March 21, Match Day, marked a significant milestone for the future of healthcare, as the 2025 Main Residency Match—organized by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)—set a record as the largest and most competitive match in its 73-year history. With 52,498 applicants competing for 43,237 positions, the event saw a remarkable 4.7% increase in active applicants compared to the previous year, signaling the rising demand for residency spots across all specialties.1
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Image courtesy of: @Adham_Ahmed_64
Among the standout trends was the unprecedented surge in interest in thoracic and vascular surgery, both of which achieved a historic 100% fill rate for the first time. This achievement reflects the growing popularity of these highly specialized fields, with many positions filled by senior medical students. The number of certified applicants also grew by 5.3% compared to 2024, indicating that more medical graduates are pursuing specialized fields such as cardiothoracic surgery.2
As the demand for residency positions continues to rise, medical institutions are expected to expand their programs to meet this increased interest. To facilitate this growth, the NRMP has implemented several policy updates and technological enhancements to streamline the residency matching process. Key updates include the removal of the AAMC ID requirement in the Registration, Ranking, and Results® (R3®) system, along with improvements to the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP), which helps unmatched applicants secure residency positions.3 These innovations are designed to improve the overall efficiency, transparency, and success rate of the residency match process, ensuring that more qualified applicants can find positions in their desired specialties.
1 Source: National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) 2 Source: Becker’s Hospital Review 3 Source. Thalamus
Do you ever say to yourself, “I don’t feel like doing this today?” On this episode, Tim Pychyl, PhD, procrastination researcher and author of Solving the Procrastination Puzzle, talks about procrastination and how to avoid it. Pychyl reveals the latest research on why people get stuck and offers strategies to "break free from self-destructive ideas and habits" and start living an inspired life. Listen today.
In recognition of Black History Month, we recently spoke with STS member and surgical leader Leah Backhus, MD, recipient of the 2023 Extraordinary Women of Cardiothoracic Surgery Award. Dr. Backhus is the Thelma and Henry Doelger Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine, specializing in thoracic oncology and minimally invasive techniques.
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As we honor Black History Month, is there a historical figure or event that particularly resonates with you, and how has it shaped your perspective as a surgeon?
I have always been inspired by the story of Dr. Charles Drew. Of course, he was a medical pioneer, but his work was also far-reaching in establishing safe practices for blood donation. And yet, the time in which he lived required him to hold steadfast to his convictions of equality, ultimately leading to his resignation from the American Red Cross.
What progress have you seen in diversity and inclusion within cardiothoracic surgery, and what steps are still needed to ensure equitable opportunities?
We have made strides in terms of gender representation; however, it will take a century to achieve gender equity at the current pace. Most of these strides have been in thoracic surgery, with comparatively fewer women in cardiac, congenital, and transplant surgery. We can do better.
Regarding race/ethnic representation, we are still lagging, with some minor strides in certain areas and stagnation in others. We need better visibility and pipeline efforts to encourage those who may not picture themselves in the roles of CT surgeons they see in front of them. Representation matters.
We also need to address the elephant in the room regarding salary parity (or disparity), as outlined in both last year’s and this year’s STS Practice Surveys.
What advice would you give to young Black students considering a career in CT surgery?
Mentorship is critical. Find a mentor. Find several. Remember that your mentor need not look like you; they just have to believe in you and be willing to support you. This is not easy, so you need a guide. Do not attempt this alone. Also, do not discredit your peer mentors and those just one level above you. They have valuable insights that are fresh and ready for the taking.
What inspired you to pursue a career in cardiothoracic surgery?
I came from a general surgery program with a long history of stimulating interest in CT surgery. In contrast to many general surgery programs today, which have lots of competing exposures and services, our exposure to CT surgery was consistent and intense. The faculty were amazing surgeons and teachers. The anatomy was incredibly interesting (I likened the chest to a “treasure chest” because there is something for everyone in there). And despite dealing with very complex patients and surgeries, the faculty were even-keeled and handled the high-stakes operations and patient care with poise.
