Renowned surgeon-scientist to lead the specialty with a bold agenda centered on "Excellence, Evidence, and Impact"
NEW ORLEANS —January 31, 2026 —The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) today elected Vinay Badhwar, MD, as its 62nd President during the organization's Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Dr. Badhwar will guide the more than 8,000-member organization through a rapidly evolving health care landscape with a focus on technical excellence, data-driven science, and measurable impact for patients worldwide.
An internationally recognized cardiothoracic surgeon, physician–scientist, and innovator, Dr. Badhwar brings more than two decades of clinical, research, and administrative leadership experience to the presidency. He is the Executive Chair of the West Virginia University (WVU) Heart and Vascular Institute and Service Line and the Professor and Chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at WVU, in Morgantown, West Virginia. He previously served as STS First Vice President and in multiple leadership roles within the Society.
During his presidential year, Dr. Badhwar will advance a three-part framework that reflects both the daily practice of cardiothoracic surgery and the mission of STS:
- Excellence: Elevating technical mastery in the operating room and consistent delivery of high-quality surgical care
- Evidence: Strengthening the role of rigorous data, scientific inquiry, and innovation to guide clinical decision-making and accelerate scientific discovery
- Impact: Improving outcomes for patients, families, the health care system, and the specialty as a whole
"These are not abstract ideals; they define who we are as cardiothoracic surgeons and the enduring identity of the STS," said Dr. Badhwar. "Excellence begins with our commitment to perform the very best operation for every patient every time. Evidence challenges us to evolve with data and ground our decisions in science. Impact is measured not only in survival rates, but in lives restored, families preserved, and trust earned."
He emphasized that each of these principles requires deeper collaboration across surgical disciplines, medical subspecialties, health system leadership, and policymakers. "The future of our specialty depends not only on how well we operate, but on how effectively we integrate, communicate, and lead within the broader care team and health care ecosystem," he said.
A master valve surgeon and one of the world’s foremost experts in robotic cardiac surgery, Dr. Badhwar has authored over 400 peer-reviewed publications and holds eight patents in cardiovascular technology. Among his many national academic leadership roles, he currently serves as a Senior Editor of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
Dr. Badhwar completed his surgical residency and fellowship training at McGill University, the University of Ottawa, and the University of Michigan. He served as the Chief of Adult Cardiac Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh from 2011 to 2016. Since 2016, Dr. Badhwar has led WVU’s rapidly expanding cardiology and cardiovascular surgical clinical and academic programs, including one of the most advanced robotic cardiac programs in the United States. As the institution’s top executive for the cardiovascular service line, he oversees over 250 providers, 1500 employees, and annual health system operations of $2 billion.
“I am deeply honored to serve The Society of Thoracic Surgeons at such a pivotal moment for our specialty,” said Dr. Badhwar. “As cardiothoracic surgery advances at unprecedented speed, our responsibility is to ensure that excellence, evidence, and impact guide not only our enduring legacy as a surgical specialty society but, most importantly, how we continue to advance patient care.”
Also elected during the Annual Membership Meeting at STS 2026: Vinod Thourani, MD (First Vice President), Jessica Donington, MD (Second Vice President), Wilson Szeto, MD (Re-elected Secretary), Joseph Cleveland, Jr., MD (Secretary-Elect), and John Mitchell, MD (Re-elected Treasurer).
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About The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is the largest not-for-profit organization representing more than 8,000 surgeons, researchers, and allied healthcare professionals worldwide committed to improving patient outcomes in cardiothoracic surgery. Through the STS National Database—one of medicine's most robust clinical registries—and ongoing education, research, and advocacy, STS advances the highest standards of patient care.