Trainee Hub

Overview

Training is a critical skill set in itself. STS offers training resources to help you launch and advance your career in cardiothoracic surgery. Explore this curated collection focused on innovation and technology, skills development, best practices, teamwork, mentorship, and career planning.

STS Membership

Resident/Fellow and Medical Student Membership in STS offer access to complimentary subscriptions to The Annals of Thoracic Surgery and other publications, mentoring connections, discounts on educational offerings, free registration to the STS Annual Meeting, and more. If you're not already a member, apply today.

Mentorship

Designed for STS members at any career level, the Mentorship Program connects professionals seeking career advice and other guidance.

For Medical Students and Residents/Fellows
Designed for medical students, the Mentorship Program connects medical students seeking training, career and other advice from cardiothoracic surgery residents/fellows. Apply to be matched with a resident/fellow mentor or apply to mentor a medical student seeking guidance. Provide your contact information and notate your level of training and areas of interest (e.g., residency application process, residency interviews, rotations, awards and scholarships) to assist in creating the best mentor/mentee match. This program is in partnership with the Thoracic Surgery Medical Student Association.

Find a mentor Become a mentor

For Residents/Fellows
CT surgery trainees, general surgery and vascular surgery residents, and early career surgeons can request mentorship from a more seasoned professional–as well as apply to mentor. Provide your contact information and notate your practice type and areas of interest (e.g., practice building, clinical research, contract negotiations) to assist in creating the best mentor/mentee match.

Find a mentor Become a mentor

STS Surgeon Insights and Experiences

During cardiothoracic surgery training, some of the most important lessons you learn come from conversations with peers. The STS blog series features posts written by surgeons for surgeons, covering topics that range from optimizing technical performance in the operating room to work-life balance to seeking out and maximizing mentor relationships. STS podcasts feature conversations with member surgeons and expert influencers that shine a light on new science, trends, and surgeon career journeys to inform and inspire you.

Here you'll find a selection of blog articles and podcasts aimed at your career stage.

Blog
Should I Do "That Case" Open?

You’ve finished the marathon of training, landed your first job, and now you’re standing at the operating room door, about to start building your career. The patient is on the table, the team is looking at you, and you start to have doubts: “Should I be doing this case open?” It’s a deceptively simple question, but in your early years, the answer can shape your reputation for a long time to come.

Sep 11, 2025

5 min read

Brian Mitzman, MD

News
STS Boot Camp Equips First-Year Residents for the OR

The next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons took a major step forward in their training during the 2025 STS Boot Camp, held August 21–24 in Chicago. Over four days, 60 junior residents from across the country received intensive, hands-on guidance from leading CT surgeons. Attendees engaged in high-fidelity simulations of real-world and emergency scenarios, gaining valuable experience in a structured instructional framework.

“This year’s Boot Camp offered first-year residents a unique chance to practice fundamental cardiothoracic skills in a low stress setting,” said program co-chair Jonathan Nesbitt, MD, of Vanderbilt University. “Personalized instruction from experienced faculty, combined with realistic scenarios, helped participants build both competence and confidence in a focused environment.”

The curriculum included training in cardiopulmonary bypass techniques, vessel anastomosis, diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopies, open and robotic lobectomy, TAVR/TEVAR, and wire skills. Participants also received instruction on mitral and aortic valve surgery, echocardiography, communication in the operating room, and the role of surgical ablation.

For many participants, the Boot Camp also sparked inspiration and enthusiasm about their path ahead. "I'm truly excited about building a foundation at the beginning of my fellowship and what the future holds for me," said Boot Camp participant Weston Andrews, MD, a cardiothoracic fellow at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

“We designed this program to strengthen technical skills while also fostering reflection, discussion, and connection,” said Dr. Nesbitt. “From complex procedures to feedback in the OR, this experience supports a smooth, engaged transition into surgical training—with mentorship every step of the way.”

Aug 26, 2025

2 min read

Video
2025 STS Coronary Conference Wrap-Up

More than 200 cardiac surgeons gathered in Chicago for a successful STS Coronary Conference, June 12-14, 2025. Attendees enjoyed a hands-on Training Village, two days of didactic lectures, original abstracts, scientific posters, plus networking and mentorship.

2 min. 6 sec.

Blog
The Mentor I Didn’t Know I Needed

When I was selected for the Looking to the Future Scholarship Program by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), I expected the 61st Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, California to be an inspiring academic experience. But it was much more than that.

