Mentorship is an important component to success for many up-and-coming cardiothoracic surgeons. For established surgeons, being a good mentor is equally as important. Vinay Badhwar, MD (West Virginia University) moderates a discussion that includes Shanda H. Blackmon, MD, MPH (Mayo Clinic), Melanie A. Edwards, MD (Saint Louis University), and David D. Odell, MD, MMSc (Northwestern University) talking about how mentorship is critical to the future of the specialty and what STS is doing to promote mentorship for early career surgeons.

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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The Best Science Presented at 2025 ASCO

The STS 2025 Best of Lung Cancer Science special edition podcast series offers members direct access to the most relevant and practice-changing science in lung cancer, curated and interpreted by thoracic surgeons for thoracic surgeons.

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The Best Science Presented at the 2025 European Lung Cancer Conference 

The STS 2025 Best of Lung Cancer Science special edition podcast series offers members direct access to the most relevant and practice-changing science in lung cancer, curated and interpreted by thoracic surgeons for thoracic surgeons.

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first death blog
The occupation we have chosen is the most fulfilling job in the world. Cardiothoracic surgery has been the only career I have pursued as an adult, but I know that even without a meaningful comparison, my bold claim is correct.
5 min read
Derek Serna-Gallegos, MD

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The Best Science Presented at the 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer

The STS 2025 Best of Lung Cancer Science special edition podcast series offers members direct access to the most relevant and practice-changing science in lung cancer, curated and interpreted by thoracic surgeons for thoracic surgeons.

Update: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule. STS has compiled a summary of the rule’s key provisions affecting cardiothoracic surgery.
 

Nov 4, 2025

In this episode of Thinking Thoracic, host Dr. Erin Gillaspie talks with Dr. Robert Lentz and Dr. Fabien Maldonado about the groundbreaking VERITAS trial, which is reshaping how clinicians diagnose lung cancer. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the VERITAS trial compared navigational bronchoscopy with CT-guided biopsy in a rigorous, randomized design, bringing much-needed evidence to interventional pulmonology.

45 min.
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DC Capitol

The federal government is entering its third week of a shutdown, as Republicans and Democrats remain unable to reach an agreement to fund government operations for FY 2026.  

2 min read
Rachel Pollock, STS Advocacy

The latest episode of Thinking Thoracic takes on a topic that’s often considered taboo: finances. Host Erin Gillaspie, MD, MPH, sits down with Lawrence Greiten, MD, and Josh Daily, MD, to discuss their recent paper examining financial decision-making in cardiothoracic surgery. From training pathways to compensation survey data, the conversation highlights how earnings and financial trade-offs shape career choices and negotiations. Tune in for practical insights every surgeon, especially those early in their careers, can use.

1 hr

Thriving in and out of the OR requires more than clinical expertise—it takes intentional care of your mental, physical, financial, and interpersonal well-being. The STS Wellness Institute, a five-part virtual program, provides practical tools to support whole-person wellness and empowers participants to bring these strategies back to their institutions, extending their impact across the healthcare community.

In this first of five sessions, taking place on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, 8–9 p.m. ET, hear from leading cardiothoracic surgeons and experienced financial advisors who understand the unique financial landscape of medical professionals. Each stage of your career, from training through retirement, comes with distinct challenges and opportunities. The session offers tailored insights to help you navigate them all.

Here's a sneak peek at what you’ll learn:

  1. Your Financial Needs Change Over Time
    Financial priorities evolve throughout a medical career. What matters most early on—such as paying off student loans or setting up a budget—can shift significantly as you progress into mid-career or begin preparing for retirement.

    Understanding where you are in your professional journey allows you to focus on the financial decisions that matter most at each stage. This session will help you build a strong foundation for long-term financial planning and retirement, while highlighting why a tailored approach is essential.

  2. Proactive Planning Builds Stability and Confidence
    Many physicians fall into the trap of waiting until a crisis—or major life transition—to start thinking seriously about money. You’ll learn how proactive financial planning can reduce stress, prevent costly mistakes, and help you feel more in control, both personally and professionally.

    Whether it’s working with a financial advisor, creating a savings strategy, or simply becoming more informed, taking early and consistent action makes all the difference over time.

  3. Financial Health Supports Overall Well-Being
    Money affects nearly every part of life—from your relationships to your mental health to your career decisions. Financial strain can be a major source of burnout, while financial confidence can empower you to live and work on your own terms.

Register now for this engaging and practical five-part virtual program. 

Oct 9, 2025
2 min read