Surgical Hot Topics

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...

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 d...

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 ...

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 ...

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 under...

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 c...

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 ...

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 re...

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...

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...

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 b...

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 h...

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 i...

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 sh...

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-improv...