This page, developed with assistance from members of the STS Workforce on Wellness, highlights some of the important Society activities related to wellness, strategies for building and maintaining resiliency, and resources to help reduce burnout and achieve optimal performance. 
 

STS Wellness Institute

Through five virtual sessions, the STS Wellness Institute aims to help cardiothoracic surgery professionals understand how work, various stressors of life, and personal behaviors impact them—and how to become their best selves in and out of the OR. In the current, budget-constrained environment, where funds for research, education, and travel may be restricted, this virtual program offers a pathway for CT surgeons to explore vital topics related to wellness, foster their own well-being, and help to propagate wellness at their institutions. Learn more and register.
 

The Resilient Surgeon Podcast Anchor

Hosted by Dr. Michael Maddaus, the Resilient Surgeon offers captivating and sincere conversations with some of the most influential and insightful experts in personal wellness and organizational leadership. Find practical strategies and scientifically proven practices to help you perform at your very best in and out of the OR. 
smilek

#176, S5 The Multitasking Myth: Attention, Errors, and the Surgeon’s Mind

In a new episode of The Resilient Surgeon, host Melanie Edwards, MD, sits down with cognitive neuroscientist Daniel Smilek of the University of Waterloo’s Vision & Attention Lab to explore how attention and perception shape performance. Their conversation dives into the realities of everyday multitasking, examining how it contributes to lapses in attention, cognitive errors, and mind wandering. Smilek connects this research directly to surgical practice and surgeon well-being. Listen today.

50 mins.
unleingers

#175, S5 Choosing a Life That Fits

Season 5 starts here! Join Dr. Melanie Edwards, new host of The Resilient Surgeon, for the kick-off of season five with a “Live from #STS2026” episode. Hear from Drs. Jamie and Ross Ungerleider about work-life integration, and making choices that contribute to more fulfillment, joy, and authenticity in life. Listen today. 

40 min.
baedke

#174, S4 Becoming A High-Performing Surgeon Leader

Laurie Baedke, executive coach, founder and CEO of Growth Edge Holdings, and best-selling author, talks with Dr. Michael Maddaus about “stepping outside your comfort zone” to grow professionally and personally in this episode of The Resilient Surgeon. They address the challenges of promoting high performers into leadership roles without equipping them with critical skills like communication, accountability, and influence. Listen today.

 

1 hr
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Wellness Publications

 

STS Resources/Articles
Peer-Reviewed Articles
Other Resources

Book Reviews

  • This is Excellent News! by Michael Maddaus, MD (October 15, 2021) about Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman 

Blog Articles