Anyone interested in cardiothoracic surgery! We offer membership categories for certified CT surgeons, other physicians and surgeons, trainees and students, allied health professionals, and individuals who are curious about the specialty. View available membership types. If you’re unsure which category to apply for, contact Member Services at membership@sts.org.
Yes. International applicants can apply for any membership type in which they are eligible. International Surgeon Member applicants need to submit their license and certification documents with their application (translation not required).
Submit a membership application via the STS portal to be considered for membership. To apply, you’ll need an updated copy of your CV, a third party who can confirm your eligibility, and payment of the application fee.
Only Surgeon Member applicants are required to list a current STS Surgeon or Senior Member as their application sponsor. Resident/Fellow Member applicants will list a Program Director or Coordinator. All other member types can choose a supervisor, mentor, or professional colleague to verify qualifications. If you are applying for Surgeon Membership and do not know an STS Member, contact Member Services at membership@sts.org.
Membership applications will be reviewed once all required information and documents have been received. Once an application is complete, the review can take a few days. Please note that Surgeon applications are only reviewed at specific times of year by the Membership Committee, so it may take several months to be reviewed. Incomplete membership applications expire four (4) months after submission, and payments are not refunded.
The value of STS Membership extends throughout your career and changes as you grow your practice. STS connects you with a global network of cardiothoracic surgery pioneers and thought leaders, providing opportunities for mentorship and career advancement. Members gain access to the latest research from subject-matter experts, receive discounts on events, subscriptions, and online education, and stay informed on critical issues affecting the specialty. In addition, you receive a wealth of resources tailored for every career stage, helping you advance your career and improve patient outcomes. These resources include the following:
- Digital subscription to The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, the highest-ranked and most-cited journal in the specialty with an impact factor of 5.3.
- Access to 50+ videos of member-only content on STS OnDemand, along with a discount on All-Access and All-Access Plus subscriptions.
- Discounted registration to the STS Annual Meeting – The preeminent event in cardiothoracic surgery offers more translational science and hands-on activities than any other educational event of its kind. The meeting features thought-provoking lectures, late-breaking research, and outstanding didactic and interactive educational programs, an expansive Exhibit Hall, and unique networking opportunities for every member of the cardiothoracic surgery team.
- Participate in other meetings, webinars, and programs at discounted member registration rates
The STS membership cycle follows the calendar year. Dues invoices are released every September for the following year, with a renewal deadline of December 31. For example, a 2027 dues invoice will be released in September 2026 with a deadline of December 31, 2026. You can renew your membership in the STS portal.
At certain stages of training and certification, members may need to upgrade from Resident/Fellow to Surgeon Membership or from Medical Student to Resident/Fellow. Members eligible for upgrade will be contacted via email with information regarding upgrading. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, contact Member Services at membership@sts.org.
You can update your information via the “My Profile” page in your STS Portal. If you need assistance with accessing your portal, contact Member Services at membership@sts.org.
While STS doesn’t offer discounts on membership, EACTS and ESTS members, and ASCVTS members from low-income countries are eligible for a refund of the Surgeon Member initiation fee after they are approved for membership.
Mentorship is an exclusive benefit for STS Members. You may apply for mentorship after your membership is reviewed and approved.
Digital access to The Annals of Thoracic Surgery is included with every membership. If you would like to purchase print issues, you may request this by emailing Elsevier at journalsCS@subscribe.elsevier.com. The current STS Member rate for an annual print subscription is $117 per calendar year.
