I wanted to provide an update on activities since my January 28 message. Since then, I have had dozens of conversations with individuals and groups on all sides to hear reactions to the Presidential Address and listen to their recommendations on potential next steps. I have been deeply moved by many of these conversations, especially the personal stories of those most impacted. 

STS has received letters from organizations and individuals offering ideas on a path forward. The STS Board of Directors is collecting and reviewing all of these inputs to identify short- and long-term actions. We are working to engage a DEI consultant to identify opportunities for STS to strengthen its existing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

You may not know that STS has been actively engaged in DEI work since 2017, when a Presidential Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion was created. The Task Force was transformed into the Workforce on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in 2019 in recognition of its enduring importance to STS and the specialty. Under the leadership of Chair Dr. David Cooke and Vice Chair Dr. Leah Backhus, the Workforce advises STS leaders on DEI best practices, develops initiatives and resources to enhance cultural competency, and works to address health disparities.

I found it helpful to look back on the work that STS has done these past 6 years to advance DEI in the Society and the specialty. Through research, advocacy, education, and investments in awards, grants and scholarships, STS – in partnership with The Annals of Thoracic Surgery and The Thoracic Surgery Foundation – has made noteworthy progress on DEI priorities, from increasing awareness to improving access to care for underserved populations. Learn more.

In my year as President, I am committed to continuing this important work, while also pursuing development of a new strategic plan that will guide STS for the next 3 to 5 years. I am excited to continue the Society’s efforts to strengthen its Database, research, and analytics services to help hospitals and CT surgeons improve quality, safety, and patient outcomes. In fact, STS just launched an important new tool that calculates patient risk for mortality and complications associated with mitral valve repair surgery.

While the Board of Directors continues to focus on member concerns regarding the Presidential Address, it is important that we take note of the high-value programs that STS has planned for 2023, including:

  • The 2023-24 STS Leadership Institute, a year-long program for STS surgeon members in their first 15 years of practice, which kicks off in March.
  • The STS Workshop on Robotic Thoracic Surgery scheduled for April 20-21 near Atlanta.
  • A new Mock Oral Exam Course that will launch this Spring to help trainees prepare for and practice the oral exam format.
  • The second annual STS Coronary Conference taking place June 3-4, in Miami. Abstracts, surgical videos, and case presentations are being accepted through February 21.
  • The STS Advocacy Conference taking place this fall in Washington, DC. It offers members an opportunity to influence healthcare policy and champion causes important to the specialty.
  • Season 3 of the popular podcast, “Same Surgeon, Different Light.” In the February 3 episode, host Dr. Tom Varghese interviews thoracic surgeon Dr. Daniela Molena, newly elected President of Women in Thoracic Surgery.

I appreciate your membership in STS and your ongoing commitment to advance the specialty. There is much work to do in the weeks and months ahead. Your input is always welcome and appreciated. You can reach me at tmacgillivray@sts.org. Thank you for all you do.