In the field of cardiothoracic surgery, a failure to continue training, pursue new skills or techniques, or acquire new knowledge in the face of the rapid changes we see in medical and surgical technology is to the peril of us and our patients.
Managing and treating mitral valve disease have both changed radically over the past few years and now include transcatheter as well as surgical approaches. What does the future hold for mitral valve repair and replacement? During the most recent STS Annual Meeting, Vinod Thourani, MD, asked that question of Steven F. Bolling, MD, Gorav Ailawadi, MD, and Wilson Y. Szeto, MD. They also discussed new tools and technologies, making sure that cardiothoracic surgeons are involved on the care team, and training with transcatheter techniques.
For cardiothoracic surgeons who are hoping to advance in their careers, it’s often difficult to balance clinical work with the scholarly activities that are necessary for promotion in a modern academic medicine environment. Ourania A. Preventza, MD, and colleagues including Himanshu J. Patel, MD, Elaine E. Tseng, MD, and Sunil Singhal, MD, provide insight on the processes required and tips to help young surgeons successfully get to the next step.
The numerous professional and personal stressors experienced by cardiothoracic surgeons can—if not well managed—lead to errors in clinical judgment, burnout, early departure from practice, health issues, and substance abuse.
