Trainee Hub

The 2025 STS Coronary Conference was held from June 12–14 in Chicago, bringing together more than 200 healthcare specialists from around the world. This three-day event was delivered groundbreaking insights and hands-on training for professionals involved in coronary surgery. “More and more, the concept of a coronary surgery specialist is emerging, and this conference supported that development by providing the education needed to acquire and validate the relevant skills and knowledge at each surgeon’s institution,” said co-course director Marc Ruel, MD, of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

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The conference featured a comprehensive program that focused on advanced surgical techniques, minimally invasive methods, and the latest technological innovations in the field. Attendees engaged with leaders in cardiothoracic surgery through lectures, panel discussions, and collaborative learning activities.

Each day included expert-led sessions covering a wide range of topics, including radial artery and BITA grafting, evidence-based practices, and technical pearls in coronary surgery. Participants also attended sessions on academic career development and minimally invasive, hybrid, and robotic CABG techniques. Highlights of the conference included keynote lectures, interactive case discussions, and surgical video presentations that allowed attendees to explore complex intraoperative and postoperative decision-making strategies in greater depth.

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A key feature of the event was the introduction of the Training Village, a non-CME, hands-on learning space that featured cutting-edge surgical simulations and demonstrations and allowed attendees to gain practical experience under expert guidance. 

The Training VIllage was organized into three stations:  

• Anastomosis Masterclass, which focused on advanced anastomotic techniques
• Flow Measurement & Quality Control, where attendees practiced using intraoperative assessment tools to improve graft outcomes; and
• Atrial Fibrillation Treatment, which provided instruction on left atrial appendage clipping and intraoperative Maze procedures.

“The Training Village was a great example of the conference’s practical component—emphasizing ‘know-how’ and ‘how-to’ over abstract concepts or theory, if you will,” said Dr. Ruel.

Throughout the conference, attendees participated in a wide array of engaging sessions, such as "Mastering Coronary Surgery: Expert Techniques," "Making the Most of Your Conduits," and "Which Kind of Academic Surgeon Do You Want to Be?" These sessions focused on developing both technical skills and strategic thinking.

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By the end of the conference, participants had expanded their clinical knowledge, honed their skills, and networked with peers and leaders in coronary surgery. “As both a moderator and presenter, I left feeling inspired by the exchange of ideas and the shared commitment to advancing progress in coronary surgery,” said Brittany Zwischenberger, MD, of Duke University.

Check out our event photo gallery. 

Ready to level up your STS experience? The Hub is back for STS 2025. A fun and vibrant space, The Hub will be the center of activity for programs, sessions, networking, and mentoring specifically for cardiothoracic surgery trainees and early surgeons.  Check out the following schedule of daily activities.

Friday, January 24
LTTF Medical Students Program
9:30 - 10:45 a.m. 
Small Theatre

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By invitation only for the 2025 Looking to the Future (LTTF) Scholars, this session offers LTTF medical student scholars the chance to hear from CT surgeons and residents about the cardiothoracic field, including insights into their application and residency experiences. Upon completion of the session, participants will gain a clear understanding of how to navigate the application process for thoracic residency programs and the various types of CT surgery residency programs available. 

Learn more about the LTTF program and how you can become a LTTF Scholar. 

Photo Station
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
Lounge Area

Update your professional headshot or have some fun with props at our selfie station. Be sure to share your pictures on social media!

STS Trainee Luncheon
11:15 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Big Theatre

Leaders in CT surgery, including members of the STS Board of Directors, workforces, and task forces, will be seated with trainees to discuss topics of interest to residents. Discussion topics include subspecialty training, dedicated research time, interventional and catheter-based skills during training, gaps in diversity, training paradigms, the current job market, and addressing non-clinical training needs. Attendance is limited to trainees (residents, fellows, medical students, LTTF scholars) and invited faculty. 

STS Trainee Symposium: Setting Yourself Up for a Successful Career
1 - 2:30 p.m.
Big Theatre

Presented by the Workforce on Thoracic Surgery Resident Development, this essential session in The Hub will help residents and fellows learn how to find mentors, maintain professionalism, transition from resident to attending, interview for their first job, and manage student loans. Participants will gain the tools to secure mentorship for career transitions, maintain professionalism across settings, interview effectively, and manage student debt.

Heart Surgery 101: Concepts Your Faculty Wants You To Know
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Small Theatre

In this session, you will explore a range of essential topics including Imaging 101, where you'll learn to read echos and understand guided CTAs and PA numbers. The session will also cover the process of writing and publishing a paper, determining when to call the surgeon, and identifying post-residency career pathways with a focus on advanced fellowships. Additionally, there will be insights into perfecting your anastomoses, understanding PTTAVR and TEVAR, and opportunities to get involved in robotic cardiothoracic surgery.

