The Society of Black Academic Surgeons/J&J MedTech

Resident Advanced Institute for Surgical Excellence (RAISE)

"Class of 2026"

Background:

To foster inclusivity and amplify the reach and effectiveness of our program, we are proud to announce the transformation of the historic Diverse Surgeons Initiative (DSI) into the Resident Advanced Institute for Surgical Excellence (RAISE). This evolution represents our continued commitment to enhancing excellence in surgical training and setting a new standard for future generations! 

Through a formal application and selection process, [RAISE] aims to provide US categorical general surgery residents with increasingly advanced surgical skills that would enable them to excel in their residency training program and have a firm foundation of surgical proficiency when beginning a fellowship.  Didactic sessions will address the science of tissue management, as well as opportunities to participate in interactive discussions on other important academic topics such as resume/CV building, innovation, clinical research, health equity, and leadership development.

With this added preparation, exposure, and mentorship, [RAISE] graduates are better equipped to secure a competitive subspecialty fellowship and ultimately obtain an academic surgery faculty appointment.

Program Specifics / Benefits:

- Two, 2.5 days of intense training at J&J MedTech Headquarters in Cincinnati, OH.

- The arrangements and cost of flights to and from the two training experiences, hotel accommodations while in Cincinnati, and all meals while on site are covered expenses by this grant program. 

- Curriculum inclusive of didactic sessions, clinical scenarios, laparoscopic and open surgical techniques training with animate and cadaver labs.

- Clinical and career development lectures from various leaders in academic surgery.

- Ongoing mentorship and networking opportunities with SBAS leaders.

- Unparalleled opportunity to learn from and build camaraderie with surgical residents around the country.

Eligibility:

-Post Graduate Year (PGY) 3-4 categorical general surgery residents in good standing at an ACGME accredited training program. Categorical surgery residents in their research years that have completed at least two years of clinical training are eligible.

-A genuine interest in pursuing a career in academic surgery.

-Evidence of scholastic achievement through research grants, peer review publications, and/or abstract podium presentations at national surgical meetings.

- Aspiring academic surgeons who have faced significant barriers to academic advancement such as:

•First generation college or medical graduates

•Significant financial hardship during education or training

•Limited exposure to academic mentorship or research infrastructure

To Apply We Require:

-Completed online application on the SBAS website.

-Current CV and Bibliography, submitted as a file attachment to the application form online.

-Letter of reference from the Chair or Residency Program Director of the resident’s department. The letter must include confirmation that the resident is granted permission to attend BOTH sessions in Cincinnati AND the subsequent SBAS annual conference held in September 2026. If you cannot commit to BOTH Cincinnati sessions, please do not apply.

-Current photo headshot

-Brief letter of interest. No more than two paragraphs (350 words).

-Encouraged to attend the 2026 Annual Society of Black Academic Surgeons Meeting. This will not be financially covered by the grant program.

Timeline:

 -Application Opens: June 25, 2025

 -Application Closes: August 8, 2025

 -Selected applicants will be notified:  September 5, 2025

 -Participants announced at the annual SBAS Meeting: September 18-21, 2025 (Milwaukee, WI)

 -RAISE Session #1: November 9-12, 2025 (Location: Cincinnati, OH – J&J MedTech Headquarters)

 -RAISE Session #2: April 19-22, 2026 (Location: Cincinnati, OH – J&J MedTech Headquarters)

- Public introduction and participants' debrief at the 2026 annual SBAS Meeting: September 18-21, 2026 (Location: TBD)

Online Application Below:

*Please submit your application and upload your letters along with current photo headshot online.

*With the submission of this application, the applicant understands and approves that this demographic information will be collected and stored by SBAS. The applicant also acknowledges that although deidentified, this information may be used for future educational research, presentations, and publications. 

*Johnson & Johnson's (J&J) funding of the Resident Advanced Institute for Surgical Excellence (RAISE) is a restricted educational grant. It is a collaboration between J&J MedTech and Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS) faculty.

*Please contact SBAS Central Office (info@sbas.net) or Dr. Paris Butler (paris.butler@yale.edu) with any questions.

The 2025-26’ RAISE Call for Applications has formally closed. Please be on the look out for the 2026-27’ application cycle next Spring/Summer!