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Cardiothoracic professionals from around the world gathered at the 61st Annual Meeting of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) in Los Angeles, held January 24-26, 2025.

As the premier global event for cardiothoracic surgeons, the meeting drew more than 2,000 attendees and featured more than 80 educational sessions. Participants experienced groundbreaking discoveries, hands-on demonstrations of advanced techniques, and cutting-edge technological innovations from industry leaders. 

Pre-conference Sessions Enhanced the Educational Experience

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STS offered three concurrent half-day programs on Thursday, Jan. 23. In the Lung Cancer: Clinical Trials Meet Clinical Practice session on early-stage and locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer, attendees received a comprehensive overview of recent diagnostic breakthroughs and key clinical trials through interactive discussions, debates, and case-based tumor board sessions. During the Aortic Universe: From Birth to Adulthood program, participants gained invaluable insights into diagnosing, treating, and managing aortic conditions across all age groups through detailed surgical videos and case-based presentations. The third session, The STS APP Conference — Redesigning the Future Together, focused on innovative approaches to elevate the role of advanced practice providers in cardiothoracic surgery. It highlighted strategies for enhancing clinical management, fostering professional success, and cultivating leadership within the field.

Adult Cardiac Surgery Sessions

Among the Adult Cardiac Surgery Sessions presented was a late-breaking study that revealed mechanical aortic valve replacements provide significant long-term survival benefits for patients aged 60 and younger, compared to bioprosthetic valves. The J. Maxwell Chamberlain Memorial Paper recently explored the comparative outcomes of ViV-TAVR versus redo-SAVR for patients with degenerated surgical bioprosthetic valves, highlighting the growing preference for ViV-TAVR due to its reduced surgical risk. Other sessions examined the risk of reoperation for both procedures, focusing on contributing factors such as mitral or tricuspid valve disease, advancements in cardiac surgery, new approaches to heart failure treatment, and innovations in structural heart interventions.

General Thoracic Surgery Sessions

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The General Thoracic sessions showcased groundbreaking advancements in the treatment of lung and esophageal cancers, emphasizing developments shaping the future of thoracic cancer care. The Clark Paper compared the survival outcomes of patients with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent lobectomy versus sublobar resection, focusing on the applicability of previous findings to a broader patient population. The J. Maxwell Chamberlain Memorial Paper examined the effectiveness of current lung cancer screening criteria and explored potential changes to improve them. Other areas explored included the extent of resection and quality metrics in lung cancer care, multimodal treatment of pleural mesothelioma after the MARS2 trial, and the future of lung cancer screening.

Congenital Heart Surgery Sessions

Presentations highlighted cutting-edge research and innovative approaches in the field of congenital heart surgery. The James S. Tweddell Memorial Paper focused on the relationship between hospital volume and patient outcomes for Norwood procedures. Another session explored the impact of specific factors on patient mortality in congenital heart surgery, demonstrating how large databases help identify potential predictors beyond traditional risk factors. Additional discussions included navigating congenital heart disease in premature newborns, challenges in clinical studies, and an analysis of long-term outcomes following the Ross Procedure.

Perioperative and Critical Care Sessions

The J. Maxwell Chamberlain Paper examined the impact of socioeconomic factors on the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) after heart transplantation, particularly in patients from disadvantaged backgrounds who face higher risks and poorer outcomes. Sessions also included a presentation on a newly developed risk model for predicting 90-day mortality after durable left ventricular assist device (dLVAD) implantation, based on real-world data to aid in patient selection and care improvement. Additional topics included structuring novel teams to improve cardiac emergency outcomes, controversies in anticoagulation and HIT after cardiac surgery, the changing landscape of heart and lung transplantation, and optimizing patient safety to enhance recovery after cardiac surgery.

Honoring Exceptional Women CT Surgeons

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More than 240 attendees gathered for the third annual Nina Starr Braunwald Extraordinary Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Awards breakfast to celebrate women cardiothoracic surgeons who have exhibited outstanding clinical expertise and made significant contributions to the field. This year’s recipients were Jessica Donington, MD, UChicago Medicine; Stephanie Fuller, MD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; and Aya Saito, MD, Yokohama City University.

Trailblazing Women Inspire at STS 2025

At STS 2025, attendees were captivated by three influential women showcasing excellence in their respective professions.

STS President Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS, made history as the first woman surgeon to deliver the Presidential Address. In her speech, she reflected on her career journey, shared personal anecdotes, and recognized significant milestones in her professional life.

The inaugural Nina Starr Braunwald Lecture was delivered by Jennifer Doudna, PhD, a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist who co-discovered CRISPR-Cas9, a groundbreaking advancement in genetics and molecular biology. She shared her journey from scientific discovery to global impact, highlighting how innovation can shape the future of medicine.

Ami Vitale, an award-winning photojournalist and filmmaker, gave the Vivien Thomas Lecture.  During her talk, she shared impactful stories that highlighted healthcare, income, and housing disparities. Vitale stressed the importance of social responsibility and initiated meaningful discussions about caring for both people and the planet.