Jul 24, 2025

3 min read

Jad Elharake, The Ohio State University College of Medicine

Podcast
#12, S1 Cutting Edge: Robotic 1st Rib Resection

In this episode of Thinking Thoracic, Dr. Elliot Servais, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, joins host Dr. Erin Gillaspie to share how he developed a robotic 1st rib resection program. Initially trained in the traditional transaxillary open approach, Dr. Servais was candid about his early reluctance to take on these technically challenging cases. That changed when he saw the potential of a minimally invasive, robotic technique that aligned with his existing surgical skill set. Recognizing an unmet need at his institution, he seized the opportunity to build a dedicated program.

1 hr

Blog
Leading with Safety: Lessons from the 2025 STS Leadership Institute

The 2025 STS Leadership Institute meeting held in Chicago was a fantastic experience that far exceeded my expectations. I was not only able to network and get to know many people in the field, but was also able to take away many lessons that helped me to determine the path I would like to take to become a better leader as I grow and mature as a surgeon.

Jun 24, 2025

2 min read

Meghan Halub, MD

Read the STS Blog Series

If you are interested in writing an STS blog article, email Kathy Cummings, communications director, at kcummings@sts.org.

Education

Explore a full range of educational offerings designed to encourage both individual and collaborative learning and provide expertise and guidance. These include resident symposia and Boot Camps, the Thoracic Surgical Curriculum, webinars, and the STS Cardiothoracic Surgery E-Book.

Annual Meeting Online

Experience the exceptional content that was presented at the 2023 STS Annual Meeting. Access nearly 80 educational sessions and 91 e-posters that incorporate the latest research, technology, and practice in all major cardiothoracic surgery disciplines.

STS Resident/Fellow and Medical Student Members can access AM Online for free!

Learn More

STS Cardiothoracic Surgery E-Book

The most current, continuously updated online resource for cardiothoracic surgery information in the world, available online and via mobile app, offering home, office, or point-of-care reference 24/7/365.

Learn More and Subscribe

STS 2024 - The 60th Annual Meeting of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. January 27-29, 2024, San Antonio, Texas

60th STS Annual Meeting

Plan to attend the Society's 60th Annual Meeting, January 27-29, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. STS Resident/Fellow and Medical Student Members can register for free!

Learn More

View Calendar of Events

Scholarships & Awards

The Thoracic Surgery Foundation (TSF), the charitable arm of STS, provides research awards and grants aimed at developing the skills of surgeon-scientists during residency. Award submissions open on July 1, 2023.

Several other scholarship opportunities are available, including the Looking to the Future Scholarship, which fund participation in the STS Annual Meeting for the best and brightest medical students or general surgery residents in hopes of encouraging them to pursue careers in cardiothoracic surgery.

TSF Resident Research Fellowship Award

Up to $60,000 per year for up to 2 years to support the research fellowship of a resident who has not yet completed cardiothoracic surgical training.

Learn More and Apply

TSF/FFF International Traveling Fellowship in Partnership with LACES

Support of $11,000 (€10,000) for 4-10 weeks for senior CT surgical residents to travel internationally for the purpose of learning a novel technique, adapting innovative technology, and/or fostering collaboration. (In partnership with the Latin American Association of Cardio and Endovascular Surgery)

Learn More and Apply

Carolyn E. Reed Traveling Fellowship Award

Up to $10,000 for a woman resident in her last year of cardiothoracic surgery residency to travel to another institution for the purpose of learning a new skill or technology.

Learn More and Apply

View All TSF Awards

Videos

Mentorship in Cardiothoracic Surgery

A discussion: the benefits of having a mentor, but also of being one to the next generation.

Watch Video

How Cardiothoracic Surgeons Are Reimbursed

8 in 8 Series: The Role of the CT Trainee in the ICU

Advice for new trainees on maximizing the experience in the intensive care unit.

Watch the Video

Finding Your First Job in Cardiothoracic Surgery

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.

Watch the Video

Podcasts

The Society's podcast, Surgical Hot Topics, features leaders in cardiothoracic surgery discussing important issues in the field. Listen to the episodes on your favorite podcast app or on the website. Check out these two popular series produced by STS:

Same Surgeon, Different Light

Same Surgeon, Different Light demystifies CT surgery by revealing the men and women behind their surgical masks. Hosts Dr. Cherie Erkmen and Dr. Sara Pereira uncover the backstories of cardiothoracic surgeons from different backgrounds and career stages. It's a fascinating look at the powerful and personal stories about their career journeys.

See All Episodes

The Resilient Surgeon

Hosted by Dr. Michael Maddaus, the Resilient Surgeon offers captivating and sincere conversations with some of the most influential and insightful experts in personal wellness and organizational leadership. Find practical strategies and scientifically proven practices to help you perform at your very best in and out of the OR.

See All Episodes

View All Podcast Episodes