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Education

Network and stay on the cutting edge of cardiothoracic surgeryView All >
Latin America Cardiovascular Surgery Conference

Event
2025 STS/EACTS/LACES Latin America Cardiovascular Surgery Conference

Dec 4–6, 2025
Lima, Peru
STS Webinar Series

Webinar
STS/SfHFT/IACTS Webinar: VAD Surgery Unplugged—Insights from Global Experts

A cardiothoracic webinar in collaboration with The Society for Heart Failure & Transplantation and The Indian Association of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgeon
8 a.m. ET
STS Wellness institute

Event
2025-26 STS Wellness Institute

Performing as our best selves as cardiothoracic surgeons both inside and outside of the workplace
Dec 9, 2025 – Apr 28, 2026
Virtual
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Data & Research

Initiatives and resources to improve quality care for patients

STS National Database

The gold standard for clinical registries and quality improvement

Open

Public Reporting

Institutional performance and national benchmarks for survival, complications, and other measures. 

Open

Current Projects

The latest research in progress from programs funded by STS

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Data Access Programs

STS data for quality improvement initiatives, clinical trials, and research

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Resources

Essential tools for cardiothoracic surgeons

Risk Calculators

Calculate a patient’s risk of mortality and morbidities for common surgeries.

Open

Early Career Resources

Guidance and resources for CT surgeons in the first 7 years of practice

Open

Clinical Practice Documents and Policies

Improve patient outcomes with guidelines from experienced medical professionals.

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Surgical Checklists

PDFs to prepare you and your team for upcoming surgeries.

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News & Media

The latest from the field of thoracic surgeryView All >
John Benfield

News
In Memoriam: John R. Benfield, MD

It is with sadness that the Society of Thoracic Surgeons shares the news of the passing of Dr. John Benfield, past president of STS (1995-1996), and a distinguished leader in our specialty.

John R. Benfield

Dr. Benfield was an accomplished thoracic surgeon, educator, and mentor whose contributions have left a lasting impact on cardiothoracic surgery worldwide. 

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Columbia University in 1952 and his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine in 1955. He went on to hold senior leadership positions at several major academic institutions, including Professor of Surgery Emeritus at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). 

During his term as STS President, Dr. Benfield championed many initiatives that shaped the Society’s future, including:

  • Strengthening STS advocacy efforts in Washington
  • Expanding the STS National Database to improve quality and patient outcomes
  • Promoting ethics and professionalism in cardiothoracic surgery
  • Enhancing education and mentorship programs for the next generation of surgeons

Dr. Benfield is remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for his deep commitment to mentorship and education. He endowed The John and Joyce Benfield Lecture, an annual event at his alma mater, the University of Chicago. This lecture continues to inspire generations of surgeons to this day.

Please join us in remembering Dr. Benfield and honoring his remarkable life and contributions to STS and the specialty.

Nov 26, 2025
1 min read
first death blog

Blog
How an Outside Perspective Shaped My Path to Thoracic Surgery

It was truly an immense honor to be selected as one of the Looking to the Future (LTTF) Scholars this past year. This experience reinforced my passion for pursuing thoracic surgery and solidified my decision to apply to general surgery residency this cycle. 

4 min read
Shubham Gulati
Dr. Joseph Sabik

Podcast
171; S5: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ STS President Joseph Sabik, MD

In this special episode of Same Surgeon, Different Light, hosts Dr. Cherie Erkmen and Dr. Sara Pereira sit down with STS President Dr. Joseph Sabik as he reflects on his early interest science, the mentors who shaped his career, and the pivotal role mentorship continues to play in his leadership within the Society.

36 minutes
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STS News Banner

STS News, the Society’s quarterly magazine for members only, brings you the latest CT surgery news, research, stories, and more to help keep you in the know and connected to your peers.

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Member Voices

Joseph F. Sabik

Joseph F. Sabik III, MD

STS President
It’s about making sure that patients get the right treatment, so they can have the best long-term outcomes.
  News Article
Africa Wallace, MD

Africa F. Wallace, MD

Workforce Member
Our roles as attendings, division chiefs, chairs, coaches, and mentors come with a larger responsibility.

Robert S.D. Higgins, MD

STS Past President
STS was the first place where I was welcomed to be part of like-minded surgeons focused on patients, who improved outcomes, and had a mission.
  Podcast