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It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Albert Starr, a pioneer in the field of cardiothoracic surgery, who passed away on Dec. 12, 2024, at age 98. Dr. Starr served as the 21st president of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons from 1985 to 1986, leaving an enduring impact on the specialty and the Society.

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Dr. Starr received his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1954. After an internship at Johns Hopkins, he completed his general and thoracic surgical residencies at Bellevue and Presbyterian Hospitals in New York City. He was recruited to Oregon in 1957 to head a new heart surgery program at the University of Oregon Medical School, now the Oregon Health & Science University Heart Institute.

His drive for innovation led him to collaborate with engineer Lowell Edwards, which resulted in the development of the Starr-Edwards heart valve—one of the first successful artificial heart valves used in humans. The Starr-Edwards valve revolutionized the treatment of valvular heart disease and is considered one of the most significant advances in cardiac surgery in the 20th century.

Throughout his career, Dr. Starr remained a tireless advocate for the improvement of heart valve surgery. His pioneering work not only advanced surgical techniques but also laid the groundwork for the development of future generations of heart valves. His leadership in cardiothoracic surgery, both in the operating room and in the broader medical community, earned him recognition as a visionary in the field.

Dr. Starr’s tenure as president of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons was marked by his passion for fostering education, research, and collaboration within the Society. He was instrumental in advancing the Society’s mission of improving patient care through the dissemination of knowledge and the promotion of cutting-edge surgical practices.

“The positive forces of technological innovation, entrepreneurial activity, and capital availability will ensure a future of opportunity and growth,” Dr. Starr said in his 1986 presidential address. “The thoracic surgical industry will continue to be a source of great excitement to us and of benefit to our patients.”

Dr. Starr was the 2007 co-recipient of the prestigious Albert Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research with Alain Carpentier in recognition of their development of prosthetic mitral and aortic valves, which have prolonged and enhanced the lives of millions of people with heart disease.

Beyond his clinical and academic contributions, Dr. Starr was a beloved mentor, guiding countless residents, international fellows and surgeons who would go on to achieve their own successes. His kindness, wisdom, and dedication to improving patient outcomes will continue to inspire those in the field for generations to come.

His legacy in the field of thoracic surgery is immeasurable, and his memory will continue to shape the future of our profession.

Learn more about Dr. Starr here and here.

David A. Fullerton, MD, Renowned Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Former President of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Dies at 72

Dr. David Fullerton, the ultimate gentleman surgeon, trainee advocate, and protector of patient safety, passed away peacefully on Dec. 15, 2024, at the age of 72. His death marks the loss of a revered physician, educator, and leader whose contributions to the specialty have left an indelible mark on the lives of countless patients and medical professionals alike.

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Over the course of his distinguished career, he became known for his exceptional skill in complex procedures, his compassionate care, and his tireless commitment to advancing the practice of cardiothoracic surgery and critical care.

Born in Texas, Dr. Fullerton received his undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University and his medical degree from the University of Missouri School of Medicine. He completed a residency in general surgery at the University of Washington and a cardiothoracic surgery residency at the University of Colorado.

Dr. Fullerton went on to work at Northwestern University in Chicago as Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Director of the Thoracic Surgery Residency Program. He later returned to the University of Colorado, where he led the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery from 2003-2022, while also serving as Director of Cardiothoracic Surgical Research and Director of the University’s Thoracic Surgery Residency Program. In addition, he served as Cardiac Surgeon-in-Chief and Co-Medical Director of the Cardiothoracic Surgical Intensive Care Unit for the University of Colorado Hospital.

A leader within the medical community, Dr. Fullerton served as president of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons in 2014-15. Under his leadership, STS made significant strides in enhancing surgical standards, promoting innovation, and fostering collaboration among clinicians and researchers. His advocacy for improved quality metrics and the incorporation of evidence-based practices in thoracic surgery earned him respect among his peers and inspired the next generation of surgeons. In his presidential address, Dr. Fullerton made an impassioned plea for expanding access to heart and lung surgery in underserved areas of the world.

Dr. Fullerton also dedicated a significant part of his professional career to the American Board of Thoracic Surgeons, serving as a Director, then as Chairman and Executive Director. Reflecting on his time with the ABTS, Dr. Fullerton said, “As a specialty, what we do is inherently high-risk and…requires great skill and leadership. ABTS board certification is a tangible demonstration that one has accomplished what is required to be a thoracic surgeon.”

Dr. Fullerton also held prominent leadership positions at the American College of Surgeons, Thoracic Surgery Directors Association, Thoracic Surgery Foundation, and Western Thoracic Surgical Association.

Throughout his career, Dr. Fullerton received numerous honors and awards, including recognitions as America’s Top Doctor and Best Doctors in America. He was a sought-after speaker at medical conferences. His passion for education was evident in his mentorship of young surgeons, many of whom went on to achieve great success in their own careers.

Dr. Fullerton's legacy extends far beyond his technical expertise. He was known for his integrity, his unwavering commitment to his patients, and his generosity in sharing knowledge. He mentored hundreds of medical students, residents, and colleagues in both academia and community-based practice.

His genial and welcoming nature defined him. He was truly the quintessential gentleman – respectful and always lending an ear and his keen mind to listen to a variety of opinions and thoughts from anyone. Dr. Fullerton's contributions to the profession have left an enduring mark on the specialty, and his influence will be felt for years to come.

He is survived by his wife, Christine, sons Patrick and Daniel, and a host of colleagues, friends, and former trainees who will remember him as a mentor, leader, and friend.

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The 2024 Latin American Cardiovascular Surgery Conference, held over three days in Buenos Aires, Argentina, attracted leading experts from Europe, Latin America, and North America to address topics in cardiovascular medicine, including coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure.

"The conference provided a diverse range of sessions to accommodate surgeons at all stages of their careers," explained Program Chair Rafael Sadaba, MD, Navarra University Hospital, Pamplona, Spain. “Residents and early career surgeons benefited from dedicated sessions, while experienced surgeons had the opportunity to delve into complex procedures and cutting-edge techniques.”

The program offered a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in cardiac surgery. It featured scientific abstracts, technical videos, and interactive discussions on a variety of topics, including the current state of heart transplantation in Latin America, the use of mechanical circulatory support devices, the role of ECMO in treating cardiogenic shock, and advanced surgical techniques for mitral and aortic valve repair.

“This year, I was particularly interested in the session on the Ross Procedure, an operation that has been around for a long time but has experienced renewed interest over the past few years," said EACTS Secretary General Patrick Meyers, MD, Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland. 

The three-day event highlighted women's cardiac health, particularly tailored approaches and complex treatments for women of reproductive age.  Other sessions focused on managing aortic dissection, advancing transcatheter valve therapies, and providing lifelong care for patients with conditions such as aortic stenosis.

The conference concluded with hands-on workshops that allowed participants to practice skills such as mitral valve repair and ECMO cannulation, making it an essential platform for advancing cardiac care in Latin America.

Check out our event photo gallery.