Surgical Hot Topics

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 transplantation to becoming a nationally recognized educator and institutional leader. He discusses the evolution of thoracic surgery, the demands of academic medicine, and his belief that expert surgeons must become “consciously competent” to effectively teach trainees.  Grounded in mentorship, negotiation, and “teaching to the gap,” he offers thoughtful insights on curriculum design, leadership, and preparing the next generation of surgeons.

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. Smilek connects this research directly to surgical practice and surgeon well-being. Listen today. Resources referenced in the discussion: Bidelman, G. M., & Feng, S. (2025). Familiar music reduces mind wandering and boosts behavioral performance during lexical semantic processing. Brain Sciences, 15(5), 482. Killingsworth, M. A., & Gilbert, D. T. (2010). A wandering mind is an unhappy mind. Science, 330(6006), 932-932. Kiss, L., & Linnell, K. J. (2021). The effect of preferred background music on task-focus in sustained attention. Psychological research, 85(6), 2313-2325. Seli, P., Risko, E. F., Smilek, D., & Schacter, D. L. (2016). Mind-wandering with and without intention. Trends in cognitive sciences, 20(8), 605-617. Watson, J. M., & Strayer, D. L. (2010). Supertaskers: Profiles in extraordinary multitasking ability. Psychonomic bulletin & review, 17(4), 479-485.

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 in North America, sharing how these environments informed his approach to patient care and research. Dr. Yasufuku discusses the development of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), from early prototypes to worldwide adoption, transforming lung cancer staging. He also offers insights on perseverance, leadership, mentorship, and the future of increasingly minimally invasive, patient-centered care.

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 the broader evolution of minimally invasive thoracic surgery, including video-assisted approaches, and how these developments inform patient selection for tubeless procedures.

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 investment in each member.

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 during training at Washington University in St. Louis, and her role in performing the first fully robotic lung transplant at NYU—while sharing insights on leadership, mentorship, and balancing life beyond the operating room.

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. 

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 volume reduction surgery.    Article references:   Hayanga JWA, Luo X, Reddy S, Mehaffey JH, Rothenberg P, Chauhan D, Rajjoub H, Mascio C, Baker N, Badhwar V, Lamb J, Toker A. Endobronchial Valve Therapy vs Lung Volume Reduction Surgery in the United States. Ann Thorac Surg. 2025 Nov;120(5):917-925. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2025.06.053. Epub 2025 Jul 19. PMID: 40691922; PMCID: PMC12542816   Hayanga JWA, Voppuru S, Bham N, Hansen A, Mehaffey JH, Rajjoub H, Reddy S, Badhwar V, Lamb J. Higher Costs and Lower Reimbursement of Endobronchial Valve Therapy vs Lung Volume Reduction Surgery in the United States. Ann Thorac Surg. 2026 Jan;121(1):174-180. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2025.09.033. Epub 2025 Nov 6. PMID: 41205846.

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 impact, strategic focus, and leadership that shows you are already contributing at the next level.

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 surgery, training as a left-handed surgeon, and building programs from the ground up. In a candid conversation on leading change, he reflects on introducing new technologies in complex academic environments, mentoring the next generation, and embracing resilience, lifelong learning, and balance—lessons shaped by family life in Toronto, skiing Canadian winters, and playing guitar in a band.

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-scientist. Along the way, he reflects on the mentors, cultural challenges, and relentless work ethic that carried him through 13 years of retraining. It’s a compelling chat, as Dr. Yang discusses building a basic science lab, while launching a complex aortic practice, developing the Y-incision aortic root enlargement technique, and learning to become a more patient and intentional teacher. offers words of wisdom on the importance of spending time with your family.

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.

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 ultimately serving as a division chief, department chair, and leader in lung cancer surgery and advocacy. It’s a fascinating conversation, as he reflects on his career with humility and self-deprecating humor.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 the impact of the Checkmate 743 trial, controversy surrounding the MARS-2 surgical study, promising results from neoadjuvant immunotherapy trials, and the critical need for collaboration and clinical trial enrollment to drive progress. Listen now to explore where mesothelioma research is headed and what it means for patient care.

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, having a patient succumb to their disease, or our attempt at treating their disease, is as much of a certainty as our own eventual mortality. Read this blog by Dr. Derek Serna-Gallegos on how to face your first patient death as a cardiothoracic surgeon.

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 Meeting, unpacks the meaning behind this year’s theme—“Teaching for Tomorrow Together”—and offers an exclusive preview of the inspiring speakers and events that will celebrate the specialty’s future.

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 to interventional pulmonology. The discussion explores how the study was conceived, why robust device trials are vital to patient outcomes, and what the findings mean for the future of minimally invasive lung diagnostics.

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 niche with care, passion, and understanding.

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 earnings and financial trade-offs shape career choices and negotiations. Tune in today.

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 these findings mean for the future of thoracic surgery and oncology. Listen today.

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 clear communication, the ultimate result is improved workflow and the highest quality patient care.

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 we discuss strategies and tips for ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable post-retirement life.

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 esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancer care.

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 and connections that extend far beyond the realm of thoracic surgery. Experience the highlights of the event and learn why it was much more than just an academic gathering.

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. 

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 800,000 patient records. They discuss how these models reflect modern surgical practices and incorporate newer, evidence-backed variables, setting a new standard in personalized risk assessment for general thoracic surgery. And they discuss the launch of the widely anticipated STS risk calculator mobile app. Listen today.

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 their commitment to pursuing a career in cardiothoracic surgery.  Highlights of the three-day event included discussions on the importance of both organic and assigned mentorship, insights on how CT surgeons can benefit from coaching, and a lively debate that presented different perspectives on the Ross Procedure.

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.