Inclusion

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons today announced the 2026 Nina Starr Braunwald Extraordinary Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Award recipients at its 62nd Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Now in its fourth year, the award is co-sponsored by STS and Women in Thoracic Surgery (WTS) and recognizes women cardiothoracic surgeons who exemplify exceptional clinical expertise, leadership, and dedication to advancing the field.

This year’s honorees are Emily Farkas, MD; Carolyn Jones, MD; and Rosemary Kelly, MD.

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“We are proud to honor these outstanding women and celebrate their accomplishments as surgeons, leaders, and mentors,” said STS Immediate Past President Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS. “Their dedication and example motivate and guide the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons—women and men alike—to push the boundaries of innovation in their specialties.”

Meet these these accomplished surgeons:

Dr. Emily Farkas, a cardiothoracic surgeon whose career is defined by an unwavering commitment to patient care and global service. One of the approximately 3% of cardiac surgeons who are women, she also holds the distinction of being the first woman accepted into cardiothoracic surgery training at Yale University. After completing her training, she spent five years on the faculty at Saint Louis University as an assistant professor of surgery.

A passion for global medicine has shaped Dr. Farkas’s career from its earliest days, including delivering her first baby in Kenya and completing medical school electives in Sri Lanka. This commitment ultimately led her to step away from a traditional academic path to focus on humanitarian cardiac surgery. Through partnerships with various charitable organizations, she has directed or participated in more than 50 surgical missions worldwide, providing free, life-saving heart surgery in countries including Brazil, Ghana, Nepal, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nigeria, and Vietnam.

Dr. Farkas is an associate professor of surgery and associate director of global health in surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine, as well as chief of cardiac surgery at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis. A recognized leader in the field, she serves on numerous STS and WTS committees, an associate editor for CTSNet, and holds leadership roles with CardioStart International, EMERGENCY USA, and the Cardiac Surgery Intersociety Alliance. Her career reflects a powerful blend of surgical excellence, service, and advocacy for equitable access to care.

Dr. Carolyn Jones' journey to leadership in cardiothoracic surgery is marked by resilience, compassion, and a lasting commitment to education and mentorship. She began her medical career as a nurse and went on to complete medical school at George Washington University while raising a family as a single mother. She trained in general and cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Rochester, where she later became the first woman hired as an attending cardiothoracic surgeon and now serves as chief of thoracic surgery.

An associate professor of surgery and chief of thoracic and foregut surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Dr. Jones is widely admired for her clinical excellence, technical skill, and ability to work well with others. While she may not seek national recognition, her impact is deeply felt by patients, trainees, nurses, and colleagues throughout upstate New York. Known for her empathy, bedside manner, and dedication to patient-centered care, she has received numerous teaching and service awards over the course of her career.

Dr. Jones has played a vital role in surgical education, serving as associate residency program director and enhancing curricula and training experiences for residents and medical students. Later in her career, she adopted minimally invasive and robotic techniques to further improve patient outcomes, building strong, collaborative teams in the process. A steadfast mentor and role model, Dr. Jones exemplifies leadership grounded in service, respect, and inclusion, creating environments where patients and trainees alike feel valued and supported.

Dr. Rosemary Kelly, a nationally recognized leader whose career has advanced cardiothoracic surgery while opening doors for women and underrepresented groups across the specialty. She is professor of surgery at the University of Minnesota Medical School, executive vice chair for cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, chief of the heart and vascular service line at MHealth Fairview, and program director of the cardiovascular and thoracic surgery fellowship program. She also holds the C. Walton and Richard C. Lillehei Professorship in Cardiothoracic Surgery.

A dedicated mentor, Dr. Kelly supports trainees and junior faculty through formal programs and personal sponsorship, offering practical guidance on career development and work-life integration. Her research portfolio, supported by the NIH, VA, and other major agencies, includes more than 140 peer-reviewed publications spanning clinical innovation, as well as scholarship on mentorship and resilience in surgery. Clinically, she combines excellence with service, having led major cardiothoracic and transplant programs and delivered distinguished lectures at institutions dedicated to advancing women in medicine.

“Each of these women are shaping the future of cardiothoracic surgery,” said Mara Antonoff, MD, president of Women in Thoracic Surgery, “Their expertise, leadership, and dedication are driving progress in our field and opening doors for the women who will follow.”

