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STS News, the Society’s quarterly magazine for members only, brings you the latest CT surgery news, research, advocacy updates, surgeon stories, and more to help keep you in the know and connected to your peers. Read it today

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STS Launches New Risk Calculator for Ascending Aorta and Aortic Root Surgery

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.

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aortic risk calculator

Latest news

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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.

4 min read
Haley Brown, STS Advocacy

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.

1 hr
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leadership institute

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.

3 min read
Raghav Murthy, MD
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Capitol building

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.

2 min read
Derek Brandt, JD, STS Advocacy

Laurie Baedke, executive coach, founder and CEO of Growth Edge Holdings, and best-selling author, talks with Dr. Michael Maddaus about “stepping outside your comfort zone” to grow professionally and personally in this episode of The Resilient Surgeon. They address the challenges of promoting high performers into leadership roles without equipping them with critical skills like communication, accountability, and influence. Listen today.

 

1 hr

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.

1 hr

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. 

40 min.

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.

Apr 28, 2025

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. 

40 min.

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Dr. Sharon Ben-Or and her surgical team.

Member News

Learn about member experiences from your specialty, and stories about the ever-evolving landscape of cardiothoracic surgery.

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Technology

Learn about science, technology, and date-driven tools made possible by the STS National Database.

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Dr. Ourania Preventza with mentees.

Advocacy

Learn about Leadership, Advocacy, and Regulatory Action; you and your colleagues are taking steps to drive change in healthcare institutions and on Capitol Hill.

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The STS Blog

From career advice to expert perspectives illuminating the latest findings in the media, STS authors share their insights and experience.

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STS wants to hear from its members and share their news and stories with others. Working on new research or an innovative initiative? Making an exciting career move? Receiving a promotion? Honored with an industry award?  Send us an email at stsnews@sts.org.