Transforming Member Access to Knowledge
STS is proud to launch CORA, the Cardiothoracic Online Resource Assistant, a cutting-edge AI tool designed to revolutionize how members access and engage with the wealth of educational and clinical resources across the STS digital ecosystem. Launching this January, CORA underscores STS's commitment to using advanced technologies to enhance the member experience, enabling quick, accurate, and meaningful access to trusted educational content.
Streamlining Knowledge for Surgeons
STS maintains vast repositories of vetted educational resources, including the STS Cardiothoracic Surgery E-Book, the STS Learning Center, The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, and clinical practice documents. Functioning like other generative AI tools, CORA analyses and integrates content located across a range of STS platforms, allowing members to engage with the Society’s rich educational resources using natural, conversational queries.
In contrast to a traditional search engine, CORA is built on semantic search technology that understands the broader context of your questions. For example, you can ask:
• What are some neurologic complications of cardiac surgery?
• TAVR vs. SAVR—can you summarize the debate?
• Is there a benefit to lobectomy compared to segmentectomy for Stage 1 lung cancer?
• What are the advantages of CABG over PCI?
CORA delivers concise, meaningful summaries and insightson complex topics efficiently and effectively. CORA also features a “learn more” section with links to STS content, making members aware of resources they had perhaps previously overlooked.
Built for Members, by Members
The development of CORA was informed by valuable input from the STS Council on Education and a group of member surgeons. Their feedback emphasized the need for easier, faster, and more impactful access to STS’s expansive resources.
Members who previewed CORA expressed excitement about its potential, highlighting how the tool reflects STS’s forward-thinking ethos and commitment to serving its members better through innovation.
"Leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology like CORA allows us to focus content to our members in an individualized manner—delivering high-value insights, trusted education, and the latest cardiothoracic surgery advancements with speed and precision,” said Dr. S. Adil Husain, chair, STS Council on Education. “It’s a testament to our commitment to connecting our surgeons with individualized and subspecialty-focused tools they need to excel and innovate in a rapidly evolving field."
Why Trust CORA?
CORA is built specifically for cardiothoracic surgeons, offering:
- Evidence-Based Information: Responses are grounded in the latest research and STS clinical practice documents, enhancing accuracy and relevance when compared to generative AI tools that are trained on the entire public-facing internet.
- Tailored Expertise: CORA’s knowledge is specific to the field of cardiothoracic surgery, providing insights directly applicable to members’ practices.
Continuous Learning: The regular addition of content ensures CORA will have access to the latest information in the specialty. - Confidentiality and Professionalism: CORA respects the sensitive nature of medical inquiries, maintaining a secure and trusted environment.
A Tool for the Future
CORA positions STS as a leader in leveraging generative artificial intelligence to enhance professional learning and collaboration. By delivering trusted, contextualized knowledge at members’ fingertips, CORA is more than an online resource assistant—she’s a knowledge facilitator, transforming how surgeons stay informed and connected in an ever-evolving field.
“CORA will allow STS members to explore STS’s unmatched educational assets using generative AI,” added Dr. Alex P. Nissen, resident appointee, STS Council on Education. “Her ability – derived from ChatGPT – to summarize information drawn from multiple platforms has tremendous potential. This will be the first instance of a tool that pulls in and interprets STS’s outstanding educational content housed in multiple locations.”
Stay tuned for the launch date of CORA, and experience firsthand how this innovative tool will elevate your STS membership experience.