Charles H. Nicholson Clinical Tour Fellowship
Visiting and studying under experts in other centers, cities, or parts of the world has a long and honored tradition in surgery education. The Nicholson Clinical Tour makes such an experience possible for general surgery senior residents who have demonstrated strong character, broad knowledge, high technical skill, and a serious commitment to developing their surgical skills. The award helps defray some costs to residents who wish to serve as visiting surgeons at other national or international academic medical institutions.
Nicholson Scholars (Nicholson Clinical Tour awardees) are responsible for planning their personal clinical tour with help from their mentor(s) at the home institution. More than one site may be chosen for a Nicholson Tour, assuming scheduling allows.
Scheduling arranged by the scholar must be approved by the residency program director and administrative chief resident. Award amounts may vary but are typically around $1,000. They must be used to pay for travel, lodging, and other expenses.
Application Process
Applicants for the Nicholson Clinical Tour must submit a curriculum vitae and an essay describing career goals and the significance of the Tour to their career development. Scholars are selected based upon accomplishments, career goals and the manner in which the Tour is expected to impact their career. Recipients are selected in their fourth clinical year for travel in the fifth (chief) clinical year. One tour is granted annually.
Application deadline is March 1 annually and applicants are notified of a decision by May 1.
Past Nicholson Scholars
Danielle Kay, MD (2020)
Caroline Neff, MD (2019)
Sam Carmichael II, MD (2018)
Zach Warriner, MD (2017)
Kristin Long, MD (2015)
Arpana Jain, MD (2014)
Joseph D Valentino, MD (2013)
Levi Procter, MD (2012)
Tom Connally, MD (2011)
Phillip Chang, MD (2010)
About Charles H. Nicholson, MD
Charles (Charlie) Nicholson, MD, was a prolific and widely respected general surgeon at the Lexington Clinic. He practiced at St. Joseph, Central Baptist and Good Samaritan Hospitals from 1964 until 1996, caring for patients and educating hundreds of surgical residents. Dr. Nicholson’s legacy is as a compassionate and caring physician, superb clinical and technical surgeon, dedicated teacher and colleague. After Charlie’s untimely death in 1999, members of the Lexington surgical community established the Nicholson Clinical Tour to honor and memorialize their long-time partner and friend.
Nicholson Clinical Tour Founders:
William (Bill) Walton, MD, Lexington
Michael E. Daugherty, MD, Lexington
Edwin (Ed) Nighbert, MD, Lexington