Surgical Hot Topics
This podcast features discussions with leaders in cardiothoracic surgery about current hot topics in the field. It is produced by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1964 that represents thousands of surgeons, researchers, and allied health professionals worldwide. Episodes reflect the personal opinions of the individuals involved and not necessarily those of the Society.
Episodes
#28, S2 The Pleural Infection Playbook
In this second special joint episode of Thinking Thoracic and the American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (AABIP), Dr. Erin Gillaspie is joined by interventional pulmonologist Dr. Sameer Avasarala of Case Western Reserve University and infectious disease specialist Dr. Renuga Vivekanandan of Creighton University to discuss the multidisciplinary management of pleural spa
Subspecialization in Cardiothoracic Surgery: What Trainees Need to Know
As cardiothoracic surgery becomes increasingly specialized, trainees have more choices to make about the direction of their careers. This article explores the evolving landscape of subspecialization, the continued role of generalist practice, and what additional training may mean as you consider the skills you want to develop and the career path you want to pursue.
#27, S2 Choosing a CT Surgery Path
What does the path to a career in cardiothoracic surgery look like today? Host Dr. Jane Yanagawa is joined by Dr. Varun Puri, Chief of Thoracic Surgery and CT Surgery Program Director at Washington University in St. Louis, to break down the evolving training pathways available to medical students and general surgery residents. They explore traditional 5+2/5+3 fellowships, fast-track 4+3 programs,
Turning an Access Challenge Into a Lifeline for Rural Communities
STS member Dr. Sean Jordan, chief of thoracic surgery and director of lung cancer screening at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, saw firsthand the barriers rural patients in East Tennessee faced in accessing lung cancer screening. In this episode, Jordan shares how a two-year effort—supported by collaboration, funding, and STS Advocacy—led to the creation of a 45-foot mobile CT lung canc
#26, S2 The ABTS Playbook: Your Questions Answered
In this episode of the STS Thinking Thoracic podcast, host Dr. Jane Yanagawa is joined by Dr. John Mitchell—Chief of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Colorado and incoming Chair of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS)—to unpack critical updates from the board.
Their discussion provides an inside look at how the ABTS operates, how surgeons can get involved, and key changes to initial
#177, S5 Running, Recovery, and the Surgical Mind: Lessons in Endurance
Host Dr. Melanie Edwards is joined by guest Dr. Andrea Wolf, director of the New York Mesothelioma Program, professor of thoracic surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, chair of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery Wellness Committee, and an accomplished marathoner. Dr. Wolf explores how the mindset and discipline of distance running can strengthen resilience, performance
#25, S2 Redefining Lymph Node Evaluation in Lung Cancer Surgery
In this episode of the STS Thinking Thoracic podcast, host Dr. Jeff Yang is joined by thoracic surgeons Dr. Seth Krantz and Dr. Christopher Seder, along with Harvard medical student Alexandra Potter, to discuss three landmark studies using the STS General Thoracic Surgery Database that are reshaping how lymph node evaluation is performed in lung cancer surgery. The panel explores current guideline
Preparing for the Future's Past: Building Relationships to Lead Diverse Teams
Effective leadership requires the ability to bring together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. In this blog post, Evan Alicuben, MD, of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, reflects on a recent STS Leadership Institute session on leading diverse teams and implicit bias, where case-based discussions with peers explored practical approaches to fostering in
Best of Lung Cancer Science 2026 - American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Jonathan Villena-Vargas, MD, sits down with Erin Gillaspie, MD, to examine key findings from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, including advances in targeted therapy, dual-pathway immunotherapy, artificial intelligence, and adaptive treatment strategies that are reshaping thoracic oncology.
