Blogs

In December, on the eve of our last winter break, medical students swarm the library like anxious ants, eager to hear advice from those who had survived the crucible of clerkships. Having nurtured an inclination for cardiothoracic surgery, I waited until the session was over to approach one of the panelists and get the insider information. 

Last week, the Energy & Commerce Committee advanced its section of the budget reconciliation package, which includes approximately $880 billion in federal spending cuts—most of which target the Medicaid program.

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.

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.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the newly appointed Department of Health and Human (HHS) Secretary, has introduced plans to significantly restructure health agencies under his purview. This restructuring is based on President Trump's Executive Order, “Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Workforce Optimization Initiative.”

It will include two major actions:

Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has issued a series of executive orders (EOs) and actions that have significant implications for the healthcare landscape. These policies could affect hospitals, Medicare coverage, and regulatory oversight.

The 2025 Society of Thoracic Surgeon Annual Meeting was an incredible experience.  Los Angeles was a beautiful host city and it was great to see the resilience of the community after the tragic wildfires that caused unfathomable loss of life and property.  

The 2025 STS Annual Meeting was my first, and it was a fantastic experience. It was incredible to connect with so many members and hear firsthand about the challenges and opportunities facing cardiothoracic surgeons. I truly appreciate everyone who stopped by the STS-PAC booth to show their support.

In December, lawmakers passed a short-term funding bill to keep the government running through March 14, 2025. However, last-minute chaos drastically reduced the size and scope of the year-end package, which resulted in many critical healthcare priorities being left out.