Who has been a key mentor or role model in your professional journey, and how did they influence you?
There are literally too many to name. One of my earliest mentors was Ross Bremner, who was the CT Surgery fellow when I was an intern. I later joined his lab after he was hired as faculty, and that exposure and experience helped hone my interest as well as my marketability as an applicant for a traditional fellowship slot.
Other senior mentors have included Bob Higgins and Doug Wood, who have taught me how to be a good and fair leader—both within one's own academic institution and on the national and international stages of CT Surgery.
I also have peer mentors: Thomas Varghese, David Cooke, and Jessica Donington, to name a few. But there are countless more!
In the season premiere of Same Surgeon, Different Light, new co-hosts Dr. Cherie Erkmen and Dr. Sara Pereira talk with Dr. David T. Cooke, professor in the Division of General Thoracic Surgery at UC Davis Health, and Dr. Thomas Varghese, professor and section chief of General Thoracic Surgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Together, they reflect on the surprising and inspiring stories shared throughout previous seasons. The episode wraps up with Drs.
The 2025 Society of Thoracic Surgeon Annual Meeting was an incredible experience. Los Angeles was a beautiful host city and it was great to see the resilience of the community after the tragic wildfires that caused unfathomable loss of life and property.
During today’s "2024 STS Compensation and Member Practice Survey Update" session, STS President Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS, and Cherie Erkmen, MD, will lead a discussion on the key findings of the 2024 survey, which offers valuable insights into cardiothoracic surgeon compensation across specialties, career stages, and geographic regions.
The 2024 survey, which includes data from over 1,000 surgeons, reveals notable trends such as a 6% increase in compensation for cardiac surgeons, 9% for general thoracic surgeons, and 8% for congenital surgeons compared to 2023. It also reports a 13% female participation rate, surpassing the 11% female membership in STS, and shows participation by region aligning with the STS membership distribution.
For the second consecutive year, the survey, developed in partnership with Gallagher, explores new topics, including compensation for new physicians, employer ownership, and satisfaction with compensation. Gallagher ensures confidentiality by sharing only aggregated data to protect individual privacy.
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is thrilled to reassemble for its 61st Annual Meeting Jan. 24-26 in Los Angeles, which brings together cardiothoracic surgeons from around the globe and features late-breaking scientific research, cutting-edge technologies, innovative cardiothoracic surgery products, dynamic and interactive training, and impactful networking and mentorship opportunities.
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STS 2025 will take place in Los Angeles.
Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the meeting offers attendees — more than 2,000 professionals at all career stages— a seamless experience with plenary sessions, breakout sessions, and the exhibit hall all conveniently located. That makes it easy for attendees to navigate and connect with colleagues and industry leaders.
On Thursday, Jan. 23, three concurrent half-day pre-conference symposia will enhance the educational experience. These sessions will cover advancements in lung cancer, the diagnosis and treatment of aortic disease for patients of all ages, and more.
The first day of the Annual Meeting will kick off with the Nina Starr Braunwald Extraordinary Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Awards breakfast. The event, co-hosted by STS and Women in Thoracic Surgery, will celebrate women cardiothoracic surgeons who have excelled in clinical practice, made significant contributions to the field, and demonstrated leadership, mentorship, integrity, creativity, and expertise.
The inaugural Nina Starr Braunwald Lecture will be presented by Jennifer Doudna, PhD, a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist renowned for her pioneering work in gene editing. She will explore how scientific innovation is shaping the future of medicine. The Vivien T. Thomas Lecture will feature award-winning photojournalist and filmmaker Ami Vitale. A passionate advocate for social responsibility, she will demonstrate how authentic storytelling can drive meaningful, positive change.
The Society will honor President Jennifer Romano, MD, MS, for her invaluable contributions to the organization as the first female president to hold the office. A special reception will be held at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, amidst a majestic backdrop of North American wildlife dioramas that adorn the hall. Space is limited for this event, so attendees are encouraged to add the reception to their cart during registration.
