September/October 2019
| As we move closer to launching the next generation STS National Database in early 2020, surgeons and data managers are working with STS and IQVIA to develop enhanced data collection and reporting tools that will make it easier to visualize and interact with your data. During this year’s AQO Meeting (October 23-25 in New Orleans), IQVIA will display the new cloud-based, interactive dashboards and demonstrate how you can easily sort your data, conduct targeted searches, and compare your outcomes to various benchmarks. Acceptance testing begins next month, and pilot testing begins in November. Look to this box for updates on the various milestones as we prepare for the big reveal in 4 months. |
Save the date: Registration opens in October for the STS 56th Annual Meeting, January 25-28 in New Orleans, Louisiana. If you plan to attend and need a personalized letter of invitation for your visa application, fill out the visa invitation letter request form.
Apply by October 1 for Latin America Conference Scholarship
If you’d like to attend the STS/EACTS Latin America Cardiovascular Surgery Conference, November 22-24 in Cancun, Mexico—but costs are a concern—apply for a Travel Award from The Thoracic Surgery Foundation. The Society’s charitable arm is offering 60 scholarships for cardiothoracic surgeons and trainees from under-resourced institutions to attend this international conference, which will focus on the multidisciplinary approach to treating adult cardiac and congenital heart diseases. Each $1,000 award will cover a 3-night hotel stay, meeting registration, and a $250 travel reimbursement. Apply online by October 1, 2019.
Free Heart Surgery Brochure Now Available in Hindi
The Society’s popular, recently redesigned “What to Expect After Heart Surgery” brochure has been translated into Hindi. The brochure, which also is available in English and Spanish, offers general guidelines on what patients should and shouldn’t do once they return home after undergoing a cardiac surgical procedure. Surgeons are encouraged to provide their patients with this free brochure. If you have questions regarding the brochure, contact Jennifer Bagley.
Transatlantic Editorial Outlines Challenges for Surgeon-Scientists
A recent editorial from STS, the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery explores the decline in the number of cardiothoracic surgeons who are conducting basic science research. “Attrition of the Cardiothoracic Surgeon-Scientist: Definition of the Problem and Remedial Strategies,” published in the August issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, also suggests solutions such as substantive financial support, protected paid time for research, and the incorporation of basic/translational research productivity into promotion metrics. Lead author John S. Ikonomidis, MD, PhD, discussed the paper with Thomas K. Varghese Jr., MD, MS, on a recent episode of the “Beyond the Abstract” podcast; listen to their conversation on the STS Podcasts page or via your favorite podcasts app.
Speak with STS Staff in Portugal
Are you heading to Lisbon, Portugal, for the EACTS Annual Meeting next month? STS staff will be there too. Make sure to stop by the STS booth (#216) on October 3-5 and find out how the Society is working to meet your needs as a member of the global surgical workforce. To make things as convenient as possible, you can pay your 2020 dues at the booth. And if you bring a colleague who fills out a membership application, you both will be eligible for a special gift. See you there!