The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is thrilled to reassemble for its 61st Annual Meeting Jan. 24-26 in Los Angeles, which brings together cardiothoracic surgeons from around the globe and features late-breaking scientific research, cutting-edge technologies, innovative cardiothoracic surgery products, dynamic and interactive training, and impactful networking and mentorship opportunities.
Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the meeting offers attendees — more than 2,000 professionals at all career stages— a seamless experience with plenary sessions, breakout sessions, and the exhibit hall all conveniently located. That makes it easy for attendees to navigate and connect with colleagues and industry leaders.
On Thursday, Jan. 23, three concurrent half-day pre-conference symposia will enhance the educational experience. These sessions will cover advancements in lung cancer, the diagnosis and treatment of aortic disease for patients of all ages, and more.
The first day of the Annual Meeting will kick off with the Nina Starr BraunwaldExtraordinary Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Awards breakfast. The event, co-hosted by STS and Women in Thoracic Surgery, will celebrate women cardiothoracic surgeons who have excelled in clinical practice, made significant contributions to the field, and demonstrated leadership, mentorship, integrity, creativity, and expertise.
The inaugural Nina Starr Braunwald Lecture will be presented by Jennifer Doudna, PhD, a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist renowned for her pioneering work in gene editing. She will explore how scientific innovation is shaping the future of medicine. The Vivien T. Thomas Lecture will feature award-winning photojournalist and filmmaker Ami Vitale. A passionate advocate for social responsibility, she will demonstrate how authentic storytelling can drive meaningful, positive change.
The Society will honor President Jennifer Romano, MD, MS, for her invaluable contributions to the organization as the first female president to hold the office. A special reception will be held at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, amidst a majestic backdrop of North American wildlife dioramas that adorn the hall. Space is limited for this event, so attendees are encouraged to add the reception to their cart during registration.
STS 2025 will offer practical courses on various surgical procedures, delivering an engaging and immersive learning experience for residents, early career surgeons, and all surgeons seeking to enhance their skills. The topics include aortic annular enlargement, TEVAR techniques for aneurysms and dissections, mitral valve repair, complex central airway reconstruction, and the Ross procedure.
For the second consecutive year, The Hub will serve as the focal point for cardiothoracic surgery trainees. The Hub’s lounge area will offer a variety of engaging sessions, including mock oral Interviews, job interview preparation, early career surgeon roundtable discussions, a trainee symposium with a luncheon, and more.
Attendees can also enjoy creative activities in The Hub, such as the collaborative mural project “Splashes of Hope,” where participants can contribute their creativity to artwork that will be donated to a local children's hospital. For those eager to capture memorable moments, the selfie station will offer a fun and interactive backdrop perfect for sharing on social media.
Additionally, a scavenger hunt will inspire attendees to engage in challenges via the Annual Meeting app, with opportunities to win prizes.
There’s still time to register, add ticketed events, and start planning your Los Angeles experience at sts.org/annualmeeting.