Surgical Hot Topics

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 surgeons committed to giving back. As she puts it, “You can craft a career that's a bit different from the rigid way we traditionally view cardiac surgery.”

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 leadership, goal-setting, and self-improvement. The experience proved instrumental in helping attendees define their career paths and enhance their leadership skills. Join us as we explore how the institute provided the tools and inspiration necessary for surgeons to grow and mature as leaders in their field.

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 choosing your first position or contemplating a career move, these insights aim to equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Join us as we explore valuable advice and practical tips to help you set a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in cardiothoracic surgery.

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, they seize the opportunity to gather invaluable insider information from an experienced panelist, setting the stage for a journey into the challenging field of 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 resource for surgeons looking to stay at the forefront of evidence-based care. Check out her GTSC Key Papers presentation here. 

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 how support from her surgical partners helped her become a respected clinician, accomplished researcher, and the first female associate professor of cardiac surgery at Duke.

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 shape his career path. Dr. Bostock also reflects on the importance of supporting trainees and early-career surgeons as they embark on their professional journeys.

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. 

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 shares how his global experiences continue to shape his vision for delivering exceptional care worldwide.

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 months to represent the interests of cardiothoracic surgeons and their patients effectively.

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 collaboration, communication, and leadership as core competencies, understanding how to navigate conflict is more essential than ever.

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-op education and patient-reported outcomes are so important to her.  

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. 

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 ease the transition and set yourself up for success in your new leadership position. From establishing a clear vision to preparing for the challenges ahead, we cover strategies to help you make a strong start and build a foundation for effective leadership.

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.  

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 importance of addressing the well-being of surgeons' significant others, who often face unique challenges that can impact both their relationships and personal lives.

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 count from 82,000 to 62,000. The restructuring is expected to have far-reaching implications, particularly for cardiothoracic surgeons and their patients. The process of evaluating and approving new treatments, medical devices, and surgical innovations may face changes, impacting the delivery of healthcare services and advancements in medical technology.

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 students and residents with mentorship, networking opportunities, and exposure to innovators at the Annual Meeting can inspire more of them to pursue cardiothoracic surgery. You'll also hear about his personal interests and hobbies, as well as how he stays in touch with his very first mentor—his high school biology teacher.

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. Listen today.

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 actions, with the most significant being the elimination of 10,000 employee positions across various departments. This initiative aims to streamline operations and enhance the efficiency of health agencies under Kennedy's leadership.

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. Hear from Dr. Woodard on how her study, recognized as the Richard E. Clark Memorial Paper, aimed to evaluate patient populations that were not well represented in prior randomized trials, such as older adults and those with poorer pulmonary function. Dr. Seder explains how his research took a complementary approach, examining over 32,000 patients from 2012 to 2022, with a focus on distinguishing the survival outcomes between lobectomy, segmentectomy, and wedge resection.   

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 the significance of mentorship, both giving and receiving, and shares valuable insights on how women can navigate challenging professional environments.

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.

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 unique career path and the personal growth she has experienced along the way.

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 experiences and perspectives to patient care. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities faced by IMGs in their journey to practice medicine in America.

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 slides synchronized with audio files, showcasing the innovative spirit of our Society.

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 themselves with the details to ensure a smooth transition and continued compliance. This episode delves into the specifics of the policy, offering insights into its implications and necessary preparations.

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 contributions of 91 members, an impressive $84,000 was raised in just a few days, setting a new record for Annual Meeting fundraising. Attendees left the meeting with strengthened connections and a renewed commitment to advancing the field of cardiothoracic surgery.

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 both the advancements in thoracic surgery and the indomitable spirit of those affected by the wildfires.

In this episode, hear from Thinking Thoracic hosts, Drs. Erin Gillaspie, Hari Keshava, Jeff Yang, and Jane Yanagawa as they participated in a sublobar debate on extent of resection that took place at the 2025 STS Annual Meeting. Are you Team Wedge or Team Segment? Hear the unique perspectives and best practices from these experts on the extent of resection and quality metrics in lung cancer care, as well as other changing trends. 

