Based on the role perseverance and determination have played in his own career, Dr. Robert S. Poston understands the dedication and sacrifice it takes to pursue a career in nursing—especially in the highly specialized and demanding field of cardiothoracic intensive care. With deep respect for the commitment nurses bring to their patients and communities, he founded the Dr. Robert Poston Nursing Scholarship in 2025. The purpose is to help ease the financial challenges of education and empower aspiring ICU cardiothoracic nurses to reach their full potential.
Dr. Poston’s career as a nationally recognized cardiothoracic surgeon has been defined by an ability to be innovative, resilient, and empathic. His daily work with critical care nurses has given him profound appreciation that this is the same skillset essential for cardiothoracic intensive care nursing.
Through this scholarship, Dr. Poston hopes to give back to those who play a vital role in saving lives every day. By reducing the financial strain of nursing education, he aims to provide opportunities for motivated individuals to advance their training, contribute to patient-centered care, and strengthen the future of cardiothoracic nursing.
Dr. Robert S. Poston is a distinguished cardiothoracic surgeon known for pioneering minimally invasive and robot-assisted heart surgery techniques. His leadership and dedication have transformed surgical care by improving patient outcomes and reducing recovery times.
Beyond his achievements in medicine, Dr. Poston believes in nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. His approach to leadership emphasizes a rigorous style of teamwork and communication used in other hazardous fields such as military, aviation and nuclear power. Excellence in such demanding lines of work is only possible through continuous learning and seamless collaboration.
All applications must be submitted by this date to be considered for the 2026 scholarship cycle.
Applicants are required to submit a 600 word essay answering the following question:
“Conflict is an inevitable byproduct of being on a high performing team. Describe a moment that you resolved conflict in such a way that it strengthened your commitment to cardiothoracic intensive care nursing. How did this experience shape your understanding of teamwork and patient care?”
Once submitted, all applications will undergo a thorough review process. The selected recipient will be notified via email and featured on the official website.
“Nurses are the heart of patient care. Their strength, compassion, and affinity towards teamwork inspire me every day. This scholarship is a small way of honoring their dedication and helping future nurses continue that legacy of excellence.”
is mission extends beyond the operating room—through these scholarships, Dr. Poston invests in students who share his dedication to service, leadership, and medical excellence.