Host Dr. Cherie Erkmen speaks with Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic, cardiothoracic surgeon and CEO & President of the Cleveland Clinic, about his remarkable path—from early life in Croatia to surgical training in Zurich and Boston—a journey that reflects the international growth of the Cleveland Clinic itself. Now at the helm of one of the world’s most prestigious healthcare systems, Dr. Mihaljevic shares how his global experiences continue to shape his vision for delivering exceptional care worldwide.
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.
Host Dr. Cherie Erkmen sits down with Dr. Lisa Brown, thoracic surgeon at UC Davis Health, to explore the pivotal moments that shaped her unique journey in medicine — from working as a nursing assistant and contemplating PA school, to earning her medical degree and initially leaning toward emergency medicine, before ultimately finding her calling in thoracic surgery. Dr. Brown also shares her clinical passions and dives into the importance of her research in preoperative education and patient-reported outcomes — and why these areas matter so deeply to her.
In this episode of Thinking Thoracic, hear from Alexandra Potter, researcher, and Dr. Chi-Fu Jeffrey Yang, both from Massachusetts General Hospital, about a new study that reveals current lung cancer screening guidelines miss nearly half of patients who develop the disease. Alternative approaches could greatly expand access—especially for women, minorities, and former smokers. Listen today.
Co-hosts Drs. Cherie Erkmen and Sara Pereira have a fascinating conversation with Dr. Ross Ungerleider, a congenital heart surgeon at University of North Carolina Health, and his wife, Dr. Jamie Ungerleider, an educational psychologist, about their research and personal experiences supporting surgeons and their families, with a particular focus on spousal wellness. Their work emphasizes the importance of addressing the well-being of surgeons' significant others, who often face unique challenges that can impact both their relationships and personal lives.
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.
March 21, Match Day, marked a significant milestone for the future of healthcare, as the 2025 Main Residency Match—organized by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)—set a record as the largest and most competitive match in its 73-year history. With 52,498 applicants competing for 43,237 positions, the event saw a remarkable 4.7% increase in active applicants compared to the previous year, signaling the rising demand for residency spots across all specialties.1
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Image courtesy of: @Adham_Ahmed_64
Among the standout trends was the unprecedented surge in interest in thoracic and vascular surgery, both of which achieved a historic 100% fill rate for the first time. This achievement reflects the growing popularity of these highly specialized fields, with many positions filled by senior medical students. The number of certified applicants also grew by 5.3% compared to 2024, indicating that more medical graduates are pursuing specialized fields such as cardiothoracic surgery.2
As the demand for residency positions continues to rise, medical institutions are expected to expand their programs to meet this increased interest. To facilitate this growth, the NRMP has implemented several policy updates and technological enhancements to streamline the residency matching process. Key updates include the removal of the AAMC ID requirement in the Registration, Ranking, and Results® (R3®) system, along with improvements to the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP), which helps unmatched applicants secure residency positions.3 These innovations are designed to improve the overall efficiency, transparency, and success rate of the residency match process, ensuring that more qualified applicants can find positions in their desired specialties.
1 Source: National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) 2 Source: Becker’s Hospital Review 3 Source. Thalamus
