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.
Conflict is inevitable in the high-pressure, high-stakes world of cardiothoracic surgery. Whether it's a difference in opinion during an operation, tension between surgical team members, or friction over program outcomes, the ability to manage conflict effectively is a critical—yet often underdeveloped—skill for surgeons at all stages of their careers.
In April, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the proposed rule for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 Inpatient Prospective Payment System. This annual regulation includes several initiatives that will directly impact cardiothoracic surgery.
CHICAGO, April 28, 2025 — The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) today announced the launch of its latest surgical risk calculator designed for patients undergoing ascending aorta and aortic root surgery, with or without concomitant aortic valve replacement (AVR). This first-of-its-kind tool represents a major step forward in risk stratification and personalized surgical planning for complex aortic operations.
Thinking Thoracic Co-host Dr. Erin Gillaspie talks with Dr. Stephen Liu, associate professor of medicine at Georgetown University and head of Developmental Therapeutics at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, about the surgeon's role in navigating the biomarker space and working collaboratively with oncology colleagues. Listen today.
CHICAGO – April 10, 2025 – A new study published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, the flagship journal from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, suggests that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act has significantly improved access to timely treatment and high-volume hospitals for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These findings underscore the critical role of healthcare policy in delivering quality oncologic care.
On April 4, 2025, the STS Leadership Institute hosted a one-day session on “Leading Others” as part of its comprehensive program. This workshop focused on conflict management, leading diverse teams, and addressing both implicit and explicit biases. More than 30 early- and mid-career cardiothoracic surgeons attended, gaining valuable insights into these critical areas.
Additionally, the session highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of wellness within medical teams. These leadership skills are vital for cardiothoracic surgeons in both academic and private practice settings, where strong leadership is key to achieving team success.
The STS Leadership Institute offers a comprehensive leadership program that includes five sessions—three virtual and two in-person—and aims to enhance participants' leadership skills in a constantly evolving healthcare landscape. Attendees benefit from numerous opportunities to engage with a distinguished faculty of expert leaders, receiving valuable insights and guidance throughout their development.
Interactive Discussions and Expert Insights on Leadership and Team Dynamics
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Dr. Meghan Halub (left) speaks with course co-director Dr. Ram Kumar Subramanyan (right) between presentations.
During “Leading Others,” participants heard from course directors Mara Antonoff, MD, and Ram Kumar Subramanyan, MD, who shared valuable insights on how personal growth contributes to effective team leadership. The sessions included interactive case scenarios and table discussions focused on evaluating others and managing conflict. Guest speaker Minerva Romera Arenas, MD, addressed the challenges of leading diverse teams and confronting implicit bias. Participants explored case examples to deepen their understanding and apply the concepts discussed.
"Today's sessions have been incredibly valuable, providing an opportunity to engage face-to-face in small discussion groups with peers from across the country," said participant Meghan Halub, MD. "I can see how the small table sessions will help me manage conflict and problem-solve challenging case scenarios as I transition from private practice to an academic medical center, while also preparing for the next step in my career."
Looking ahead, the Leadership Institute's virtual sessions will be held in July and October, culminating in the capstone event at STS 2026 in New Orleans next January.
Coming soon: Follow the stories of our four Leadership Institute participants as they share their experiences with the program in a new blog series posted on STS.org.
Congratulations—you’ve landed the leadership role you’ve been working toward. After months (or years) of strategic effort, your appointment is finalized and the path forward begins. Whether you're stepping into a new position or pioneering an inaugural role, this change is as much about vision and preparation as it is about execution.
Last week, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a sweeping restructuring plan that will reduce the agency’s workforce by 10,000 full-time employees and consolidate 28 divisions into 15. This plan is part of broader workforce reductions across the administration, which will decrease HHS’s total number of employees from 82,000 to 62,000.
Mehmet Oz, MD, has been confirmed as the new Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). As a cardiothoracic surgeon with a strong background in medical innovation, Dr. Oz will oversee policies that impact Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as physicians, hospitals, and healthcare providers across the country.
