Summer 2024

Navigating Patients Through TAVR and SAVR Treatment Options

Educating patients about their treatment options, especially in the context of complex medical procedures, such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), is a critical component of quality patient care. Patients who are well-informed about their treatment options are better equipped to make decisions that align with their values, preferences, and lifestyle.

An Examination of the Thoracic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team

Thoracic surgeons play a critical role in guiding MDTs to provide patients with the best care possible.

President's Column

In this issue, Dr. Jennifer Romano shares a personal story about her father's recent passing and what it taught her about life. "The recent passing of my father was unexpected and more difficult than I imagined...I am finding life’s toughest paths often teach us the greatest lessons...His last gift to me was understanding the importance of living a life without regret, a life with purpose and family."

She also looks ahead to the latest developments happening at the Society including the new nominating process for STS leaders and plans for the 2025 STS Annual Meeting.

The Use of AngioVac in Right-Sided Infective Endocarditis

Two CT surgeons explore how the AngioVac system offers a new dimension in therapeutic options for RSIE.

Compensation Survey

Last year's inaugural compensation survey results were well received by STS members. Be sure to participate in this year's survey coming soon.

STS Adds User-Friendly Upgrades to the CT Surgery E-Book

Designed to be the most complete and authoritative resource about cardiothoracic surgery, the mobile-friendly E-Book provides immediate answers at the point of care.

Stay up to date on your colleagues’ professional achievements and find opportunities for connection, collaboration, mentorship, and more.

Shanda Blackmon, MD, was named executive director of The Lung Institute at Baylor Medicine in Houston, Texas. She also serves as a professor at the Baylor College of Medicine in the David J. Sugarbaker Division of Thoracic Surgery of the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery.

David T. Cooke, MD, UC Davis Health, was honored as a 2024 Black Healthcare Leader to Know by Becker’s Hospital Review. He was selected for his contributions to shaping the patient experience, educating and training the next generation of healthcare providers, and furthering equity and inclusion.

Lisa Brown, MD, also from UC Davis Health, earned the health system’s Outstanding Cardiothoracic Surgery Faculty Teaching Award for the second year in a row.

Rian Hasson, MD, has taken on a first-of-its-kind role in the Department of Surgery at Brigham Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts—vice chair for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She also will serve as an associate surgeon in the Division of Thoracic Surgery.

Benny Weksler, MD, was named the first Eastridge-Cole Professor and chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He also will serve as chief of Thoracic Surgery for UT Methodist Physicians.

Event Photo Gallery

Check out pics from this past spring's Workshop on Robotic Cardiac Surgery, the Advocacy Leadership Summit, and the Coronary Conference.

Washington Scene

STS leaders gathered in Washington, DC, to participate in the first-ever STS Advocacy Leadership Summit to champion critical issues for the cardiothoracic surgery specialty.

TSF Unveils Redesign

The Thoracic Surgery Foundation recently launched its new branding and website to better explore, engage, and connect with TSF.

2024 STS Boot Camp

This year's STS Boot Camp, Aug. 22-25, will be held in Chicago, Illinois, and gives resident participants an experiential foundation and practice in basic cardiothoracic operating skills.

2024 AQO: A Data Managers Meeting

The 2024 Advances in Quality & Outcomes: A Data Managers Meeting will be held Sept. 11-13, in Nashville, Tennessee. This three-day event offers a unique opportunity to explore techniques for optimizing data collection using case scenarios and driving quality improvement.

2024 STS Perioperative & Critical Care Conference

The Perioperative & Critical Care Conference, which will take place Oct. 25-26 in Philadelphia, will explore the latest techniques and management strategies in cardiovascular and thoracic critical care and enhanced recovery after surgery.