Dr. Vivien Thomas was a renowned scientist best known for his work to develop a new cardiac surgery technique at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in the 1940s. Despite never having the opportunity to enroll in medical school or earn an advanced degree, Dr. Thomas spent his career as a pioneering research and surgical assistant. In 1976 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Johns Hopkins University and named instructor of surgery in the School of Medicine.
Today, the Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI) honors Dr. Thomas’ legacy by establishing and strengthening pathways so that students from a broad range of academic backgrounds can pursue and receive PhDs in STEM fields at Johns Hopkins. Since its founding in 2021 through a $150 million effort backed by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the VTSI has welcomed 74 students – from more than 40 institutions across the United States –into PhD programs in 23 different disciplines across four Hopkins divisions.
Vivien Thomas Scholars are selected from a range of eligible institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), community colleges across the country, and regional institutions in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. In addition to the interview and selection process for the VTSI program, they must also be accepted into a Johns Hopkins PhD STEM program through the regular, rigorous and competitive application process. Scholars who have been accepted into both a PhD STEM program and the VTSI receive the financial support needed to ensure their success, including up to six years of full tuition support, a generous stipend, health insurance, and other benefits, along with significant mentorship, research, professional development, and community-building opportunities.
As America’s first research university, Johns Hopkins understands that in order to pursue our mission of science and discovery at the highest levels, we need to attract the best human talent in all of its dimensions and lived experiences. Through the VTSI, Johns Hopkins is committed to supporting the development of the next generation of transformational leaders in STEM.
Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative Academic Leadership
