Resident / Fellow

From August 22 - 25, 2024, 60 first-year cardiothoracic surgery residents took part in the STS Boot Camp in Chicago. Throughout the four-day program, leading CT surgeons from across the nation provided hands-on instruction as participants gained practical experience by simulating real-world cases and emergency scenarios.

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This year's Boot Camp covered training in cardiopulmonary bypass skills, vessel anastomosis, diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopies, open pulmonary lobectomy, TAVR, and wire skills. Residents also received instruction in mitral valve and aortic valve surgery, giving and receiving feedback in the operating room, and the importance of performing ablation.

“Over the next few days, you will receive expert instruction on how to manage real-world cases and emergency scenarios from CT surgeon leaders from around the country,” said STS President Jennifer Romano, MD, MS. “Our exceptional faculty, under the leadership of Dr. Jon Nesbitt and our subspecialty leads, developed an outstanding program with hands-on training in fundamental cardiothoracic surgical skills. Thank you for choosing to be part of our community.”

Here's what a few attendees said about the program:

• “It was great to have time with other fellows and to build camaraderie. The hands-on simulation sessions were excellent.  The coronary vessel anastomosis session and the CPB/echo room were outstanding.” 
• “The best parts of the Boot Camp were learning the basics of CT surgery, the vast topics covered (transthoracic echocardiogram, lobectomy, etc.) and getting to meet co-trainees from all across the country.” 
• “I will keep practicing my vascular anastomosis skills at home and keep in touch with the perfusionists at my institution to keep practicing my bypass skills.” 
• “The best part of @STS_CTsurgery Boot Camp was the people. Had so much fun having a weekend with my colleagues, reuniting with former fellows, and spending time with faculty who volunteer a weekend of their busy life to teach. Future is bright!” –  X, @katiewagnerMD
• “What an awesome day learning from @YihanLinMD, @SteveYangMD, @tygrenda, and so many others. Thanks to all the faculty, @STS_CTsurgery, @UCSFCTSurgery, @JennaRomanoMD, and so many others for the opportunity!!” – X, @BrianTillMD
• “Inspired time at #STSBootCamp! Grateful to the amazing faculty @STS_CTsurgery.” – X, @Gbale_Cruise

Best part of @STS_CTsurgery bootcamp was the people. Had so much fun having a weekend w my colleagues, reuniting with former fellows, and spending time with faculty who volunteer a weekend of their busy life to teach. Future is bright! @BrianTillMD @CDemarest_MDPhD @JennaRomanoMD pic.twitter.com/f2i2u1rw2S

— Katie Wagner, MD MSc (@katiewagnerMD) August 25, 2024

Check out additional photos in the STS Boot Camp photo gallery! 

On June 7-8, 2024, in Miami, more than 120 cardiothoracic surgeons and heart team members from around the world gathered for the third annual STS Coronary Conference. With a focus on the technical aspects of coronary surgery, attendees experienced case-based panel discussions, abstract sessions, practical tips and tricks, and interactive “How I Do It” video presentations featuring surgical techniques.

The two-day event covered a wide range of topics, including conduit selection and harvest, graft configuration, off- and on-pump CABG, and a stepwise approach to minimally invasive coronary surgery, from MIDCAB to advanced multivessel revascularization.

"Coronary surgery is a sub-specialty within cardiac surgery, so it’s important for future surgeons to be skilled in off-pump surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and traditional on-pump cross clamp surgical techniques,” said Chase Brown, MD, assistant professor of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, and a course presenter.  “Attendees were able to learn from experts leading the way in the field.”

"The most exciting things I learned about were the technical aspects of coronary sequential grafting," said cardiac surgery resident Dr. Kevin An from the University of Toronto. “It’s an area I’m interested in implementing into my practice.” 

Here's what a few other attendees said about the Coronary Conference:

• "I enjoyed the panel discussions at the end of each session – I learned as much from them as I did from each of the presentations."
• "So many great presentations. I think the 'How to Prevent AKI After CABG' presentation by Dr. Daniel Engleman may have been my favorite."
• "After attending the sessions, we will add certain changes in the steps for endoscopic harvesting of the saphenous vein, as well as measures to reduce and prevent sternal wound complications."
• "In the future, I would like to see more perioperative content and learn how to implant an Impella 5.5."
• "I really enjoyed the conference.  It was worth coming to the US from Brazil to take the course."
• "As a result of attending the conference, I would tend to perform MAG-TAG more often to more patients, use the skeletonization technique to decrease sternal wound infections, and practice the Y-T graft."

View all conference abstracts. 

Check out our event photo gallery.

In a bid to foster professional development and guidance for aspiring cardiothoracic surgeons, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons has unveiled a unique mentorship program tailored for medical students and residents.

The initiative, created with the Thoracic Surgery Medical Student Association (TSMA), aims to bridge the gap between seasoned professionals and the next generation of surgeons. It delves into the intricacies of cardiothoracic surgery and forms collaborative relationships between early careerists and students. The new program is an extension of the current STS mentorship program that matches trainees with senior surgeons. 

The newly introduced medical student and resident mentorship opportunity is set to personalize the way aspiring surgeons acquire training, career advice, and other essential insights. The goal is to connect medical students eager for guidance with cardiothoracic surgery residents and fellows and facilitate a dynamic exchange of knowledge and experience. It is an expansion of the current STS mentorship program that matches trainees with senior surgeons.  

Under this program, medical students are empowered to seek mentorship from residents and fellows, gaining crucial insights into cardiothoracic surgery as a specialty. The mentorship extends beyond theoretical knowledge, offering practical guidance on residency programs, the interview process, rotations, and other aspects vital for navigating the field successfully. This hands-on approach provides aspiring surgeons with a comprehensive understanding of the demands and opportunities within the specialty, aiding them in making informed career decisions. 

Moreover, the program benefits residents and fellows too, giving them an opportunity to hone their mentorship skills while contributing to the development of future generations of cardiothoracic surgeons. By assuming the role of mentors, residents and fellows gain valuable leadership experience and the satisfaction of guiding and shaping the careers of aspiring professionals. Through this reciprocal relationship, both mentors and mentees contribute to the advancement of the field while fostering a sense of camaraderie and community.

Joseph Phillips, MD, thoracic surgeon, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, and chair of the STS Mentorship Task Force, expressed confidence in the program's potential to significantly impact STS Medical Student and Resident/Fellow members. He emphasized the importance of mentorship in nurturing talent and fostering a supportive environment conducive to professional growth.

“In a rapidly evolving field like cardiothoracic surgery, mentorship serves as a cornerstone for success, offering guidance, support, and inspiration to young surgeons as they embark on their professional journey,” said Dr. Phillips. “With this initiative, STS reaffirms its dedication to nurturing talent, fostering collaboration, and shaping the future of cardiothoracic surgery.” 

It's just one more way STS is helping to cultivate a vibrant and resilient community of cardiothoracic surgeons poised to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.