#24, S2 High Stakes in the Malignant Airway
In this special joint episode of the STS Thinking Thoracic podcast and the American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (AABIP), Dr. Erin Gillaspie is joined by interventional pulmonologist Dr. Sameer Avasarala, of University Hospitals, and head and neck surgeon Dr. Britney Scott, of the CHI Health Clinic, to discuss the multidisciplinary management of malignant airway obstr
#179; S6: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ ‘Looking to the Future’ Scholarship Recipients
In this episode, co-hosts Dr. Sara Pereira and Dr. Ian Bostock celebrate the 20th anniversary and impact of the STS Looking to the Future (LTTF) Scholarship Program by speaking with three rising stars pursuing careers in cardiothoracic surgery: Tyler Wilson, MD, a general surgery resident at the University of Chicago; Molly Shields, MD, a general surgery resident at Walter Reed National Military M
The STS Compensation Survey: What it Means for Early Career Surgeons
In this STS Career Development Blog, Dr. Melanie Subramanian explores key takeaways from the most recent STS Compensation Survey through the lens of early-career surgeons. She discusses rising compensation, why job satisfaction extends beyond salary, the persistence of the gender pay gap despite improvement, and how the survey empowers surgeons to negotiate and advocate for themselves.
#23, S2 The Year's Most Important Thoracic Oncology Papers, Part 2
In Part 2 of Thinking Thoracic's annual review of the year's most influential thoracic oncology research, Drs. Jeff Yang and Linda Martin examine practice-changing studies in perioperative care, lung cancer treatment, and multidisciplinary cancer management.
The discussion covers emerging evidence on cryoanalgesia, preoperative fasting, targeted therapies for EGFR-mutated lung cancer, and other ke
#22, S2 The Year's Most Important Thoracic Oncology Papers, Part 1
In Part 1 of this special Thinking Thoracic episode, Dr. Jeff Yang welcomes Dr. Linda Martin for a discussion of groundbreaking research spanning immunotherapy, lung cancer epidemiology, and screening. Together, they explore emerging organ-preserving strategies for mismatch repair-deficient cancers, the growing population of patients with lung cancer who have never smoked, and new data highlightin
#178; S6: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ Dr. J.W. Awori Hayanga
Cohosts Dr. Sara Pereira and Dr. Fatima Wilder are joined by guest Dr. J.W. Awori Hayanga—professor of cardiothoracic surgery at West Virginia University, director of the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute ECMO Program, and a nationally recognized leader in transplantation, health policy, and artificial intelligence in medicine—for a wide-ranging conversation about mentorship, resilience, and purpos
Best of Lung Cancer Science 2026 - European Lung Cancer Congress (ELCC)
Host Dr. Erin Gillaspie is back with a new season of the popular Best of Lung Cancer Science video podcast series. In this episode, featuring Dr. Jonathan Spicer, they break down key takeaways from the European Lung Cancer Congress, including evolving surgical approaches and how biology, AI, and real-world data are reshaping lung cancer care.
Onboarding a New Cardiothoracic Surgery Partner: Setting the Stage for Success
As part of the STS Career Development Blog series, Dr. Olugbenga Okusanya examines the art of onboarding a new partner. Although cardiothoracic surgeons develop many skills during training, some of the most valuable lessons—including how to successfully integrate a new colleague into a practice—are learned only after entering practice.
#21, S2 Breaking the Stigma: Closing Gaps in Lung Cancer Care for Women
In recognition of National Women’s Health Month, this episode of Thinking Thoracic analyzes the evolving landscape of female-specific lung cancer care. Co-hosts Dr. Erin Gillaspie and Dr. Jane Yanagawa sit down with guest Dr. Leah Backhus to discuss a critical disparity: lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women, yet screening practices remain inequitable.
This timely episode
#177; S6: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ Dr. Ara Vaporciyan
In this episode of Same Surgeon, Different Light, cohosts Dr. Cherie Erkmen and Dr. Sara Pereira sit down with guest Dr. Ara Vaporciyan, professor of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, to explore a career dedicated to advancing surgical education and leadership.
Dr. Vaporciyan reflects on his path from an early fascination with heart transpla
#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
#176; S6: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ Dr. Kazuhiro Yasufuku
In this episode of Same Surgeon, Different Light, Dr. Cherie Erkmen and Dr. Sara Pereira sit down with Dr. Kazuhiro Yasufuku of the University of Toronto, a global leader in minimally invasive thoracic oncology, to explore a career shaped by discipline, innovation, and cross-cultural experience.
He reflects on his surgical training in Japan’s rigorous, hierarchical system and his academic journey
#20, S2 Advancing ERAS and the Evolution of Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery
In this episode of Thinking Thoracic, podcast hosts Hari Keshava, MD, and Erin Gillaspie, MD, talk with René Petersen, MD, of Copenhagen University Hospital, about the latest developments in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols.
