Leadership

During today’s "2024 STS Compensation and Member Practice Survey Update" session, STS President Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS, and Cherie Erkmen, MD, will lead a discussion on the key findings of the 2024 survey, which offers valuable insights into cardiothoracic surgeon compensation across specialties, career stages, and geographic regions.

The 2024 survey, which includes data from over 1,000 surgeons, reveals notable trends such as a 6% increase in compensation for cardiac surgeons, 9% for general thoracic surgeons, and 8% for congenital surgeons compared to 2023. It also reports a 13% female participation rate, surpassing the 11% female membership in STS, and shows participation by region aligning with the STS membership distribution.

For the second consecutive year, the survey, developed in partnership with Gallagher, explores new topics, including compensation for new physicians, employer ownership, and satisfaction with compensation. Gallagher ensures confidentiality by sharing only aggregated data to protect individual privacy.

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons today announced Shanda Blackmon, MD, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 STS Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding contributions to the field of cardiothoracic surgery at the Society’s 61st Annual Meeting.

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Dr. Blackmon, professor of surgery in the division of thoracic surgery at Baylor College of Medicine and director of The Lung Institute at Baylor Medicine, Houston, has demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing the field of general thoracic surgery and the mission of the Society. 

Since joining STS in 2004, she has been an active leader and advocate, serving in numerous key roles, including member of the Board of Directors, Chair of the Clinical Practice and Membership Engagement Council, Chair of the Patient Reported Outcomes Task Force, and member of the Workforce on Health Policy, Reform, and Advocacy Committee. Her leadership and vision have significantly shaped STS programs and initiatives, fostering advancements in education, research, and advocacy. In January 2024, Dr. Blackmon received the Extraordinary Woman in Cardiothoracic Surgery Award from STS and Women in Thoracic Surgery.

Dr. Blackmon has served as a passionate mentor, inspiring the next generation of surgeons. She has been a staunch advocate for innovation in minimally invasive thoracic surgery techniques, digital health technology, and process improvement. Her contributions have improved patient outcomes and elevated the standards of care in thoracic surgery.

"Dr. Blackmon embodies the highest standards of leadership, innovation, and dedication to the field of cardiothoracic surgery. Her unwavering commitment to advancing thoracic care and mentoring the next generation of surgeons has left an indelible mark on our Society and the specialty as a whole,” said STS President Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS.

A notable expert in the treatment of esophageal cancer and complex airway diseases, Dr. Blackmon has authored or co-authored more than 200 published articles. She holds multiple patents, including one for a novel esophageal anastomotic device, minimally invasive surgical instrumentation, and concepts for 3D printing. She also has an educational YouTube video-based platform for resident and patient education.

Dr. Blackmon earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas in Austin, a Master of Public Health from Emory University, and a medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine. She completed her general surgery residency in Atlanta and her cardiothoracic surgery residency at Baylor College of Medicine. She served as an instructor in thoracic surgical oncology at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Dr. Blackmon is deeply committed to community engagement and often participates in programs aimed at improving health literacy and access to care for underserved populations. A wife and mother of three children, she is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, biking, and other activities with her family.

Cardiothoracic surgeon Mark Rodefeld, MD, today was presented with the Earl Bakken 2025 Scientific Achievement Award at The Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ 61st Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.

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Dr. Rodefeld is renowned for his groundbreaking development of a "Fontan pump," designed to provide right-side or subpulmonary circulatory support for patients with single-ventricle heart defects. These patients face lifelong circulatory challenges following Fontan palliation due to the lack of a subpulmonary ventricle. Dr. Rodefeld's work addresses this issue by restoring a subpulmonary power source to effectively normalize circulation. Computational modeling, animal studies, and preclinical device development have demonstrated the pump’s potential to neutralize Fontan circulatory inefficiency, offering hope for improved long-term health and outcomes.

“Dr. Mark Rodefeld’s contributions as an innovator and pioneer in cardiothoracic surgery are a true testament to his veracity and perseverance,” said STS President Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS. “His work will continue to inspire the field and revolutionize the treatment of single-ventricle heart disease. He shows us that with unyielding determination, even the most complex challenges can lead to transformative change.”

"This is a tremendous honor, and it is deeply humbling to be included among this group of exceptionally accomplished past awardees," said Dr. Rodefeld. "They are giants in the field, and many were my mentors who significantly impacted my clinical and scientific work. Recognition from colleagues and peers is profoundly rewarding and fuels my continued passion and enthusiasm."

A professor of surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine, Dr. Rodefeld practices pediatric cardiac surgery at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. He leads an independent research program focused on developing innovative treatments for single-ventricle heart disease—a field in which he has made significant strides.

While at Indiana University, Dr. Rodefeld has balanced clinical practice with research aimed at advancing univentricular Fontan circulation, an area that has traditionally been underserved. His pioneering work is supported by a National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 grant and focuses on developing technologies that could replicate biventricular circulation in single-ventricle patients, potentially offering long-term curative solutions.

A key milestone in Dr. Rodefeld ’s career came in 2010, when his research team developed a novel blood pump with funding from the NIH’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The pump uses a spinning disk to draw blood from the veins and propel it into the arteries of patients with a single functioning heart ventricle. This device provides modest multi-directional cavopulmonary blood flow augmentation, which holds promise to improve circulatory function in this patient population.

“The scientific accomplishments that stand out as most rewarding to me are the early proof-of-feasibility studies I conducted,” added Dr. Rodefeld. “Interestingly, some of these early studies were incredibly simple and performed in my garage (like Earl Bakken’s early pacemaker work), or in initial animal studies.”