STS 2025 will offer practical courses on various surgical procedures, delivering an engaging and immersive learning experience for residents, early career surgeons, and all surgeons seeking to enhance their skills. The topics include aortic annular enlargement, TEVAR techniques for aneurysms and dissections, mitral valve repair, complex central airway reconstruction, and the Ross procedure.
For the second consecutive year, The Hub will serve as the focal point for cardiothoracic surgery trainees. The Hub’s lounge area will offer a variety of engaging sessions, including mock oral Interviews, job interview preparation, early career surgeon roundtable discussions, a trainee symposium with a luncheon, and more.
Attendees can also enjoy creative activities in The Hub, such as the collaborative mural project “Splashes of Hope,” where participants can contribute their creativity to artwork that will be donated to a local children's hospital. For those eager to capture memorable moments, the selfie station will offer a fun and interactive backdrop perfect for sharing on social media.
Additionally, a scavenger hunt will inspire attendees to engage in challenges via the Annual Meeting app, with opportunities to win prizes.
There’s still time to register, add ticketed events, and start planning your Los Angeles experience at sts.org/annualmeeting.
Ready to level up your STS experience? The Hub is back for STS 2025. A fun and vibrant space, The Hub will be the center of activity for programs, sessions, networking, and mentoring specifically for cardiothoracic surgery trainees and early surgeons. Check out the following schedule of daily activities.
Friday, January 24 LTTF Medical Students Program 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. Small Theatre
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The Hub made its debut at STS 2024.
By invitation only for the 2025 Looking to the Future (LTTF) Scholars, this session offers LTTF medical student scholars the chance to hear from CT surgeons and residents about the cardiothoracic field, including insights into their application and residency experiences. Upon completion of the session, participants will gain a clear understanding of how to navigate the application process for thoracic residency programs and the various types of CT surgery residency programs available.
Learn more about the LTTF program and how you can become a LTTF Scholar.
Photo Station 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Lounge Area
Update your professional headshot or have some fun with props at our selfie station. Be sure to share your pictures on social media!
STS Trainee Luncheon 11:15 a.m. - 1 p.m. Big Theatre
Leaders in CT surgery, including members of the STS Board of Directors, workforces, and task forces, will be seated with trainees to discuss topics of interest to residents. Discussion topics include subspecialty training, dedicated research time, interventional and catheter-based skills during training, gaps in diversity, training paradigms, the current job market, and addressing non-clinical training needs. Attendance is limited to trainees (residents, fellows, medical students, LTTF scholars) and invited faculty.
STS Trainee Symposium: Setting Yourself Up for a Successful Career 1 - 2:30 p.m. Big Theatre
Presented by the Workforce on Thoracic Surgery Resident Development, this essential session in The Hub will help residents and fellows learn how to find mentors, maintain professionalism, transition from resident to attending, interview for their first job, and manage student loans. Participants will gain the tools to secure mentorship for career transitions, maintain professionalism across settings, interview effectively, and manage student debt.
Heart Surgery 101: Concepts Your Faculty Wants You To Know 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Small Theatre
In this session, you will explore a range of essential topics including Imaging 101, where you'll learn to read echos and understand guided CTAs and PA numbers. The session will also cover the process of writing and publishing a paper, determining when to call the surgeon, and identifying post-residency career pathways with a focus on advanced fellowships. Additionally, there will be insights into perfecting your anastomoses, understanding PTTAVR and TEVAR, and opportunities to get involved in robotic cardiothoracic surgery.
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The Hub will be the center of activity at STS 2025.
Saturday, January 25 How Medical Providers Can Build Wealth, Pay Off Debt, and Reduce Burnout
9:30 - 10:15 a.m. Small Theatre
In this presentation, James M. Dahle, MD, FACEP, a practicing emergency physician and founder of The White Coat Investor, will offer valuable insights into financial wellness. He will share a basic framework and actionable strategies to help attendees understand the link between financial stress and burnout.