As a longtime leader and pioneer in the field, Dr. Petersen shares insights from his extensive experience advancing recovery practices. The conversation covers
Maximizing Your Team Performance: Communication and Investment
All surgeons lead teams, and our ability to do this helps ensure effective and safe care for our patients. Maximizing team performance can be one of the more challenging aspects of our specialty, and yet it's something most of us have little or no formal training in. In this STS blog article, Dr. Trent Magruder shares two key aspects to helping teams function smoothly: effective communication, and
#175; S6: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ Dr. Stephanie Chang
In this episode, hosts Dr. Sara Pereira and Dr. Cherie Erkmen sit down with guest Dr. Stephanie Chang, Surgical Director of Lung Transplant at NYU Langone Transplant Institute, to explore how a childhood dream of teaching evolved into a career in surgical precision and innovation. She reflects on the moment a college biology class sparked her fascination with CABG, the mentorship that shaped her d
#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.
#19, S2 Breathing New Life into Emphysema Care
n this episode of Thinking Thoracic, podcast hosts Hari Keshave, MD, and Erin Gillaspie, MD, talk with J. W. Awori Hayanga, MD, West Virginia University Medicine, about his recent study published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery on surgical interventions for end-stage emphysema. The conversation highlights symptom burden, a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, and the latest data on lung volu
Getting Promoted in Cardiothoracic Surgery
Advancing in cardiothoracic surgery requires more than technical excellence in the operating room. In this latest STS Career Development blog, Sahar Saddoughi, MD, shares how surgeons can get promoted by building programs, leading multidisciplinary teams, and aligning their clinical and academic work with institutional priorities. She believes that success comes from demonstrating measurable impac
#174; S6: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ Dr. Gianluigi Bisleri
In this Same Surgeon, Different Light episode, hosts Dr. Sara Pereira and Dr. Cherie Erkmen sit down with guest Dr. Gianluigi Bisleri to reflect on his early training in Italy, a once-imagined path in music, and his fellowship at Columbia University. He shares insights from leadership roles across Europe and Canada, discussing his work advancing minimally invasive valve and atrial fibrillation sur
#173; S6: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ Dr. Bo Yang
Today, co-hosts Dr. Sara Pereira and Dr. Cherie Erkmen sit down with guest Dr. Bo Yang, who shares his remarkable career path from medical school and early cardiothoracic training at Xiangya University in China, to earning a PhD in pharmacology in the United States, to retraining in surgery at the University of Arizona and Stanford and ultimately joining the University of Michigan as a surgeon-sci
#18, S2 New Advances in Thoracic Surgery at STS 2026
In the season two premiere episode of Thinking Thoracic, cohosts Drs. Erin Gillaspie, Hari Keshava, Jeff Yang, and Jane Yanagawa review the latest thoracic surgery research presented at the 2026 STS Annual Meeting in New Orleans.
#172; S6: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ Dr. Doug Wood
In the Season 6 premiere episode, live from STS 2026, host Dr. Sara Pereira and guest co-host Dr. Fatima Wilder sit down with Dr. Doug Wood, who shares his extraordinary journey—from growing up on a farm in rural Michigan in a family that valued education, to attending the National Science Foundation Summer Science Program at Purdue University, to becoming a national champion rower at Harvard, and
Best of Lung Cancer Science - European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)
Jessica Donington, MD, and Christine Bestvina, MD, join host Erin Gillaspie, MD, to unpack key lung cancer advances from ESMO 2025, including adjuvant ALK inhibition (ALINA, ELEVATE), perioperative immunotherapy (KEYNOTE-671), and the expanding neoadjuvant space in borderline resectable disease.
How an Outside Perspective Shaped My Path to Thoracic Surgery
In this STS blog article, Shubham Gulati, a third-year medical student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, reflects on a transformative year with his mentor, Dr. Ravi Rajaram, and other accomplished surgeons, who created space for candid discussions about the realities and rewards of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon.
STS 2025 Best of Lung Cancer Science - European Lung Cancer Congress (ELCC)
In this special edition of the Best Science in Lung Cancer series, host Erin Gillaspie, MD, speaks with Paula Ugalde, MD, to examine findings from ELCC, including restaging in the neoadjuvant era, redefining resectability, the use of AI in multidisciplinary precision care, and the current de-escalation debate.