Hands-On Skill Building for Surgeons at All Levels

STS 2025 offered practical courses on various surgical procedures, providing an engaging and immersive learning experience for residents, early-career surgeons, and any surgeons seeking to enhance their skills. The topics included aortic annular enlargement, TEVAR techniques for aneurysms and dissections, mitral valve repair, complex central airway reconstruction, and the Ross procedure.

The Return of The Hub

For the second consecutive year, The Hub served as the focal point for early career surgeons, medical students, residents, and fellowship trainees. The Hub’s lounge area offered a variety of engaging sessions, including the White Coat Investor Talk, Mock Oral Interviews, Job Interview Preparation, Early Career Surgeon Roundtable Discussions, a Trainee Symposium with a luncheon, and more.

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Attendees also enjoyed creative activities in The Hub, such as the collaborative mural project “Splashes of Hope,” where participants contributed their creativity to artwork that will be donated to a local children's hospital. For those eager to capture memorable moments, the Selfie Station offered a fun and interactive backdrop perfect for sharing on social media. Additionally, a scavenger hunt inspired attendees to engage in challenges via the Annual Meeting app, with opportunities to win prizes.

Cutting-Edge Tools, Technologies, and Interactive Podcast Sessions

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The STS Annual Meeting exhibit hall featured more than 115 exhibitors showcasing the latest tools and technologies for surgical practice, along with live, hands-on product demonstrations. Industry symposia offered insights into emerging techniques and interventions. Two exhibit hall theaters provided attendees with the opportunity to experience live Thinking Thoracic and Same Surgeon, Different Light podcast shows, interactive industry presentations, and the CT Surgery Resident Showdown.

Annual Meeting Online Offers Continued Learning Experience

STS 2025 registrants receive complimentary access to Annual Meeting Online, where they can revisit presentations and recordings of missed sessions and earn additional CME credit. Annual Meeting Online is available for purchase at a significant discount for STS Members who did not attend, and access is free to all Resident/Fellow and Medical Student Members. Visit STS.org/AMonline to purchase.

Fifty-five STS advocates gathered in Washington, DC, on March 4 to engage with lawmakers on important policy issues, including protecting Medicare reimbursement and NIH research funding, and expanding access to lung cancer screenings. Participants from 23 states and the District of Columbia met with more than 110 Senate and House offices, while also participating in various off-the-Hill events and meetings with lawmakers.

The timing of this event was especially critical, as Washington, DC, is currently engaged in negotiations over government funding. Our advocates took this opportunity to present the priorities for the STS, its members, patients, and the communities they serve. Throughout the day, advocates worked to educate lawmakers and their staff, urging them to address the ongoing threats to research funding and physician reimbursement.

Leadership Efforts Drive Key Healthcare Legislation and Recognition

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Dr. Tessa London-Bounds, STS 2025 Advocate of the Year, along with Amanda Crabtree, RN, shared their experiences as advocates, highlighting their work to improve access to care for Kentucky patients. Their advocacy efforts led to the unanimous passing of House Bill 31 by the Kentucky legislature, which allows Medicaid patients to use at-home blood testing machines. Gov. Andy Beshear signed the bill into law on April 4, 2024, just four months after its introduction.

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Dr. Keith Naunheim, presented Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) with the 2025 STS Legislator of the Year award. As a longtime ally for STS, Rep. Miller-Meeks has championed efforts to address cuts to Medicare physician reimbursements. She also played a key role in promoting the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act through the House of Representatives. Additionally, her leadership was instrumental in spearheading a bipartisan "Dear Colleague" letter last year that garnered 232 signatures in support of physician reimbursements. 
 

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) opposes significant reductions to Medicaid funding that could limit access to essential care for millions of low-income Americans, including those with serious lung and heart conditions. Medicaid is a critical safety net, covering nearly one in five Americans and supporting patients who require specialized treatment.

Cuts to Medicaid funding could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, strain hospitals and providers, and increase reliance on emergency care. This includes children with congenital heart disease, many of whom depend on Medicaid for lifesaving treatment.

“As cardiothoracic surgeons, we see how Medicaid ensures timely, specialized care for those who need it most,” said STS President Joseph F. Sabik III, MD. “Significant reductions in funding could delay necessary treatment and worsen health outcomes.”

STS urges policymakers to preserve Medicaid’s vital role in the healthcare system and explore solutions that maintain access to high-quality care, particularly for underserved communities.

About STS
Founded in 1964, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is a not-for-profit organization representing more than 7,800 cardiothoracic surgeons, researchers, and allied healthcare professionals worldwide who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for surgeries of the heart, lung, and esophagus, as well as other surgical procedures within the chest. The Society’s mission is to enhance the ability of cardiothoracic surgeons to provide the highest quality patient care through education, research, and advocacy.
 

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!