First Canadian STS President in 40 years will focus on developing collaboration and building surgeon leaders
CHICAGO (January 31, 2021) – Cardiothoracic surgeon Sean C. Grondin, MD, MPH, FRCSC, from the University of Calgary, today was elected President of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons during the organization’s virtual 57th Annual Meeting.
“Becoming the President of STS is one of the major highlights of my professional career,” said Dr. Grondin. “I've thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Society for many years, and it’s exciting to be involved in the leadership team. The opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the renowned Canadian cardiac surgeon, Dr. Anthony Dobell (STS President 1981-82), and to be the first Canadian general thoracic surgeon who is STS President is a huge honor.”
While in medical school at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Dr. Grondin met his first influential mentor—Drew C.G. Bethune, MD, MSc. A general thoracic surgeon, Dr. Bethune was “an enthusiastic instructor” who invited Dr. Grondin to shadow him in his practice during a first-year elective.