Overview

Training is a critical skill set in itself. STS offers training resources to help you launch and advance your career in cardiothoracic surgery. Explore this curated collection focused on innovation and technology, skills development, best practices, teamwork, mentorship, and career planning.
 

STS Membership

Resident/Fellow and Medical Student Membership in STS offer access to complimentary subscriptions to The Annals of Thoracic Surgery and other publications, mentoring connections, discounts on educational offerings, free registration to the STS Annual Meeting, and more. If you're not already a member, apply today
 

Mentorship

Designed for STS members at any career level, the Mentorship Program connects professionals seeking career advice and other guidance. Trainees can request mentorship from a more seasoned professional–as well as apply to mentor a medical student seeking guidance. Provide your contact information and notate your practice type and areas of interest (e.g., practice building, clinical research, contract negotiations) to assist in creating the best mentor/mentee match.

Find a mentor     Become a mentor

Blogs and Media

Residency is a social as much as a technical experience. During training, some of your most important lessons come from conversations among peers. The Aspiring CT Surgeons Blog features posts written for trainees, by trainees, with topics ranging from optimizing technical performance in the operating room, to balancing childcare or exercise with training, to navigating both successful and unsuccessful mentor relationships. The blog provides a forum for frank discussion of the challenges residents face, as well as the rewards of caring for the cardiothoracic patient while training amongst an elite cohort of peers. View selections from the blog and other STS publications: 

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CT surgeon speakers
While establishing a niche gets you recognized across the healthcare field, how should you handle requests to speak outside your niche?
2 min read
Mara Antonoff, MD & Olugbenga Okusanya, MD
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advocacy
A new loan repayment program will support physicians who serve in medically underserved areas.
2 min read
Derek Brandt, JD, STS Advocacy
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career development
Insights on choosing a niche in cardiothoracic surgery and how it can help you advance your career.
5 min read
Mara Antonoff, MD & Olugbenga Okusanya, MD
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advocacy
The US House of Representatives voted to pass the ‘‘Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.” The deal suspends the $31.5 trillion debt ceiling. STS Advocacy explains the implications related to PAYGO, veterans' medical care, COVID-19, and student loans.
3 min read
Molly Peltzman, STS Advocacy Team

The 2023 STS Coronary Conference returns for a second year of innovative, international, and groundbreaking science taking place June 3-4 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Conference attendees will learn how to take their coronary surgery programs to the next level from a basic to an advanced program. Experts from around the world will share the latest techniques and outcomes.

Duration
1 min. 26 sec.
Dr. Griffith discusses the first animal-to-human heart transplant, the work he and his team did in preparation, and how they shattered the barriers around xenotransplantation.
43 min.

If you are interested in writing an article for the Aspiring CT Surgeons Blog, email Dr. Jason Han or Dr. Linda Schulte at communications@sts.org.

Education

Explore a full range of educational offerings designed to encourage both individual and collaborative learning and provide expertise and guidance. These include resident symposia and Boot Camps, the Thoracic Surgical Curriculum, webinars, and the STS Cardiothoracic Surgery E-Book

STS 2023 Annual Meeting Online

Annual Meeting Online

Experience the exceptional content that was presented at the 2023 STS Annual Meeting. Access nearly 80 educational sessions and 91 e-posters that incorporate the latest research, technology, and practice in all major cardiothoracic surgery disciplines. 

STS Resident/Fellow and Medical Student Members can access AM Online for free!

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E-Book Title

STS Cardiothoracic Surgery E-Book

The most current, continuously updated online resource for cardiothoracic surgery information in the world, available online and via mobile app, offering home, office, or point-of-care reference 24/7/365.

Learn More and Subscribe

STS 2024 - The 60th Annual Meeting of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. January 27-29, 2024, San Antonio, Texas

60th STS Annual Meeting

Plan to attend the Society's 60th Annual Meeting, January 27-29, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. STS Resident/Fellow and Medical Student Members can register for free!

Learn More

Scholarships & Awards

The Thoracic Surgery Foundation (TSF), the charitable arm of STS, provides research awards and grants aimed at developing the skills of surgeon-scientists during residency. Award submissions open on July 1, 2023. 

Several other scholarship opportunities are available, including the Looking to the Future Scholarship, which fund participation in the STS Annual Meeting for the best and brightest medical students or general surgery residents in hopes of encouraging them to pursue careers in cardiothoracic surgery.

TSF logo and photo of doctor looking through microscope

TSF Resident Research Fellowship Award

Up to $60,000 per year for up to 2 years to support the research fellowship of a resident who has not yet completed cardiothoracic surgical training.

Learn More and Apply

TSF logo and photo of male doctor consulting with female patient

TSF/FFF International Traveling Fellowship in Partnership with LACES

Support of $11,000 (€10,000) for 4-10 weeks for senior CT surgical residents to travel internationally for the purpose of learning a novel technique, adapting innovative technology, and/or fostering collaboration. (In partnership with the Latin American Association of Cardio and Endovascular Surgery)

Learn More and Apply

TSF Logo and photo of Dr. Carolyn Reed

Carolyn E. Reed Traveling Fellowship Award

Up to $10,000 for a woman resident in her last year of cardiothoracic surgery residency to travel to another institution for the purpose of learning a new skill or technology.

Learn More and Apply

Videos

Mentorship in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Mentorship in Cardiothoracic Surgery

A discussion: the benefits of having a mentor, but also of being one to the next generation.

Watch Video

 How Cardiothoracic Surgeons Are Reimbursed

8 in 8 Series: The Role of the CT Trainee in the ICU

 Advice for new trainees on maximizing the experience in the intensive care unit.

Watch the Video

Finding Your First Job in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Finding Your First Job in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Tips on making a good impression during an interview, making sure that the job is a great fit, how to find the best career resources, and how to engage and maintain good mentors.

Watch the Video

Podcasts

The Society's podcast, Surgical Hot Topics, features leaders in cardiothoracic surgery discussing important issues in the field. Listen to the episodes on your favorite podcast app or on the website. Check out these two popular series produced by STS: 

Same Surgeon, Different Light Podcast

Same Surgeon, Different Light

This series is designed to demystify CT surgery, revealing the men and women behind their surgical masks. Episodes feature the backstories of cardiothoracic surgeons from different backgrounds and in various career stages. These leaders and rising stars offer powerful, candid stories that are funny and fascinating, as well as heartbreaking and inspiring. 

See All Episodes

The Resilient Surgeon #BeYourBestSelf

The Resilient Surgeon

"The Resilient Surgeon" aims to inspire cardiothoracic surgeons to be their best selves, in and out of the OR, using scientifically proven tools and recovery strategies of the world's top performers. In each episode, host Michael Maddaus, MD, talks to game changers in the high-performance and wellness space who share real-world strategies and evidence-based approaches for building and maintaining resiliency, reducing burnout, and achieving optimal performance.

See All Episodes