Dr. Rodefeld also highlighted the invaluable mentorship he received from colleagues both within and outside of cardiothoracic surgery and expressed his pride in his independent NIH funding.

This recognition underscores Dr. Rodefeld's profound impact on the field of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery and his ongoing commitment to advancing the care of patients with complex heart conditions.

The Earl Bakken Scientific Achievement Award was established in 1999 through a grant from Medtronic, Inc. to honor individuals who have made outstanding scientific contributions that have enhanced the practice of cardiothoracic surgery and patient quality of life. The award was named for Medtronic co-founder Earl Bakken. Among numerous other achievements, Bakken developed the first wearable artificial pacemaker.

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons today announced the 2025 Nina Starr Braunwald Extraordinary Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Award recipients at its 61st Annual Meeting in Los Angeles. Now in its third year, the award is co-sponsored by STS and Women in Thoracic Surgery (WTS) and honors women cardiothoracic surgeons who have demonstrated exceptional clinical expertise and made significant contributions to the field.

This year’s recipients are Jessica Donington, MD; Stephanie Fuller, MD; and Aya Saito, MD.

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“It is our privilege to honor these exceptional women and celebrate their achievements as surgeons, leaders, and mentors,” said STS President Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS. “They inspire and empower the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons, both women and men, to reach new heights in their fields.”

Meet these exceptional women surgeons:

Dr. Jessica Donington, a thoracic surgeon specializing in benign and malignant chest diseases, is at the forefront of the fight against lung cancer. As professor of surgery and chief of thoracic surgery at UChicago Medicine and director of lung cancer screening at UChicago, she leads thoracic oncology research, focusing on early detection and innovative surgical approaches. Her groundbreaking clinical trials are transforming patient care by paving the way for earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments.

As an advocate for equitable access to screenings and life-saving treatments, particularly for underserved communities on Chicago’s South Side, Dr. Donington works tirelessly to ensure all individuals have the opportunity for timely intervention.

With a strong commitment to advancing the field, Dr. Donington has accepted leadership roles at prominent cardiothoracic surgery organizations. As a past president of Women in Thoracic Surgery, New York Society for Thoracic Surgery, and Western Thoracic Surgical Association, Dr. Donington has championed opportunities for future generations, especially women in the field. She is a member of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and serves on the editorial boards of the Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Journal of Thoracic Oncology, and CHEST.

Dr. Donington is not only an accomplished surgeon and researcher but also a dedicated educator, earning numerous awards for her exceptional ability to inspire students, residents, and fellows, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology Excellence in Teaching Award and the Distinguished Leader in Program Innovation from the University of Chicago’s Biological Sciences Division. A sought-after speaker both locally and internationally, she continues to shape the future of thoracic surgery through her unwavering commitment to patient care, research, and education.

Several of Dr. Donington’s peers have noted that her influence will resonate for decades, underscoring her enduring impact on both the surgical community and her patients.

Dr. Stephanie Fuller serves as the Thomas L. Spray, MD, Endowed Chair in Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where she is known for her innovative approach to treating congenital heart conditions in both children and adults. Leading the Philadelphia Adult Congenital Heart Center, she passionately advocates for lifelong care for adult survivors, ensuring they receive continuity in care from doctors familiar with the unique aspects of pediatric cancer survivorship. Her roles at the University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Hospital further underscore her dedication to patient care.

Dr. Fuller is a respected researcher who has significantly contributed to understanding neurodevelopmental outcomes and quality of life following heart surgery. Her research emphasizes the importance of addressing both the physical and emotional well-being of patients. She is considered a pioneer in pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge to advance a more holistic approach to cardiac care.

Beyond her clinical and research work, Dr. Fuller is a dedicated mentor, shaping the next generation of surgeons as program director for the Congenital Cardiothoracic Fellowship at CHOP. She instills in her trainees the same passion and dedication that characterize her own career. The success of her mentees, many of whom have assumed leadership positions, reflects her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Dr. Fuller’s leadership extends to national and international levels through her role as an oral examiner for the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and her position as the 2025 Chair of the STS Annual Meeting Workforce. She is a strong advocate for gender equity in healthcare, promoting an inclusive environment where all can thrive.

Dr. Aya Saito, a cardiac surgeon, is recognized as one whose remarkable career has redefined the landscape of a traditionally male-dominated field. In 2023, she made history as the first female chairperson of the department of surgery at Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, an achievement with far-reaching implications for Japanese and Asian medicine.

Dr. Saito’s impressive background includes training at Yokohama City University School of Medicine, a PhD in cryopreserved heart valves from the University of Tokyo, and a clinical fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery and heart transplantation at the University of Western Ontario Hospital. Specializing in adult cardiac surgery, she is recognized for her expertise in off-pump coronary artery bypass, valvular heart disease, and aortic surgery, providing exceptional and compassionate care, especially to high-risk elderly patients.

Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Saito is a trailblazing researcher. Her pivotal work on cryopreserved allogeneic vascular tissues, published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, is highly regarded. She also spearheads the Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database, which is influencing global clinical practices and raising standards in patient care.

Dr. Saito is deeply committed to mentorship and has founded Women in Thoracic Surgery in Japan, creating a supportive and empowering community for aspiring female surgeons. Dr. Saito’s colleagues emphasize that many of the achievements of women thoracic surgeons in Japan are directly attributable to her mentorship, highlighting her significant role in advancing and supporting women in the specialty — demonstrating that the future of medicine thrives when diverse voices are heard and valued.

“These exceptional women are essential voices in cardiothoracic surgery,” said Daniela Molena, MD, president of Women in Thoracic Surgery. “Each of them exemplifies the qualities needed to advance our specialty and inspire the next generation of women cardiothoracic surgery leaders.”