I have been a member of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons for 28 years, and throughout that time, one thing has remained clear: education is a key tenet of who we are and what we do. Our focus is on cultivating a culture that values knowledge sharing, encourages the acquisition of new skills, and supports each other’s professional and personal growth.
What makes STS education special is how well it reflects the diverse and evolving needs of our members. Whether you're in training, a mid-career surgeon, or a seasoned leader, the STS provides opportunities to advance your skills and perform at your best. And we offer education in ways that accommodate a surgeon’s busy schedule. We offer in-person meetings, live virtual events, and self-paced resources, such as the STS E-Book, webinars, online modules, and online videos like our 8in8 Series.
The Annual Meeting is the most important educational event we provide. It is where we gather surgeons and other members of the surgical care team from different practice types and geographies—to learn from each other, connect with old and new friends, and recharge. At the Annual Meeting, we have the opportunity to meet and discuss issues with experts in the field of cardiothoracic surgery to not only expand our clinical knowledge, but also support our personal growth, leadership development, and well-being.
Although our 2025 Annual Meeting seems like yesterday, our Program Committee has already begun planning the 2026 Annual Meeting in New Orleans. I look forward to seeing you there.
Because STS is a global organization, our education extends beyond borders, with active partnerships in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. These collaborations include the STS/EACTS/ESTS Latin America Thoracic Surgery Conference, STS/EACTS Workshop at the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Asian Society for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, and a Joint Session with ESTS at the 33rd meeting of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Through these events, our members gain international perspectives that enrich our specialty in ways that a more limited view could not.
As a course director for the STS Coronary Conference, now in its 4th year, I’m excited to see how it has grown and evolved. For this year’s conference, taking place June 12-14 in Chicago, we received a record number of scientific abstract submissions – more than double the number from last year. Many of them were submitted by trainees, and this level of engagement speaks to the next generation's enthusiasm. From conduit harvesting to robotic revascularization, the program has something for everyone practicing coronary surgery. Come join your colleagues for a great meeting to learn, discuss, and expand your coronary surgical skills.
Other events taking place this year include the Mock Oral Exam Course, April 22-May 8, and the Workshop on Robotic Thoracic Surgery, May 15-16.
STS education does more than just advance clinical skills—it builds community. It gives surgeons space to engage with peers, share challenges, and find inspiration. It is about improving care, yes—but also about maintaining the human connections that sustain us through the rigors of our profession.
I hope to see you at one of our upcoming education events, and I encourage you to stay engaged with STS─and with each other─ in person and virtually all year long. Together, we can continue to strengthen our incredible community of cardiothoracic surgeons and ensure that learning remains a lifelong part of our shared journey.