The latest updates and announcements from STS leadership regarding the 2025 STS Annual Meeting in Los Angeles:
Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025
Dear Colleague:
The STS Board of Directors met last night and voted unanimously to proceed with STS 2025 in Los Angeles. The Board also voted to launch the “STS Los Angeles Wildfire Response Fund,” with a lead gift from STS and TSF of $100,000 (details below).
The health and safety of attendees and LA residents remained a top priority for the Board in reaching the decision to continue with the Annual Meeting as scheduled. The Board also considered the situation on the ground in LA, and the impact of holding our meeting there while the community continues to recover.
Testimonials from LA-based surgeons were compelling and informative:
- "LA is mostly back to normal. You wouldn’t know there were wildfires; it’s totally different from the apocalyptic images still replaying on national news and social media from last week. Many of us were evacuated at some point, several of our team members lost homes or have kids at schools where children are displaced. But my team is unanimous, and so is the city — if you want to support LA, come visit.” –Joanna Chikwe, MD
- “Although it’s been a tough week, LA is getting back to a new normal. The winds have subsided. Air quality downtown was never affected given its distance from fires. The Lakers have returned to playing next door to the convention center, traffic has returned, and schools outside of the burn areas are open. A meeting that brings us together is a much-needed show of support for our resilient community. Your presence will be an emotional, physical, and economic hug to a city that needs it.” – Fernando Fleischman, MD
As previously noted, we have been in ongoing communications with Los Angeles city officials. They tell us the best way we can support recovery efforts is to move forward with STS 2025. Hotels, suppliers, and the Convention Center team continue to safely operate. They assure us we are not taking away hotel rooms or other resources from citizens or first responders in need.
We are mindful of the overwhelming devastation and loss that LA has suffered, and want our presence to support, not detract, from LA’s ability to navigate recovery efforts and take care of its residents. That is why both STS and TSF approved creation of the “STS Los Angeles Wildfire Response Fund.” We hope our members will join us in contributing to this fund, demonstrating that the cardiothoracic surgery community is united in its strong and meaningful support of LA and its residents.
Beneficiaries of the fund will be Direct Relief and United Way of Greater Los Angeles, two organizations that are actively involved in medical emergency response and longer-term disaster relief. We are moved by the work that both organizations do with lower income and at-risk individuals and believe that STS and TSF values are reflected in these groups. Proceeds will be split evenly between the two organizations.
View additional testimonials from LA-based surgeons below. And see a live view of downtown LA here.
Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS
President
- “The past eight days have been nothing short of extraordinary and heart-wrenching. There certainly is reverence and sensitivity to those of us who have lost lives and/or property. However, this large metropolis has quickly returned to its center, and life in LA is essentially back to normal. The skies are clear, air and water quality are within safe ranges, and businesses – including restaurants, entertainment venues, museums, and the convention center – are open.” –Gregory Fontana, MD
- “Last week, the apocalyptic firestorm that ravaged the region upended life in Los Angeles. It affected everyone who lives here. However, with disaster comes opportunity, and how we behave in disaster defines the kind of people we are. LA responded. Life went on. STS 2025 will be a great (and safe) meeting. It is an opportunity to connect, reflect, and be thankful. The people of Los Angeles will welcome us with open arms.” –Michael Bowdish, MD
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025
View this video from STS President Dr. Jennifer Romano for the latest on STS 2025:
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025
Dear Colleague:
We continue to carefully monitor and assess the wildfire situation in Los Angeles and its potential impact on our meeting. As of now, the meeting will continue as scheduled.
The STS Board of Directors will meet this week to evaluate the facts, hear from surgeons on the ground in LA, and review all options. We are mindful of attendee safety and health concerns regarding the meeting and will consider the wide range of input we are receiving in our decisions.
We are in ongoing communication with officials in LA. At this time, the convention center remains open, conferences are currently being conducted, and professional sporting events and the Grammy Awards are all moving forward in the downtown area where our meeting will be held.
Again, the safety and health of our members remain our top priority. We are actively monitoring the proximity of fires, as well as air and water quality. According to officials, the next 48 hours will be critical as high winds and dry conditions increase the risk of additional fires.
While the decision regarding the STS Annual Meeting is significant, we understand and appreciate it is minor compared to the pain and loss experienced by so many LA residents. Our hearts and prayers continue to be with those who have lost everything, from homes to businesses, to family and friends.
We will continue to update you as events on the ground evolve, and our Board has the opportunity to meet and discuss.
Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS
President
Friday, Jan. 10, 2024
Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
STS continues to monitor the rapidly evolving situation and is evaluating the potential impact on our Annual Meeting, January 24-26, in downtown LA.
The safety and health of our meeting attendees, vendors, and industry colleagues remain our top priority.
At this time, we are moving forward with the meeting. We will continue to reach out to surgeons on the ground in LA, as well as the convention center, hotels, and others to monitor developments over the coming days.
We will continue to update you as new information emerges and encourage you to stay apprised by visiting STS.org.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have suffered unfathomable losses and life-changing events over the recent days.
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025
"Our thoughts are with the communities and residents impacted by the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area. At this time, the fires have not impacted our upcoming 61st Annual Meeting scheduled for January 24-26 in downtown Los Angeles. The safety of meeting attendees and workers is our priority, and we will continue to monitor the situation and provide any necessary updates should circumstances change."