STS 2025 Best of Lung Cancer Science - American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
In this special edition of the Best Science in Lung Cancer series, host Erin Gillaspie, MD, sits down with Brendon Stiles, MD, to discuss insights from ASCO, including perioperative immunotherapy, CheckMate 816, and expanding surgical boundaries.
STS 2025 Best of Lung Cancer Science - World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC)
In this special edition of the Best Science in Lung Cancer series, Leah Backhus, MD, joins host Erin Gillaspie, MD, to explore key takeaways from WCLC, including how precision data, surgical restraint, and breakthrough immunotherapy are transforming care.
#17, S2 The Future of Mesothelioma Treatment
The latest episode of Thinking Thoracic dives into one of the most challenging diseases in thoracic oncology—malignant pleural mesothelioma. Host Erin Gillaspie, MD, speaks with Joshua Reuss, MD, a thoracic medical oncologist and clinical trials leader, about how immunotherapy, evolving surgical strategies, and global practice patterns are reshaping care for this rare cancer.
The episode covers th
Facing Your First Patient Death as an Attending Surgeon
The occupation we have chosen is the most fulfilling job in the world. Cardiothoracic surgery has been the only career I have pursued as an adult, but I know that even without a meaningful comparison, my bold claim is correct. We have studied and practiced for years to acquire skills so that we can help to cure our patients or at least minimize their suffering. Yet, throughout all of our careers,
171; S5: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ STS President Joseph Sabik, MD
In this special episode of Same Surgeon, Different Light, hosts Dr. Cherie Erkmen and Dr. Sara Pereira sit down with STS President Dr. Joseph Sabik as he reflects on his early interest science, the mentors who shaped his career, and the pivotal role mentorship continues to play in his leadership within the Society.
He also shares insights into what attendees can anticipate at the 62nd STS Annual M
#16, S1 How the VERITAS Trial Has Transformed Lung Cancer Diagnosis
In this episode of Thinking Thoracic, host Dr. Erin Gillaspie talks with Dr. Robert Lentz and Dr. Fabien Maldonado about the groundbreaking VERITAS trial, which is reshaping how clinicians diagnose lung cancer. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the VERITAS trial compared navigational bronchoscopy with CT-guided biopsy in a rigorous, randomized design, bringing much-needed evidence
How to Build Your Niche Without Losing Your Soul
Whether you are a thoracic surgeon and you are going to break through the ceiling on survival for mesothelioma, an adult cardiac surgeon tackling structural valve deterioration, or a community cardiothoracic surgeon improving outcomes for ECMO patients, identifying and building a niche is exciting and rewarding. In this blog article, hear from Dr. Brian Bateson on how you can successfully build a
#15, S1 A CT Surgeon’s Worth: Negotiation and Money Management
The latest episode of Thinking Thoracic takes on a topic that’s on everyone’s minds: finances. Host Erin Gillaspie, MD, sits down with Lawrence Greiten, MD, and Josh Daily, MD, both from Arkansas Children’s Hospital, to discuss their recent paper examining financial decision-making in cardiothoracic surgery. From training pathways to compensation survey data, the conversation highlights how earnin
#14, S1 Insights Into the Landmark CheckMate 816 Trial
This latest episode of Thinking Thoracic, an STS podcast, features host Erin Gillaspie, MD, in conversation with Jonathan Spicer, MD, a leading thoracic oncologist and clinical trial investigator. The two dive into the landmark CheckMate 816 trial, which helped usher in a new era for immunotherapy in lung cancer treatment. Dr. Spicer shares insights on trial design, clinical outcomes, and what the
Making Efficiency a Team Priority in Cardiothoracic Surgery
Efficiency in the operating room isn't just about working faster—it's about making every movement count, communicating clearly so needs are understood, and simplifying systems to support the team.
True efficiency is a collective achievement that the surgeon can lead by understanding team needs and fostering coordinated, high-performing teamwork.
When the team focuses on efficient processes and cle
The Stressed Surgeon and His Second Act
In this insightful episode, we explore the importance of planning for a stress-free retirement. Just as medication packages have clear dates of manufacture and expiration, individuals should also be mindful of their own timelines, from birth to retirement.
