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On April 4, 2025, the STS Leadership Institute hosted a one-day session on “Leading Others” as part of its comprehensive program. This workshop focused on conflict management, leading diverse teams, and addressing both implicit and explicit biases. More than 30 early- and mid-career cardiothoracic surgeons attended, gaining valuable insights into these critical areas. 

Additionally, the session highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of wellness within medical teams. These leadership skills are vital for cardiothoracic surgeons in both academic and private practice settings, where strong leadership is key to achieving team success.

The STS Leadership Institute offers a comprehensive leadership program that includes five sessions—three virtual and two in-person—and aims to enhance participants' leadership skills in a constantly evolving healthcare landscape. Attendees benefit from numerous opportunities to engage with a distinguished faculty of expert leaders, receiving valuable insights and guidance throughout their development.

Interactive Discussions and Expert Insights on Leadership and Team Dynamics

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During “Leading Others,” participants heard from course directors Mara Antonoff, MD, and Ram Kumar Subramanyan, MD, who shared valuable insights on how personal growth contributes to effective team leadership. The sessions included interactive case scenarios and table discussions focused on evaluating others and managing conflict. Guest speaker Minerva Romera Arenas, MD, addressed the challenges of leading diverse teams and confronting implicit bias. Participants explored case examples to deepen their understanding and apply the concepts discussed.

"Today's sessions have been incredibly valuable, providing an opportunity to engage face-to-face in small discussion groups with peers from across the country," said participant Meghan Halub, MD. "I can see how the small table sessions will help me manage conflict and problem-solve challenging case scenarios as I transition from private practice to an academic medical center, while also preparing for the next step in my career."

Looking ahead, the Leadership Institute's virtual sessions will be held in July and October, culminating in the capstone event at STS 2026 in New Orleans next January.

Check out the event gallery. 

Coming soon: Follow the stories of our four Leadership Institute participants as they share their experiences with the program in a new blog series posted on STS.org.
 

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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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}