In the season premiere of Same Surgeon, Different Light, new co-hosts Dr. Cherie Erkmen and Dr. Sara Pereira sit down with Dr. David T. Cooke, professor in the Division of General Thoracic Surgery at UC Davis Health, and Dr. Thomas Varghese, professor and section chief of General Thoracic Surgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Together, they reflect on the surprising and inspiring stories shared throughout previous seasons. The episode wraps up with Drs. Cooke and Varghese turning the tables on the hosts, asking about what's in store for the upcoming season of Same Surgeon, Different Light.

Host Dr. Michael Maddaus talks with Jonathan Clark, leadership scholar at UTSA and co-author of Leading Through: Activating the Soul, Heart, and Mind of Leadership,  about prioritizing people, purpose and real productivity to transform an organization. Hear compelling stories that show how "the legacy model of leadership can be destructive," resulting in what he calls "organizational darkness." Learn about a positive model focused on caring for people and helping them thrive. 

In this episode, Dr. Hari Keshava talks with Dr. Sid Murthy, section head, thoracic surgery at Cleveland Clinic, about thoracic surgical emergencies related to pulmonary and lung surgeries...and how optimal management of these situations often requires surgeons to anticipate, collaborate and be prepared with a well-thought-out action plan. 

In this episode of The Resilient Surgeon, host Dr. Michael Maddaus talks with Dr. Ross Bremner, the executive director of Norton Thoracic Institute and the department chair of the Center for Thoracic Disease and Transplantation at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, about surgeon burnout. Dr. Bremner shares his journey through burnout and how he used the 3 Cs - compassion, connection and creativity, to recover.  According to the National Institutes of Health, 40% of surgeons met criteria for burnout, defined as a high emotional exhaustion score and/or a high depersonalization score.

In this episode of Thinking Thoracic, Dr. Jane Yanagawa talks with Dr. Stephanie Worrell, clinical associate professor and thoracic section chief, division of cardiothoracic surgery, University of Arizona, about her expertise in esophageal perforation management. Hear how esophageal surgery can involve complications such as anastomotic leak, pain, bleeding, infection, and reflux and how surgeons can best handle them. 

A traveling, mobile lung screening program has the potential to diagnose cancer earlier, leading to a higher cure rate and lower death rate. In this episode of Thinking Thoracic, STS's new podcast series, host Dr. Jeffrey Yang talks with Dr. Robert Headrick about CHI Memorial's “Breathe Easy” mobile lung screening program and how meeting people where they are with quality healthcare services like this one is saving lives. Learn how to build a mobile lung screening program at a hospital and gain tips on assembling a multidisciplinary team, identifying eligible patient populations, securing funding and the necessary equipment, and more.

A traveling, mobile lung screening program has the potential to diagnose cancer earlier, leading to a higher cure rate and lower death rate. In this episode of Thinking Thoracic, STS's new podcast series, host Dr. Jeffrey Yang talks with Dr. Robert Headrick about CHI Memorial's “Breathe Easy” mobile lung screening program and how meeting people where they are with quality healthcare services like this one is saving lives. Learn how to build a mobile lung screening program at a hospital and gain tips on assembling a multidisciplinary team, identifying eligible patient populations, securing funding and the necessary equipment, and more.

This episode delves into the pressing need to reevaluate the management strategies for Aortic Valve Disease (AVD) worldwide. With a focus on South Asian and Sub-Saharan African nations, the discussion highlights how low-income countries predominantly rely on surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) using mechanical valves. The episode explores the unique challenges faced in these regions, where patients are generally younger compared to those in high-income countries, and the disease often stems from rheumatic origins. The conversation aims to shed light on the disparities in treatment approaches and the necessity for tailored solutions that address the distinct characteristics of AVD in diverse global contexts.

As Lung Cancer Awareness Month begins, it's crucial to acknowledge the significant efforts made by STS over the past year to advocate for improved lung cancer outcomes and raise awareness. These initiatives are paving the way for better access to care and education. One of the key initiatives is the Mobile Lung Cancer Screening Initiative. STS is collaborating with institutions nationwide to help them secure funding and operational support for new mobile lung cancer screening units. These units are designed to enhance patient access to care, particularly in rural and underserved communities, ensuring that more individuals receive timely screenings and potentially life-saving interventions.

In this first episode of Thinking Thoracic, Dr. Erin Gillaspie talks with Dr. Wade Iams about notable takeaways on key clinical trials presented at the 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer and how these findings will help shape the thoracic surgery landscape.

