The Society of Thoracic Surgeons today announced the 2026 Nina Starr Braunwald Extraordinary Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Award recipients at its 62nd Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Now in its fourth year, the award is co-sponsored by STS and Women in Thoracic Surgery (WTS) and recognizes women cardiothoracic surgeons who exemplify exceptional clinical expertise, leadership, and dedication to advancing the field.
This year’s honorees are Emily Farkas, MD; Carolyn Jones, MD; and Rosemary Kelly, MD.
“We are proud to honor these outstanding women and celebrate their accomplishments as surgeons, leaders, and mentors,” said STS Immediate Past President Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS. “Their dedication and example motivate and guide the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons—women and men alike—to push the boundaries of innovation in their specialties.”
Meet these these accomplished surgeons:
Dr. Emily Farkas, a cardiothoracic surgeon whose career is defined by an unwavering commitment to patient care and global service. One of the approximately 3% of cardiac surgeons who are women, she also holds the distinction of being the first woman accepted into cardiothoracic surgery training at Yale University. After completing her training, she spent five years on the faculty at Saint Louis University as an assistant professor of surgery.
A passion for global medicine has shaped Dr. Farkas’s career from its earliest days, including delivering her first baby in Kenya and completing medical school electives in Sri Lanka. This commitment ultimately led her to step away from a traditional academic path to focus on humanitarian cardiac surgery. Through partnerships with various charitable organizations, she has directed or participated in more than 50 surgical missions worldwide, providing free, life-saving heart surgery in countries including Brazil, Ghana, Nepal, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nigeria, and Vietnam.
Dr. Farkas is an associate professor of surgery and associate director of global health in surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine, as well as chief of cardiac surgery at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis. A recognized leader in the field, she serves on numerous STS and WTS committees, an associate editor for CTSNet, and holds leadership roles with CardioStart International, EMERGENCY USA, and the Cardiac Surgery Intersociety Alliance. Her career reflects a powerful blend of surgical excellence, service, and advocacy for equitable access to care.
Dr. Carolyn Jones' journey to leadership in cardiothoracic surgery is marked by resilience, compassion, and a lasting commitment to education and mentorship. She began her medical career as a nurse and went on to complete medical school at George Washington University while raising a family as a single mother. She trained in general and cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Rochester, where she later became the first woman hired as an attending cardiothoracic surgeon and now serves as chief of thoracic surgery.
An associate professor of surgery and chief of thoracic and foregut surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Dr. Jones is widely admired for her clinical excellence, technical skill, and ability to work well with others. While she may not seek national recognition, her impact is deeply felt by patients, trainees, nurses, and colleagues throughout upstate New York. Known for her empathy, bedside manner, and dedication to patient-centered care, she has received numerous teaching and service awards over the course of her career.
Dr. Jones has played a vital role in surgical education, serving as associate residency program director and enhancing curricula and training experiences for residents and medical students. Later in her career, she adopted minimally invasive and robotic techniques to further improve patient outcomes, building strong, collaborative teams in the process. A steadfast mentor and role model, Dr. Jones exemplifies leadership grounded in service, respect, and inclusion, creating environments where patients and trainees alike feel valued and supported.
Dr. Rosemary Kelly, a nationally recognized leader whose career has advanced cardiothoracic surgery while opening doors for women and underrepresented groups across the specialty. She is professor of surgery at the University of Minnesota Medical School, executive vice chair for cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, chief of the heart and vascular service line at MHealth Fairview, and program director of the cardiovascular and thoracic surgery fellowship program. She also holds the C. Walton and Richard C. Lillehei Professorship in Cardiothoracic Surgery.
A dedicated mentor, Dr. Kelly supports trainees and junior faculty through formal programs and personal sponsorship, offering practical guidance on career development and work-life integration. Her research portfolio, supported by the NIH, VA, and other major agencies, includes more than 140 peer-reviewed publications spanning clinical innovation, as well as scholarship on mentorship and resilience in surgery. Clinically, she combines excellence with service, having led major cardiothoracic and transplant programs and delivered distinguished lectures at institutions dedicated to advancing women in medicine.
“Each of these women are shaping the future of cardiothoracic surgery,” said Mara Antonoff, MD, president of Women in Thoracic Surgery, “Their expertise, leadership, and dedication are driving progress in our field and opening doors for the women who will follow.”