Podcasts

In the latest episode, Dr. Felix Fernandez joins Dr. Varghese to reflect on the accomplishments of the STS National Database over the last 30 years and discuss the early 2020 transition to a user-friendly, cloud-based, real-time platform that will accelerate practice improvement and lead to better patient outcomes.

When physicians regularly exhibit a lack of civility and respect, patient safety and quality of care are compromised.

The numerous professional and personal stressors experienced by cardiothoracic surgeons can—if not well managed—lead to errors in clinical judgment, burnout, early departure from practice, health issues, and substance abuse.

Dr. John Ikonomidis is the lead author of a new paper that explores the decline of surgeons who are applying for and receiving grants, publishing less, and feeling that research is not a part of their role.

In the latest episode, Drs. Robert Kormos and David Morales join host Dr. Thomas K. Varghese Jr. to explore the motivation for developing registries that examine clinical outcomes and quality-of-life metrics for patients who received FDA-approved durable mechanical circulatory support devices.

Vinay Badhwar, MD asks seasoned and early career colleagues for tips on making a good impression during an interview, making sure that the job is a great fit, how to find the best career resources, and how to engage and maintain good mentors.

More cardiothoracic surgery programs are incorporating robotics training for residents and fellows. But should robotics be a standard part of the curriculum and have a presence on the in-training and board exams? Dr. Rishinda M. Reddy moderates a discussion with colleagues about the principles of robotics training, how they obtained funding for their robotics programs, and the importance having expanded minimally invasive skills.

The STS National Database is known worldwide as the “gold standard” for quality improvement and patient safety in cardiothoracic surgery. Launched in 1989, the Database includes approximately 8 million patient records.

Despite mandates that determinants of health and differences in sex be incorporated into clinical trials, some groups—such as minorities, women, and those of lower socioeconomic status—are still underrepresented.

Robbin G. Cohen talks with some of the world’s leading experts in treating valve disease and endocarditis—Drs. Joseph E. Bavaria, Eric E. Roselli, and Scott Goldman—about when surgeons should get involved in the treatment process, when and how long to treat with antibiotics, the best candidates for surgery, and the ethics surrounding treating IV drug abusers.

Todd K. Rosengart, MD leads a panel discussion with cardiothoracic surgeons who have had experience with handling awkward media situations, connecting with a lay audience, and helping to change the course of a conversation when a reporter has incorrect information.

The Society is offering a new opportunity for self-assessment and quality improvement in cardiothoracic surgery—surgeon-specific outcomes reports from the Adult Cardiac Surgery Database (ACSD).