The Society invites members to volunteer for service within the STS governance structure using an online self-nomination web form. The self-nomination process for 2026-2027 Society leadership positions that will commence after the upcoming STS Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, is now open.
STS members interested in serving in an STS leadership capacity should submit their self-nomination and accompanying conflict of interest disclosure through this online form and the STS Web Portal.
The deadline for submitting 2026-2027 leadership self-nominations is Thursday, July 31, 2025. To view a full listing of the Society’s leadership bodies, please visit the Committees, Council Operating Boards & Workforces pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can self-nominate?
The Society is committed to being inclusive in its leadership, and any STS Surgeon, Senior, Resident/Fellow, Medical Student, or Associate Member in good standing is eligible to self-nominate.
How many positions are available in 2026-2027?
The number of positions for most committees or workforces is not mandated by the STS Bylaws, and the leadership may expand or contract the size of certain committees and/or workforces. The expected number of 2026-2027 positions that may be open for appointment reappointment (n=142) or appointment (n=26) represents approximately 35% of all appointed roles.
Who makes leadership appointments?
Per STS Bylaws, the incoming President (First Vice President) recommends appointments to standing committees and workforces. The Executive Committee is responsible for approving the incoming President’s recommended slate of appointees.
Am I guaranteed an appointment?
No. The Society’s leadership seeks to make appointments that best advance the STS mission and provide opportunities to qualified candidates without current leadership roles. Given the significant number of leadership recommendations and self-nominations received every year and the relatively limited number of available positions, it is not possible to find roles for all self-nominees.
Does the leadership structure change?
Yes. The STS Board of Directors regularly evaluates the Society's Councils and Workforces and occasionally modifies STS Bylaws Appendix 1, usually in October or November of a given year.
When will I learn whether or not I received an appointment?
All self-nominees are typically notified whether or not they received an appointment by the end of December in the year that they self-nominate.
Are there other ways that I can serve if I do not receive an appointment?
Your self-nomination materials will be provided to the chairs of all STS standing committees and workforces in which you expressed interest. Even if you are not appointed to an STS standing committee or workforce, you very well may be contacted for service on a subcommittee or task force (in most cases, appointments to subcommittees and task forces are made by the chair of the overseeing standing committee or workforce rather than the Executive Committee).
If you have any questions about the STS governance structure and the self-nomination process, please contact us.