We delve into the necessity of preparing for life after employment, emphasizing how failing to plan can lead to unnecessary stress. Join us as
Maximizing Relationships with Referring Physicians
#13 S1 Does Matterhorn Matter & More
Don’t miss the latest Thinking Thoracic episode as host Erin Gillaspie, MD, is joined by Stephanie Worrell, MD, associate professor, University of Arizona, and thoracic surgeon, Banner Health, for a lively and insightful post-ASCO discussion. Together, they unpack the significance of the CheckMate 577 and Matterhorn trials, and explore what these groundbreaking studies mean for the future of esoph
The Mentor I Didn’t Know I Needed
Join us as we explore the transformative journey of a scholar selected for the prestigious Looking to the Future (LTTF) Scholarship Program by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). Dive into the 61st Annual Meeting held in Los Angeles, California, where academic inspiration meets profound personal growth.
Discover how this unique opportunity went beyond expectations, offering invaluable insights
#12, S1 Cutting Edge: Robotic 1st Rib Resection
In this episode of Thinking Thoracic, Dr. Elliott Servais, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, joins host Dr. Erin Gillaspie to share how he developed a robotic 1st rib resection program. Recognizing an unmet need at his institution, he seized the opportunity to build a dedicated program. The result? A growing referral network and a newfound enthusiasm for a procedure he once dreaded.
#11, S1 How Risk Calculators Reflect Today's Thoracic Care
In this episode of Thinking Thoracic, hear from Christopher Seder, MD, professor of surgery and chief of the thoracic surgery division at Rush University, and Robert Habib, vice president of research and analytics at STS, about the development of the Society’s short-term risk calculators for pulmonary resection and esophagectomy, powered by the General Thoracic Surgery Database with more than 800,
170; S5: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ ‘You Belong’ Scholarship Recipients
In the latest episode of Same Surgeon, Different Light, host Dr. Sara Pereira welcomes three recent “You Belong” Scholarship recipients — medical student Manuel De La Garza, Dr. Sanjhai Ramdeen, and Dr. Humberto Rodriguez-Quintero — to discuss the career paths they are forging as future leaders in medicine.
They also share how attending the 61st STS Annual Meeting in Los Angeles strengthened thei
169; S5: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ Dr. Emily Farkas
Host Dr. Cherie Erkmen welcomes Dr. Emily Farkas, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the Indiana University School of Medicine, to discuss her unconventional path to becoming a trailblazer in global medicine. Dr. Farkas shares how she balances a clinical career in academic medicine with surgical missions around the world, and she reflects on her hope of serving as a model for the next generation of surge
Leading with Safety: Lessons from the 2025 STS Leadership Institute
The 2025 STS Leadership Institute meeting in Chicago was an enriching experience that surpassed all expectations. Surgeons from various stages of their careers gathered to connect and share insights, creating a vibrant networking environment.
This episode delves into the personal journey of an early-career surgeon who attended the institute. It highlights the valuable lessons learned about leaders
Finding the Right Fit: A CT Surgeon’s Guide to Evaluating Job Opportunities
Embarking on your journey as a cardiothoracic surgeon is a pivotal moment that can significantly influence your career and personal life. Making the right choices early on is crucial to avoid a cycle of unsatisfactory job experiences.
In this episode, we delve into essential considerations for new surgeons, drawing from personal experiences on both sides of the hiring table. Whether you're choos
The Power of Mentorship: What I Learned from a CT Surgery Leader
In this gripping episode, we delve into the world of medical students as they navigate the intense period leading up to their winter break. The library becomes a hive of activity, filled with students eager to gain insights from those who have successfully completed their clerkships.