Dr. Dahle will also provide practical advice on how to protect your most valuable assets and safeguard your loved ones from financial catastrophe. Additionally, he will discuss effective ways to build a nest egg, lower taxes, make smart investments, and ultimately achieve financial independence.
Challenges and Success of Parental Policies for CT Trainees 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Small Theatre
This session will explore parental policies for cardiothoracic trainees, highlighting the difficulties of parenthood and family planning in this demanding field. It will provide insights into the experiences of partners of women cardiothoracic surgeons and feature a moderated panel discussion with program directors and trainees, offering a platform to discuss how to navigate the balance between career and family life in the specialty.
Winning Research: Presentations by TSF Awardees 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. Small Theatre
The Thoracic Surgery Foundation (TSF), STS's charitable arm, provides grants and scholarships that support research, skill development, and access to top mentors and cutting-edge technology. Join us for this session where recent awardees will present their research projects in 5–10-minute presentations, followed by a feedback session.
Early Career Roundtables 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. Big Theatre
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Make a point to engage with new people at The Hub!
Engage in focused, topic-driven discussions with experienced, senior surgeons and expand your professional network while learning how to advance your career. You will have the opportunity to explore subjects such as making the most of the STS Annual Meeting, discovering fellowship and award opportunities, and understanding the pathway to involvement and leadership within STS. Additionally, you'll learn strategies for managing your time effectively, negotiating contracts, transitioning from your first job, and gaining valuable networking tips.
LTTF General Surgery Residents Program 3 - 4 p.m. Small Theatre
By invitation only for the 2025 Looking to the Future (LTTF) Scholars, this session offers an opportunity for Looking to the Future General Surgery Resident Scholars to hear from CT surgeons and residents about the future of cardiothoracic (CT) surgery, their residency experiences, and the job search process. Participants will gain insights into navigating the application process for thoracic residency programs, as well as a deeper understanding of the CT surgery field and the job search process.
Learn more about the LTTF program and how you can become an LTTF Scholar.
Fiscal Issues Surrounding Modern Healthcare 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Small Theatre
In this session, attendees will explore a variety of financial challenges facing contemporary healthcare, including the impact of government and private insurance, obstacles in academia and independent practice, the evolution since Medicare's introduction, and insights into future developments in the healthcare industry.
Sunday, January 26 Early Career Roundtables 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. Big Theatre
Participate in targeted, focused discussions with experienced surgeons on topics like becoming an OR team leader, avoiding burnout, personal wellness, financial health, knowing when to say "yes" or "no," building successful systems, and achieving early clinical success while networking and advancing your career.
This program is designed to help reduce Board exam stress by helping trainees prepare for the oral exam format. It includes online modules and resources that cover effective test-taking strategies, the structure of an oral exam, and key dos and don’ts. These materials are provided 1-2 weeks before the live session.
The course also features a live, 1.5-hour virtual role-playing session, where trainees work with mock examiners who present case scenarios, ask questions, and offer personalized feedback. Participants also receive a recording of the session for review.
Limited spots are available, and priority will be given to cardiothoracic surgery residents who are registered for the Annual Meeting and scheduled to take the ABTS oral examination in June 2025.
Hone your suture skills at the Suture Table! STS is offering this opportunity in collaboration with the Thoracic Surgery Medical Students Association (TSMA).
Learn everything you need to know about board exams and your path to certification. Visit the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) info table where the ABTS team will answer your questions, provide valuable resources, and offer guidance on taking the board exams.
Join us for this new program designed to help trainees and early-career surgeons enhance their interview skills. Sign up for a 30-minute, one-on-one mock interview session, including 20 minutes of practice and 10 minutes of feedback. Participants can choose between an academic-focused or non-academic session. Once your slot is confirmed, you'll receive preparation instructions, including a short online course on "pitfalls to avoid during interviews" and a reminder to bring your most recent CV.
