Spring 2025
Breaking Barriers to Improve Lung Cancer Screening Rates
Lung cancer screening has been proven to save lives, yet participation rates remain alarmingly low. The National Lung Screening Trial conducted in the US demonstrated that low-dose CT screening significantly reduces lung cancer mortality, but only 16.5%-18% of eligible individuals undergo recommended screenings.
In this article, read about gaps in participation that contribute to the stark contrast in survival rates and barriers to screening, which include lack of awareness about lung cancer risk factors, financial constraints and more.
Spotlight on New Science
Cutting-edge research is advancing cardiothoracic surgery through innovative techniques and data-driven tools, such as predictive models for LVAD outcomes, studies on local consolidative therapy for patients with oligometastatic NSCLC, and more.
President's Column
I’ve 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, 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…
Providing Resources for Those in Need
The STS Los Angeles Wildfire Fund raised $175,029 to furnish support to address immediate emergency needs and longer-term recovery efforts.
Your Next Move Starts Here
Finding the right career opportunity can be challenging, but the STS Career Center is here to help.
Navigating Federal Policy Shifts and Protecting the Specialty
Cardiothoracic surgery faces an increasingly complex and uncertain policy environment, which has already begun to influence clinical practices, research funding, and public health initiatives.
Member News
Stay up to date on your colleagues’ professional achievements and find opportunities for connection, collaboration, mentorship, and more.
Medical professionals, researchers, and former students gathered at Rush University Medical Center Section of Thoracic Surgery in March to posthumously honor Hassan Najafi, MD, the 18th STS president, who died in 2017, for his contributions to cardiothoracic surgery.
Joseph Bavaria, MD, was appointed executive director of the Bruce and Robbi Toll Heart and Vascular Institute at Jefferson Health and chair of the Department of Cardiac Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University's Sidney Kimmel Medical College.
Danielle Gottlieb Sen, MD, has joined the Heart Institute team at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
Yasir Abu-Omar, MD, was appointed chief of cardiac surgery at University Hospital’s Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute.
Siddharth Pahwa, MD, was promoted to associate professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at the University of Louisville.
James McPherson, MD, a thoracic surgeon, has joined the Capital Health Surgical Group of the Capital Health Cancer Center located at Capital Health Medical Center.
STS 2025 Photo Gallery
Take a look back at STS 2025, where we came together to celebrate the CT specialty and the vibrant community that helps us thrive!
TSF Honors Its 2025 Award Recipients
At STS 2025, TSF proudly presented its awards in research, education, leadership, and international surgical outreach.
Events & Education
STS Workshop on Robotic Thoracic Surgery
Join your peers and expert faculty at the 2025 STS Workshop on Robotic Thoracic Surgery, happening May 15-16 near Atlanta. This immersive two-day workshop offers a dynamic combination of technical didactics, over 6 hours of wet lab experience, and hands-on simulations.
STS Coronary Conference
The 2025 STS Coronary Conference is an international event taking place from June 12-14 in Chicago. This year’s meeting will focus on advanced coronary surgery techniques, conduit optimization, technical advancements, evidence-based practices, and academic career development.
2025 STS Boot Camp
This year's STS Boot Camp, Aug. 21-24, will be held in Chicago, Illinois, and gives resident participants an experiential foundation and practice in basic cardiothoracic operating skills.