The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

STS Presidential Update

In this message, Vinay Badhwar, MD, shares STS updates, highlighting efforts to advance international collaboration, expand digital learning, and strengthen research to support surgeons and improve patient care. He reflects on recent meetings that are helping to strengthen global partnerships, drive innovation, and support the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons.

STS Updates

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Dr. Sahar Saddoughi

Getting Promoted in Cardiothoracic Surgery: Technical Excellence and Strategic Focus

Cardiothoracic surgery remains one of the most demanding fields in medicine. Promotion—whether to associate professor, division chief, or other leadership roles—is highly competitive and increasingly multidimensional. Technical excellence is essential, but surgeons are also expected to be natural leaders who elevate teams, drive innovation, improve systems, and represent the institution with credibility.
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US Capitol building with blue skies

Efficiency Adjustment: What It Means for Cardiothoracic Surgeons

On Jan. 1, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a new payment policy, through the Medicare…

Congenital Heart Surgery Database: Annual Report

An analysis of more than 93,000 index operations from 113 centers examines national aggregate congenital and pediatric cardiac surgical outcomes, including operative mortality and post-operative length of stay. The report underscores the importance of the CHSD in supporting quality and process improvements and driving research endeavors in congenital CT surgery. 

Member Voices

Ian Bostock Rosenzweig, MD, MS
Get comfortable with rejection and hearing 'no' from every direction. But ultimately, you have to say 'yes' to yourself.
Ian Bostock Rosenzweig, MD, MS
Vice Chair, Workforce on Inclusion and Belonging