Join us as we follow one determined student with a passion for cardiothoracic surgery. After the panel discussion
#10, S1 The 2024 Best Papers in Thoracic Surgery
What were the most practice-changing thoracic surgery papers of 2024? In this episode of Thinking Thoracic, Dr. Linda Martin, UVA Health, and Dr. Jeff Yang, Thinking Thoracic co-host, spotlight top studies shaping the field, from groundbreaking lung cancer and esophageal cancer findings to surgical profession papers that impact how surgeons work and lead. Dr. Martin’s curated list is a go-to resou
168; S5: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ Dr. Brittany Zwischenberger
Host Dr. Sara Pereira sits down with Dr. Brittany Zwischenberger, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Duke University, to explore her remarkable career journey. Dr. Zwischenberger shares how she briefly considered majoring in Italian Studies before deciding to follow in the footsteps of her surgeon father and mentor. She also opens up about personal challenges—including divorce and single motherhood—and h
#167; S5: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ Dr. Ian Bostock
Host Dr. Sara Pereira sits down with Dr. Ian Bostock, a thoracic surgeon at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute and an associate professor of surgery at Florida International University. Their conversation explores his journey from childhood in Mexico and his early passion for both biology and art, to his initial interest in transplant surgery—and how a serendipitous meeting at Starbucks helped
#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, acco
#166; S5: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic
Host Dr. Cherie Erkmen speaks with Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic, cardiothoracic surgeon and CEO & President of the Cleveland Clinic, about his remarkable path—from early life in Croatia to surgical training in Zurich and Boston—a journey that reflects the international growth of the Cleveland Clinic itself. Now at the helm of one of the world’s most prestigious healthcare systems, Dr. Mihaljevic sh
New Hospital Rule Pushes CABG Payment Model Forward
In April, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the proposed rule for the fiscal year 2026 Inpatient Prospective Payment System. This annual regulation introduces several initiatives that will have a direct impact on cardiothoracic surgery.
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is diligently reviewing all the proposed changes. They plan to submit their comments in the coming m
Mastering Conflict in High-Stakes Surgery
Conflict is inevitable in the high-pressure, high-stakes world of cardiothoracic surgery. Whether it's a difference in opinion during an operation, tension between surgical team members, or friction over program outcomes, the ability to manage conflict effectively is a critical—yet often underdeveloped—skill for surgeons at all stages of their careers.
As the field continues to emphasize collabora
#165; S5: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ Dr. Lisa Brown
Host Dr. Cherie Erkmen sits down with Dr. Lisa Brown, a thoracic surgeon at UC Davis Health, to discuss key moments that shaped her career path, from nursing assistant to considering applying to PA school to obtaining her medical degree, considering specializing in emergency medicine, before landing as a thoracic surgeon. She’ll also talk about her clinical interests and why her research in pre-o
#9, S1 Rethinking Lung Cancer Screening Eligibility
In this episode of Thinking Thoracic, hear from Alexandra Potter, researcher, and Dr. Chi-Fu Jeffrey Yang, both from Massachusetts General Hospital, about a new study that reveals current lung cancer screening guidelines miss nearly half of patients who develop the disease. Alternative approaches could greatly expand access—especially for women, minorities, and former smokers.
Transitioning Into a Leadership Role: Section or Department
Congratulations—you’ve landed the leadership role you’ve been working toward. After months (or years) of strategic effort, your appointment is finalized and the path forward begins. Whether you're stepping into a new position or pioneering an inaugural role, this change is as much about vision and preparation as it is about execution.
In this episode, we explore essential considerations to help ea
#8, S1: The Surgeon's Role in Navigating the Biomarker Space
Thinking Thoracic host Dr. Erin Gillaspie and Dr. Stephen Liu, associate professor of medicine at Georgetown University and head of Developmental Therapeutics at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, discuss the surgeon's role in navigating the biomarker space and working collaboratively with oncology colleagues.
#164; S5: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ Drs. Ross and Jamie Ungerleider
Co-hosts Dr. Cherie Erkmen and Dr. Sara Pereira have a fascinating conversation with Dr. Ross Ungerleider, a congenital heart surgeon at University of North Carolina Health, and his wife, Dr. Jamie Ungerleider, an educational psychologist, about their research and personal experiences supporting surgeons and their families, with a particular focus on spousal wellness. Their work emphasizes the imp
Executive Shakeups and Potential Medicaid Cuts Put Healthcare in the Spotlight
In a significant move, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has unveiled a comprehensive restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations. This initiative will see the agency's workforce reduced by 10,000 full-time employees, alongside the consolidation of 28 divisions into 15. The workforce reduction is part of a larger administration-wide effort, cutting HHS's total employee c
#163; S5: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ Dr. Stephen Yang
In the latest episode of Same Surgeon, Different Light, live from #STS 2025, co-hosts Drs. Sara Pereira and Cherie Erkmen speak with Dr. Stephen Yang, a professor of surgery and medical oncology at Johns Hopkins University, about how the cardiothoracic specialty can be further diversified through initiatives such as the Looking to the Future Scholarship. They also discuss how providing medical stu
#173, S4 Stop Procrastinating
Do you ever say to yourself, “I don’t feel like doing this today?” On this episode, Tim Pychyl, PhD, procrastination researcher and author of Solving the Procrastination Puzzle, talks about procrastination and how to avoid it. Pychyl reveals the latest research on why people get stuck and offers strategies to "break free from self-destructive ideas and habits" and start living an inspired life. Li
RFK Jr. Implements Plans to Restructure HHS
In a bold move, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has unveiled plans for a comprehensive restructuring of health agencies. This initiative is in response to President Trump's Executive Order on implementing the "Department of Government Efficiency" Workforce Optimization Initiative.