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Saturday, January 25
How Medical Providers Can Build Wealth, Pay Off Debt, and Reduce Burnout

9:30 - 10:15 a.m.
Small Theatre

In this presentation, James M. Dahle, MD, FACEP, a practicing emergency physician and founder of The White Coat Investor, will offer valuable insights into financial wellness. He will share a basic framework and actionable strategies to help attendees understand the link between financial stress and burnout.

Dr. Dahle will also provide practical advice on how to protect your most valuable assets and safeguard your loved ones from financial catastrophe. Additionally, he will discuss effective ways to build a nest egg, lower taxes, make smart investments, and ultimately achieve financial independence.

Challenges and Success of Parental Policies for CT Trainees
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Small Theatre

This session will explore parental policies for cardiothoracic trainees, highlighting the difficulties of parenthood and family planning in this demanding field. It will provide insights into the experiences of partners of women cardiothoracic surgeons and feature a moderated panel discussion with program directors and trainees, offering a platform to discuss how to navigate the balance between career and family life in the specialty. 

Winning Research: Presentations by TSF Awardees
11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
Small Theatre

The Thoracic Surgery Foundation (TSF), STS's charitable arm, provides grants and scholarships that support research, skill development, and access to top mentors and cutting-edge technology. Join us for this session where recent awardees will present their research projects in 5–10-minute presentations, followed by a feedback session.

Early Career Roundtables
2:45 – 3:30 p.m. 
Big Theatre

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Engage in focused, topic-driven discussions with experienced, senior surgeons and expand your professional network while learning how to advance your career. You will have the opportunity to explore subjects such as making the most of the STS Annual Meeting, discovering fellowship and award opportunities, and understanding the pathway to involvement and leadership within STS. Additionally, you'll learn strategies for managing your time effectively, negotiating contracts, transitioning from your first job, and gaining valuable networking tips.

LTTF General Surgery Residents Program
3 - 4 p.m.
Small Theatre

By invitation only for the 2025 Looking to the Future (LTTF) Scholars, this session offers an opportunity for Looking to the Future General Surgery Resident Scholars to hear from CT surgeons and residents about the future of cardiothoracic (CT) surgery, their residency experiences, and the job search process. Participants will gain insights into navigating the application process for thoracic residency programs, as well as a deeper understanding of the CT surgery field and the job search process.

Learn more about the LTTF program and how you can become an LTTF Scholar. 

Fiscal Issues Surrounding Modern Healthcare
4:15 - 5:15 p.m.
Small Theatre

In this session, attendees will explore a variety of financial challenges facing contemporary healthcare, including the impact of government and private insurance, obstacles in academia and independent practice, the evolution since Medicare's introduction, and insights into future developments in the healthcare industry. 

Sunday, January 26
Early Career Roundtables
9:30 - 10:15 a.m. 
Big Theatre

Participate in targeted, focused discussions with experienced surgeons on topics like becoming an OR team leader, avoiding burnout, personal wellness, financial health, knowing when to say "yes" or "no," building successful systems, and achieving early clinical success while networking and advancing your career.

Mock Oral Exams
Fri. Jan. 24, 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. 
Sat. Jan. 25, 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.; 12 - 12:45 p.m.

This program is designed to help reduce Board exam stress by helping trainees prepare for the oral exam format. It includes online modules and resources that cover effective test-taking strategies, the structure of an oral exam, and key dos and don’ts. These materials are provided 1-2 weeks before the live session.

The course also features a live, 1.5-hour virtual role-playing session, where trainees work with mock examiners who present case scenarios, ask questions, and offer personalized feedback. Participants also receive a recording of the session for review.

Limited spots are available, and priority will be given to cardiothoracic surgery residents who are registered for the Annual Meeting and scheduled to take the ABTS oral examination in June 2025.

Sun. Jan 26, 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. 
Interview Rooms

ABTS Table and TSMA Suture Table
Fri. Jan. 24, 9 - 9:45 a.m.; 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Sat. Jan. 25, 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.; 12 - 12:45 p.m.; 2:45 - 3:30 p.m.
Sun. Jan 26, 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.
Lounge Area

Hone your suture skills at the Suture Table! STS is offering this opportunity in collaboration with the Thoracic Surgery Medical Students Association (TSMA).

Learn everything you need to know about board exams and your path to certification. Visit the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) info table where the ABTS team will answer your questions, provide valuable resources, and offer guidance on taking the board exams.

Job Interview Prep
Fri. Jan. 24, 9 - 9:45 a.m.
Sat. Jan. 25, 2:45 - 3:30 p.m. 
Interview Rooms

Join us for this new program designed to help trainees and early-career surgeons enhance their interview skills. Sign up for a 30-minute, one-on-one mock interview session, including 20 minutes of practice and 10 minutes of feedback. Participants can choose between an academic-focused or non-academic session. Once your slot is confirmed, you'll receive preparation instructions, including a short online course on "pitfalls to avoid during interviews" and a reminder to bring your most recent CV.