In this insightful episode, we explore the multifaceted role of surgeons as leaders throughout their careers. From their first day in practice to retirement, surgeons are at the helm of guiding their teams toward common objectives. Discover how successful leaders not only articulate and emphasize shared goals but also inspire their team members by acknowledging progress and the individuals driving it. Join us as we delve into the dynamics of creating a cohesive and effective team, and discuss whether having a common end goal is truly sufficient for success.

Early career cardiothoracic surgeons face the challenge of managing and developing crucial relationships, particularly with patients. These relationships can be a source of pride and healing or a cause of stress and contempt. While training provides explicit lessons on technical procedures, guidelines, and publications, it often lacks guidance on how to achieve the best and manage the worst aspects of patient relationships. This episode delves into the complexities of patient interactions and offers insights on navigating these critical dynamics effectively.

Dr. Steven Gerndt is a cardiothoracic surgeon, speaker, and leadership mentor who developed the concept “Civilitas,” a system-wide cultural transformation focused on psychological safety and fostering of leadership by example. In this episode, Dr. Gerndt talks about his work dedicated to helping organizations and people navigate personal crises through counseling, affirmation, and empathy. He shares the critical importance of allowing people in crisis to be heard.

In this week's Resilient Surgeon episode, Sheila Heen, a lecturer on negotiation at Harvard Law School and co-author of Thanks for the Feedback and Difficult Conversations, talks about giving and receiving feedback and how we can be better at both. Specifically, Heen explains how to be less dismissive in the way we receive feedback and become genuinely grateful and appreciative of feedback from others. She also talks about creating a productive feedback culture in the workplace.  

Former US Navy Commander Mike Abrashoff joins Dr. Michael Maddaus for a conversation on leadership with humanity. Abrashoff shares his success in turning around a struggling ship, the USS Benfold, which became the subject of his New York Times bestselling book, It's Your Ship. Hear about his simple yet powerful approach to leading with compassion, empathy, and respect for others.

Join Dr. Michael Maddaus, host of The Resilient Surgeon, for a discussion with Amer Kaissi, professor of health care administration at Trinity University in San Antonio and author of Humbitious: The Power of Low Ego, High-Drive Leadership, about embracing change with an open approach rather than a defensive stance. Kaissi explains that when leaders "connect with humility and elevate with ambition" they can transform organizations. 

It's not what you do — it's what you do in-between what you do — that really matters. In this episode of The Resilient Surgeon, Dr. Michael Maddaus talks with Dr. Adam Fraser, leading educator and researcher on human performance and author of The Third Space: Using Life's Little Transitions to Find Balance and Happiness, about transitioning from one role, such as a surgeon, to the next role, such as a spouse or parent. Dr. Fraser explains, "We carry our mindset and emotional state from one of these activities to the next -- and all too often this has negative, occasionally disastrous consequences." Learn how to get the small stuff right and mentally "show up" for whatever comes next. 

Healthcare - and life- are filled with friction. In this episode, Dr. Michael Maddaus talks with Huggy Rao, co-author of The Friction Project: How Smart Leaders Make the Right Things Easier, about eliminating the forces that make it harder to get things done.

Harvard Business School professor and researcher of psychological safety, Amy Edmondson, explains the difference between good and bad failures and how to think about and practice failure wisely.  She shares examples of how people and organizations can embrace human fallibility, pursue smart risks, and prevent avoidable harm.

According to James Danckert, professor of psychology at the University of Waterloo and co-author of Out Of My Skull: The Psychology of Boredom, “Boredom feels uncomfortable because it is pushing you to be the person that's in control, to acknowledge that you're the author of your own life." In this first episode of season four of The Resilient Surgeon, Dr. Michael Maddaus speaks with Danckert about the purpose of boredom and how it can help us find meaning in our lives.

In this season finale episode of Same Surgeon, Different Light, host Dr. Thomas Varghese speaks with Dr. Stephanie Fuller, attending surgeon in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. and chair of the STS Workforce on Annual Meeting, about creating a life of impact. For Dr. Fuller, it's about positioning oneself to be open to opportunities - both the expected and unexpected. "Lessons will come from all sorts of people along your pathway. Be receptive to anybody who is willing to each  you," she advises. "You don't want to look back one day and regret not fully taking advantage of learning opportunities and the relationships you've fostered over the years." She also shares a glimpse into exciting plans underway for the 2025 STS Annual Meeting