Surgical Hot Topics

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.