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In a bid to foster professional development and guidance for aspiring cardiothoracic surgeons, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons has unveiled a unique mentorship program tailored for medical students and residents.

The initiative, created with the Thoracic Surgery Medical Student Association (TSMSA), aims to bridge the gap between seasoned professionals and the next generation of surgeons. It delves into the intricacies of cardiothoracic surgery and forms collaborative relationships between early careerists and students. The new program is an extension of the current STS mentorship program that matches trainees with senior surgeons. 

The newly introduced medical student and resident mentorship opportunity is set to personalize the way aspiring surgeons acquire training, career advice, and other essential insights. The goal is to connect medical students eager for guidance with cardiothoracic surgery residents and fellows and facilitate a dynamic exchange of knowledge and experience. It is an expansion of the current STS mentorship program that matches trainees with senior surgeons.  

Under this program, medical students are empowered to seek mentorship from residents and fellows, gaining crucial insights into cardiothoracic surgery as a specialty. The mentorship extends beyond theoretical knowledge, offering practical guidance on residency programs, the interview process, rotations, and other aspects vital for navigating the field successfully. This hands-on approach provides aspiring surgeons with a comprehensive understanding of the demands and opportunities within the specialty, aiding them in making informed career decisions. 

Moreover, the program benefits residents and fellows too, giving them an opportunity to hone their mentorship skills while contributing to the development of future generations of cardiothoracic surgeons. By assuming the role of mentors, residents, and fellows gain valuable leadership experience and the satisfaction of guiding and shaping the careers of aspiring professionals. Through this reciprocal relationship, both mentors and mentees contribute to the advancement of the field while fostering a sense of camaraderie and community.

Joseph Phillips, MD, thoracic surgeon, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, and chair of the STS Mentorship Task Force, expressed confidence in the program's potential to significantly impact STS Medical Student and Resident/Fellow members. He emphasized the importance of mentorship in nurturing talent and fostering a supportive environment conducive to professional growth.

“In a rapidly evolving field like cardiothoracic surgery, mentorship serves as a cornerstone for success, offering guidance, support, and inspiration to young surgeons as they embark on their professional journey,” said Dr. Phillips. “With this initiative, STS reaffirms its dedication to nurturing talent, fostering collaboration, and shaping the future of cardiothoracic surgery.” 

It's just one more way STS is helping to cultivate a vibrant and resilient community of cardiothoracic surgeons poised to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.
 

At a time when surgeon burnout is on the rise, STS is making wellness a priority. In this video message from STS President Jenna C. Romano, MD, MS, hear about the importance of being intentional about wellness and achieving a balanced life in this ever-evolving profession. 

STS is pleased to announce the release of the Adult Cardiac Surgery Database Executive Dashboard Report, now available on the Database platform. The Executive Dashboard includes the following components:

• The participant’s star ratings for the last six star-rating periods, allowing you to easily track your site’s risk-adjusted performance longitudinally.
• Resource utilization metrics for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures, which provide participants near real-time data vs. STS benchmark data from the previous analysis period, including: 
  • ICU times
  • Postoperative total ventilation hours
  • Postoperative length of stay
  • Total blood project usage (intraoperative/postoperative)
• Participant’s performance on meeting inclusion eligibility criteria. Utilizing green, yellow, and red statuses and convenient drill-down functionality, participants can easily identify cases of concern and save valuable time. And case counts are available to allow users to verify if their site meets case count requirements for analysis. Updates to this report are ongoing to provide real-time data. Refer to the Notifications tab on the IQVIA Platform for updates. 

Additional procedure types for resource utilization metrics were released on April 13, 2024. More utilization metrics are being considered. If you have a suggestion, contact Carole Krohn at ckrohn@sts.org.
 
If you have questions regarding the Database, contact the STS Database Help Desk.

Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced the enactment of a final rule to ban non-compete clauses as an unfair method of competition. This groundbreaking rule prohibits employers from entering into or maintaining non-compete agreements with workers, with limited exceptions. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons has been a strong advocate for this ban, recognizing that non-compete clauses significantly hinder cardiothoracic surgeons by limiting their ability to serve their communities, maintain continuity of care, and ensure patient access to specialized surgical services.  

"STS members and the broader physician community will benefit from the ban on non-competes," says STS President Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS, and a practicing cardiothoracic surgeon. "Eliminating non-compete clauses removes major barriers for cardiothoracic surgeons, enhancing their ability to decide where and how they practice without undue restrictions. This change is especially crucial in improving access to specialized surgical care across various regions, fostering a more dynamic and responsive healthcare system." 

The unfortunate exclusion of most non-profit hospitals from this rule significantly constrains its benefits. We encourage Congress to continue the momentum on this important issue by enacting S. 220 / H.R. 731, the Workforce Mobility Act, which would extend these crucial protections to all healthcare providers, ensuring a truly competitive and patient-centered healthcare environment.