoing program expansion. With 2021 underway, I hope you’ll make a new gift today to support our efforts to establish new awards and initiatives that promote discoveries to advance the understanding of sleep for healthier lives.

Sincerely,

Anita V. Shelgikar, MD, MHPE
President, AASM Foundation