Summer 2025
Enhanced Recovery Protocols Transform Cardiac Surgery
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs are revolutionizing cardiac care by streamlining the recovery process, reducing complications, and improving long-term outcomes.
In this article, learn how technology is increasingly optimizing postoperative care, the importance of a collaborative culture among providers, the high-impact strategies that support rapid recovery within ERAS programs, and more.
3 Things Surgeons Should Know About Surgical Ablation During CABG
A recent study in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery shows that Medicare patients with atrial fibrillation who undergo surgical ablation during isolated coronary artery bypass grafting have improved survival compared to those who do not—strongly supporting underused clinical guidelines.
President's Column
I’ve been a member of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons for 28 years, and throughout that time, one thing has remained clear: education is a key tenet of who we are and what we do. Our focus is on cultivating a culture that values knowledge sharing, encourages the acquisition of new skills, and supports each other’s professional and personal growth.
What makes STS education special is how well it reflects the diverse and evolving needs of our members. Whether you’re in training, a mid-career surgeon, or a seasoned leader, STS provides opportunities to advance your skills and perform at your best. And we offer education in ways that accommodate a surgeon’s busy schedule. We offer in-person meetings, live virtual events, and self-paced resources, such as…
Too Young for TAVI? Prioritizing Evidence Over Age
While age is often a proxy for life expectancy, one expert stresses it shouldn’t override the personalized, team-based approach essential to heart care decisions.
Put the Power of the STS Risk Calculator in Your Pocket
This new app gives you real-time decision support—right at your fingertips.
7 Essentials for Building High-Performing Care Teams
When a patient who has undergone a cardiac surgery procedure begins to decline postoperatively, there’s often a narrow window in which early recognition and rapid, coordinated response can mean the difference between recovery and catastrophe. Get practical guidance on effective team structure and communication.
Member News
Stay up to date on your colleagues’ professional achievements and find opportunities for connection, collaboration, mentorship, and more.
Joseph Cleveland Jr., MD, has been named the inaugural chairholder of the David A. Fullerton, MD, Endowed Chair in Cardiothoracic Surgery.
Carol Chen, MD, has joined the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery faculty as clinical assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery and surgical director of heart transplantation at Stanford Health Care.
Brian Mitzman, MD, has been appointed associate professor in the division of cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Utah and Huntsman Cancer Institute, focusing on non-cardiac general thoracic surgery.
Peter Dahlberg, MD, joins the thoracic surgery team at Cumberland Healthcare.
Bradley Taylor, MD, has been named chief of cardiac surgery for the North Region and chief of quality and outcomes for Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care.
Robert Sorabella, MD, has been appointed the surgical director of pediatric heart transplant and mechanical circulatory support at Children’s of Alabama.
Jack Sun, MD, was named director of cardiovascular surgery at the Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute and Hoag Health, Orange County, California.
Dimitrios Avgerinos, MD, was promoted to deputy director of cardiac surgery at the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center in Athens, Greece.
Event Photo Gallery
Browse pics from this past spring's Leadership Institute, Workshop on Robotic Thoracic Surgery, and Coronary Conference.
Washington Scene
Recently proposed federal policies may reshape physician care with Medicare updates, mobile screenings, and better data access.
Apply for TSF Awards & Double Your Impact
Applications for the 2026 award cycle are now open—plus, every donation to the Surgeon Match Challenge will be matched.
Events & Education
2025 STS Boot Camp
This year's STS Boot Camp, Aug. 21-24, will be held in Chicago and gives resident participants an experiential foundation and practice in basic cardiothoracic operating skills.
2025 AQO: A Data Managers Meeting
The Advances in Quality & Outcomes: A Data Managers Meeting will take place Sept. 25-26 in San Antonio. This event provides an invaluable opportunity to explore techniques for optimizing data collection through case scenarios and driving quality improvement.
Heart Valve Disease Forum 2025
STS co-presents the Heart Valve Disease Forum (HVDF) with the Korean Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, offering the latest knowledge on the basics, diagnosis, treatment, and future of valvular heart disease in Seoul, Korea, from Sept. 12–13.