Nominations are due Oct. 24, 2025!

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and Women in Thoracic Surgery (WTS) co-sponsor the Nina Starr Braunwald Extraordinary Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Award to recognize women surgeons who have demonstrated excellence in clinical practice and made significant contributions to the specialty, as well as individuals who have championed women in cardiothoracic surgery. The award honors achievements in clinical practice, leadership, mentorship, and advocacy. Nominees may embody one or more of the following characteristics:

  • Excellence and/or innovation in clinical practice (academic or non-academic practice)
  • Leadership for our specialty and/or the population we serve including notable public service
  • Mentorship/sponsorship of others in the specialty including students, trainees, and peers
  • Exceptional advocacy on behalf of the specialty, our patient population, or fellow surgeons/trainees
  • Demonstrate integrity, innovation, creativity, and expertise in carrying out day-to-day professional responsibilities  

The EWCTS Award(s) will be presented during the 2026 STS Annual Meeting, during a special breakfast at 7 a.m. CT on Thursday, Jan. 29, in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Tickets for the event will be available through Annual Meeting registration.)

Previous Winners

2023 Winners

Leah M. Backhus, MD, MPH
Jennifer L. Ellis, MD, MBA
Betty C. Tong, MD, MS, MHS

2024 Winners

Shanda H. Blackmon, MD, MPH
Andrea J. Carpenter, MD, PhD
Jane L. Schwabe, MD

2025 Winners

Jessica S. Donington, MD, MSCR
Stephanie M. Fuller, MD
Aya Saito, MD, PhD

 

Photo Gallery

 

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    2023 Extraordinary Women in CT Surgery Award Winners

    Officers and 2023 Awardees - l. to r. Drs. Jenna Romano (STS 2nd Vice President), Leah Backhus, Jennifer Ellis, Betty Tong, and Lauren Kane (WTS President)

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    2024 Extraordinary Women Award Recipients

    2024 Awardees - Drs. Jane Schwabe, A.J. Carpenter, and Shanda Blackmon

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    Drs. Aya Saito, Jessica Donington, Stephanie Fuller

    2025 Awardees - Drs. Aya Saito, Jessica Donington, and Stephanie Fuller

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    Guests at awards breakfast

    2025 Extraordinary Women in CT Surgery Awards breakfast, Los Angeles, CA

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    Drs. Jennifer Romano and Daniela Molena

    Dr. Jennifer Romano (STS First Vice President) and Dr. Daniela Molena (WTS President) present at the 2024 awards breakfast in San Antonio, Texas

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    Attendees of the 2025 Extraordinary Women in CT Surgery Awards

    Guests at the 2025 Extraordinary Women in CT Surgery Awards Breakfast, Los Angeles, CA