The restructuring plan includes two major a
#7, S1 Trials and Treatment: Lobectomy vs Sublobar Resection for early-stage NSCLC
In this episode of Thinking Thoracic, co-host Dr. Jeff Yang welcomes Dr. Gavitt Woodard and Dr. Christopher Seder to discuss their recent research on lobectomy versus sublobar resection for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Their studies, leveraging data from The STS General Thoracic Surgery Database, provide valuable insights into the long-term survival outcomes of these surgical approaches
#162; S5: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ Dr. A.J. Carpenter
In this episode of Same Surgeon, Different Light, new co-host Dr. Sara Pereira sits down with Dr. A.J. Carpenter, a cardiothoracic surgeon at UT Health, to explore her journey—from ski bum to earning a master's and PhD in physical education, working as a scientist, and becoming one of the first women to be board-certified in thoracic surgery. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Carpenter highlights t
#6, S1 Sympathectomies For Cardiac Arrhythmias
In this episode of Thinking Thoracic, Dr. Jane Yanagawa talks with Dr. Olujimi Ajijola, UCLA Health, about cardiac sympathetic denervation. They cover the basics, such as indications for CSD, and the latest advances to make surgery less invasive. The focus is on patients with severe ventricular arrhythmias for whom none of the conventional therapies available are effective. Listen today.
#161; S5: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ Dr. Andrea Wolf
In the latest episode of Same Surgeon, Different Light, new co-host Dr. Cherie Erkmen explores the inspiring story of Dr. Andrea Wolf, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Mount Sinai Hospital who is also a single mom. Dr. Wolf shares the challenges and rewards of balancing her career with motherhood, highlighting how her son has influenced both her professional and personal life. Tune in to hear about her
Pathway to Cardiothoracic Surgery as an International Medical Graduate
In this episode, we delve into the significant contributions of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to the US healthcare system. IMGs are physicians who earned their medical degrees outside the United States, including US citizens who attended medical schools abroad.
Discover how these dedicated professionals make up approximately 25% of the physician workforce in the US, bringing diverse exp
Why Go to In-Person Meetings and How to Get the Most Out of Them
The Annual Meeting for the STS is approaching fast, marking the 61st gathering of our Society. This tradition began in January 1965 in St. Louis, and continues to be a pivotal event in our community.
An interesting milestone in our history was the 34th Annual Meeting in January 1998, held in New Orleans. It was the first to offer virtual attendance, allowing participants to experience digitized sl
What Surgeons Need to Know About 90-Day Surgical Globals and Modifier -54
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized a significant policy change concerning the coding and reimbursements associated with 90-day surgical global periods. This development is poised to impact reimbursement processes for surgeons and their teams.
With the new policy set to take effect on January 1, 2025, it is crucial for medical professionals to familiarize themselve
STS Establishes Advocacy Priorities for 2025
The 2025 STS Annual Meeting marked an unforgettable experience for attendees, offering a vibrant platform for cardiothoracic surgeons to connect and share insights. This gathering provided an invaluable opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities within the field.
A highlight of the event was the remarkable success of the STS-PAC fundraising efforts. Thanks to the generous contribution
What I Gained from the 2025 STS Annual Meeting Experience
The 2025 Society of Thoracic Surgeons Annual Meeting was an incredible experience, bringing together experts and professionals in the field. The vibrant city of Los Angeles served as a beautiful host, showcasing its resilience and strength.
Amidst the backdrop of recent tragic wildfires, the community's ability to come together and overcome adversity was truly inspiring. The event highlighted bot
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