STS is thrilled to announce its 61st Annual Meeting, the can’t-miss event which promises groundbreaking research and innovation, dynamic and interactive training, and impactful networking and mentorship opportunities.
STS 2025 will take place January 24-26, 2025, in Los Angeles. Prominent surgeons and researchers will deliver and debate the latest science and techniques to propel the specialty forward and elevate the standard of care for patients.
“The Annual Meeting is unique in its ability to bring together surgeons from all stages of their careers, fostering engagement and a renewed excitement we all have for our profession,” said Workforce on Annual Meeting Chair Stephanie Fuller, MD. “Attendees always leave the meeting energized and with a deeper appreciation for our practice and our fellow surgeons.”
Pre-Conference Program
The meeting starts one day earlier than usual, on Thursday, January 23, with three concurrent half-day pre-conference symposia for attendees who want to enhance their educational experience at STS 2025.
Lung Cancer: Clinical Trials Meet Clinical Practice
The rapidly evolving landscape of early stage and locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer, fueled by advancements in diagnosis and treatment, presents a significant challenge for clinicians. This program offers a comprehensive overview of recent diagnostic breakthroughs and key clinical trials. Through interactive formats such as “classroom” discussions, “workroom” debates, and case-based tumor board sessions, participants will explore practical strategies for integrating this knowledge into their daily practice as cardiothoracic surgeons.
Aortic Universe: From Birth to Adulthood
This comprehensive program offers a deep dive into the complex world of aortic disease from infancy to adulthood. With a strong emphasis on practical application, participants will gain invaluable insights into diagnosing, treating, and managing aortic conditions through detailed surgical videos and case-based presentations. The session will navigate the aortic “organ” through its life cycle, equipping participants with the essential knowledge and skills to provide exceptional care to patients with aortic disease at every stage of their lives.
The STS APP Conference — Redesigning the Future Together
This inaugural program for advanced practice providers (APPs) will explore innovative ways to enhance the role of APPs in cardiothoracic surgery. By featuring expert presentations and panel discussions, sessions aim to foster a stronger community of APPs, strengthen clinical management, and showcase strategies for professional success and leadership. Surgeons should spread the word about this event and encourage the APPs on their team to participate.
Celebrating Women CT Surgeons
The first day of the Annual Meeting will kick off with the third-annual Extraordinary Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Awards breakfast. The popular 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. Nearly 400 attendees are expected to attend the event to honor the award recipients, pay tribute to women’s progress in the specialty, and network with colleagues.
STS 2025 Clinical Program Offerings
Adult Cardiac Surgery
The J. Maxwell Chamberlain Memorial Paper will delve into the comparative outcomes of ViV-TAVR versus redo-SAVR for patients with degenerated surgical bioprosthetic valves, highlighting the increasing preference for ViV-TAVR due to its reduced surgical risk. Adult cardiac sessions also will explore the risk of reoperation associated with both procedures, with a focus on identifying potential contributing factors like mitral or tricuspid valve disease. Other topics to be covered include the latest advancements in cardiac surgery, innovative approaches for treating heart failure, and the newest techniques in structural heart interventions.
General Thoracic
General Thoracic sessions will feature groundbreaking advancements in the treatment of lung and esophageal cancers and highlight the advancements that are shaping the future of thoracic cancer care. The J. Maxwell Chamberlain Memorial Paper will examine the effectiveness of current lung cancer screening criteria and explore changes that would improve the criteria. The Clark Paper will compare the survival outcomes of patients with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent lobectomy versus sublobar resection, focusing on the applicability of previous findings to a broader patient population. Other focus areas to be explored include the extent of resection and quality metrics in lung cancer care, multimodal treatment of pleural mesothelioma after the MARS2 trial, and the future of lung cancer screening.
Congenital Heart Surgery
Presentations will showcase cutting-edge research with thought-provoking abstracts that highlight new discoveries and innovative approaches in the field. The James S. Tweddell Memorial Paper for Congenital Heart Surgery will focus on the relationship between hospital volume and patient outcomes for Norwood procedures. Another session will explore the impact of specific factors associated with congenital heart surgery on patient mortality, demonstrating how using a large database helps identify potential predictors beyond traditional risk factors. Additional subjects to be discussed include navigating congenital heart disease in premature newborns, challenges in clinical studies, and an analysis of the Ross Procedure.
