The Society of Thoracic Surgeons participated in its first-ever meeting in Africa as a co-organizer of the inaugural EACTS/STS/CSIA Cardio-Thoracic Conference, held Sept. 4-6 at the University of Cape Town Academic Conference Centre in Cape Town, South Africa. View the photo gallery.
Organized by the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), and the Cardiac Surgery Intersociety Alliance (CSIA), in association with the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of South Africa, the conference brought together cardiothoracic surgeons, health care leaders, trainees, and other professionals from across Africa and around the world. Held under the theme "In Africa for Africa," the meeting focused on advancing clinical education while strengthening cardiothoracic care across the continent.
The three-day program featured presentations, panel discussions, and hands-on simulation covering coronary, aortic, valvular, thoracic, congenital, and pediatric surgery. Sessions also addressed perioperative care, quality improvement, clinical databases and registries, and strategies to strengthen cardiothoracic programs across Africa through workforce development, training, and infrastructure.
Participants explored approaches to sustainable program development and institutional partnerships, reflecting the CSIA mission of expanding access to cardiac surgery through collaboration and capacity building. An international faculty from Africa, North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America fostered knowledge exchange and new opportunities for collaboration.
Organizers envision the conference as the first in a series of events across Africa aimed at advancing education, partnership, and cardiothoracic care throughout the region. The meeting marked an important milestone in STS's efforts to support international collaboration and sustainable growth in cardiothoracic surgery worldwide.
