STS Surgeon Members Urged to Participate Now through October 25th

STS’s compensation survey, now in its second year, is designed to help US-based cardiothoracic surgeons understand their value and allows hospitals and healthcare systems to ensure their compensation packages are competitive, fair, and aligned with industry standards. This can directly impact physician satisfaction, retention, and overall quality of care. 

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, understanding compensation trends in cardiothoracic surgery is more important than ever. Dr. Michael Mack, chair of the STS Presidential Task Force on Cardiothoracic Surgeon Compensation, emphasizes the critical role the survey plays in shaping the future of the cardiothoracic surgery profession.

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(L-R) Dr. Michael Mack and Dr. Shanda Blackmon from the STS Presidential Task Force on Cardiothoracic Surgeon Compensation 

“The survey is essential because it provides a data-driven understanding of where our profession stands in terms of compensation,” Dr. Mack explained. “This isn’t just about salary, it's about capturing the complete picture, from work-life balance to regional differences, all of which impact how we recruit and retain talent in the field.”

What Sets This Survey Apart#

Uniquely tailored to cardiothoracic surgeons, the survey provides insights that reflect the complexities of this highly specialized profession. In addition to salary information, it explores other factors, such as case volume, academic versus private practice environments, and geographic location. 

According to Dr. Mack, the detailed nature of the report sets it apart from other generic compensation studies. “Because the survey captures the nuances of our specialty, surgeons can engage in meaningful conversations with their employers about their compensation, workload, and overall career satisfaction. This makes it possible for our members to level the playing field, advance their careers, and live a more balanced life,” he noted.

Designed For CT Surgeons, By CT Surgeons#

Developed by the STS Presidential Task Force on Cardiothoracic Surgeon Compensation in partnership with consulting firm Gallagher, the survey collects data from a diverse range of surgeons across various practice settings and US geographical regions to ensure that the report represents the full spectrum of the profession. This allows members to understand how compensation is changing and how these changes reflect the evolving responsibilities and challenges of the cardiothoracic surgeon role outside the four walls of their healthcare institutions. And, according to STS President Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS, the greater the participation, the more accurate and credible the information.

“Surgeon participation in this survey is critical,” said Dr. Romano. “The power of the report is in the data. We need as many surgeons as possible to participate for the data to be accurate and representative."

Making the Survey Findings Actionable#

Job offers and promotion negotiations are rarely easy or transparent. Candidates may feel uncertain about their market value, face power imbalances with employers, or lack negotiating experience. If an employer offers a lower compensation package or is unwilling to meet reasonable demands, individuals may feel undervalued, leading to frustration and a sense of not being fully appreciated for their skills and contributions. 

“Our goal is to help both employers and employees make informed decisions by determining fair market value," Dr. Mack said. “The STS Compensation Survey is to be used to help identify and correct disparities and gaps and improve the overall negotiation process for everyone. That is the ultimate success metric.”

Take the 2024 Compensation Survey Today#

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The 2023 Compensation Survey findings were presented at a standing-room-only session at this year's STS Annual Meeting. 

The 10-minute survey is now live, and practicing surgeons in the US are encouraged to complete it before the October 25 deadline. Data collected by Gallagher is confidential and not shared with STS. 

It’s more than just an opportunity to understand personal compensation—it’s a chance to contribute to a collective resource that will guide the future of the profession. 

Dr. Romano added, “The survey is a prime example of the value STS membership brings. This level of compensation data for our specialty is not available anywhere else. But we can only get it through the collective participation of our membership.”

The 2024 survey findings will be shared at the 2025 STS Annual Meeting. The 2024 report will be offered as an STS member benefit at no cost to surgeon members who complete the survey. 

STS Member Feedback#

Here is a look at what participants had to say about the 2023 compensation survey report:

“The data were an excellent source of real-time compensation to help support me in negotiating a fairer value compensation. The report was very valuable in that it differentiated compensation within our field based on types of practices, academic vs community, region, and years of experience.”  

“Given the current fiscal climate and the economics of cardiothoracic care at our center, this report provided an opportunity to open conversations that were previously more opaque.” 

“The Compensation Survey is one of the best benefits STS offers its members! It represents another quantum leap ahead for our specialty providing a benefit other specialties are yet to offer."  

“Fantastic resource for the STS community! It allows physicians to be back in the driver's seat when it comes to negotiations. Data is power.”