Perioperative and Critical Care
The J. Maxwell Chamberlain Paper will explore the impact of socioeconomic factors on the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) after heart transplantation in patients from disadvantaged backgrounds who face higher risks and poorer outcomes. Sessions also will include a presentation on a newly developed risk model for predicting 90-day mortality after durable left ventricular assist device (dLVAD) implantation — a model based on real-world data that can aid in patient selection and care improvement. Additional topics to be examined include structuring novel teams to improve cardiac emergency outcomes, controversies in anticoagulation and HIT after cardiac surgery, the changing landscape of heart and lung transplantation, and optimizing patient safety to enhance recovery after cardiac surgery.
Keynote Speakers
During STS 2025, attendees will hear from three trailblazing women who are making significant contributions in their respective fields and inspiring the next generation:
The Annual Meeting's first keynote speech will be presented by Jennifer Doudna, PhD, a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist renowned for her pioneering work in gene editing. As a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, she co-discovered CRISPR-Cas9, a genome-editing technology that has revolutionized the fields of genetics and molecular biology. As the founder of the Innovative Genomics Institute, her research is advancing CRISPR technology and new applications for treating genetic diseases. In her keynote address, Dr. Doudna will share her journey from scientific discovery to global impact, discussing how innovation in science can shape the future of medicine.
Award-winning photojournalist and filmmaker Ami Vitale, a dedicated advocate for social responsibility, will deliver the Vivien Thomas Lecture. With a career spanning more than two decades, she has documented stories of inequality across the globe, traveling to more than 100 countries to witness disparities in healthcare, income, housing, and other essential aspects of life. Through her powerful storytelling, she aims to inspire action, spark meaningful conversations about caring for people and the planet — and ultimately drive change for a more equitable world. Attendees will gain unique insights into her life experiences and learn how authentic storytelling can serve as a powerful tool for positive impact.
The Presidential Address will be given by STS President Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS. Dr. Romano will reflect upon her career journey, share personal anecdotes and milestones, and offer her thoughts on the future direction of the specialty and the Society.
Engaged Learning
STS 2025 will offer practical courses on various surgical procedures throughout the Annual Meeting, delivering an engaging and immersive learning experience for residents, early career surgeons, and any 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. “This year, we’re offering five skill courses throughout the course of the three days,” said Dr. Fuller. “These courses are designed to complement the main meeting, providing opportunities for everyone to learn new skills or refine existing techniques.” Annual Meeting attendees can add one or more hands-on courses to their meeting registration for an additional fee.
President’s Reception
The Society will honor President Romano 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.
Advance Your Surgical Career in The Hub
This year’s Annual Meeting once again will feature a dedicated space for early career surgeons, medical students, residents, and fellowship trainees. Located across from the exhibit hall, The Hub will offer various professional and personal development opportunities, including roundtable discussions with senior surgeons, a trainee symposium, mock oral exams, a station to practice suture skills, networking with peers and mentors, and a session on financial management hosted by the White Coat Investor.
Tech, Demos, and Competition
This year’s STS Annual Meeting exhibit hall will showcase the cutting-edge tools and technologies shaping the future of surgical practice. Check out the live product demonstrations from more than 115 exhibitors. And don’t miss the CT Surgery Resident Showdown, where the North American and European champions will battle it out in a high-stakes knowledge competition.
Immerse yourself in a dynamic program featuring educational sessions, professional headshots, engaging activities, and more. Our onsite industry symposia during lunch and offsite sessions in the mornings and evenings offer invaluable opportunities to explore the latest techniques and interventions. Three exhibit hall theaters will showcase posters and interactive industry presentations.
For those who can’t travel to Los Angeles, Annual Meeting Online will give participants access to all session recordings within a few weeks of the conference.
Early registration guarantees a place—and the best choice of hotel rooms—at the world’s most highly anticipated cardiothoracic surgery event. STS Members enjoy significant discounts, and Resident/Fellow and Medical Student Members register for free. Register at sts.org/annualmeeting.