The Nina Starr Braunwald Extraordinary Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Award, presented at the STS Annual Meeting each year, honors the remarkable women who have shaped, challenged, and pioneered our specialty. This year, we’re also recognizing the people that support them.

Co-sponsored by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and Women in Thoracic Surgery (WTS), this distinction pays tribute to excellence in clinical care, academic achievement, mentorship, leadership, and resilience—and in doing so, opens doors for future generations. STS talked with three of the past Extraordinary Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery to discuss what this honor means to them.

Reflections from Past Honorees

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For 2025 award recipient Jessica Donington, MD, the connection to Dr. Braunwald is deeply personal. “Any time your name is placed in association with that of Nina Starr Braunwald, it is an incredible honor that takes my breath away,” said Dr. Donington.

She emphasized the award’s broader significance, recognizing not only surgical achievement, but the lasting impact of mentorship and leadership. “This award speaks to the impact women can create in CT surgery, not just through technical skill, but through the lives they influence.”

Dr. Donington also reflected on the Nina Starr Braunwald Extraordinary Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery ceremony and breakfast, where she received the award, describing it as a “meaningful, understated tribute.” She especially values that the ceremony is held on the opening day of the STS Annual Meeting, underscoring the significance of the occasion.

As part of the recognition, honorees also receive a monthly delivery of flowers in a commemorative vase, which Dr. Donington calls “a simple but elegant gesture that “serves as a daily reminder of my journey.” She added, “These touches reflect the spirit of the award: to celebrate excellence in a way that is both inspiring and deeply human.”

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Ayo Saito, MD, also a 2025 recipient, highlighted the award’s cultural importance. “This award demonstrates the society’s commitment to educating and encouraging female surgeons. That kind of moral support is essential for many of my colleagues today.”

Reflecting on the personal impact of receiving the award, Dr. Saito said,” “It helped me show my mother what I’ve truly achieved. Until then, she had seen only the exhaustion and sacrifice and had hoped I might choose a ‘normal life’ as a ‘normal woman.’ Now, she understands that this level of dedication is not only recognized — but deeply valued.”

Dr. Saito also talked about the Extraordinary Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Award’s impact on the global community.  “This initiative not only shares our progress as women surgeons but also inspires future generations of women in Japan and beyond.  While our society may not yet fully grasp the significance of such recognition, I believe that, with continued effort, we will see meaningful change.”

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Stephanie Fuller, MD, another distinguished 2025 honoree, reflected on the broader implications of the award and its role in driving equity forward. “We still struggle to achieve equality as women. There remains a significant bottleneck to attaining leadership positions and being recognized for technical ability. This award promotes visibility and recognition for women who accomplish extraordinary things despite these obstacles.  It is also essential to thank and recognize the men who nominate and support us along the way.”

Dr. Fuller shared a memory associated with the award that speaks to the power of peer support. “I was touched to receive the phone call informing me that I was a recipient.  However, my favorite memory comes from the year before, when I was nominated by one of my cardiology colleagues,” said Dr. Fuller. “Yes, you can be nominated by your colleagues outside of surgery.  He reached out with a letter of support, and although I didn’t receive the award that year, I felt truly seen by my peers.”

Reflected on the alignment between this year’s STS Annual Meeting theme, Teaching for Tomorrow Together, and the award’s mission, Dr. Fuller said, “This award embodies inclusion. The premise that everyone has something valuable to offer is prominent. Our field is evolving into a diverse and talented community, regardless of age, sex, race, religion, or ethnicity. We are stronger when we learn from one another, and the camaraderie gets us through even the toughest days.”

Other previous Extraordinary Women in CT Surgery Award winners include Drs. Leah Backhus, Jennifer Ellis, Betty Tong, Shanda Blackmon, Andrea Carpenter, and Jane Schwabe.

As we look ahead to the upcoming STS 62nd Annual Meeting, STS encourages you to nominate a peer, mentor, or colleague whose contributions embody the legacy of Dr. Nina Starr Braunwald and whose passion, perseverance, and impact deserve this recognition. By participating, you will not only honor your colleague but also help inspire the next generation and strengthen the community of surgeons who continue to break barriers. Learn more.