Surgical Hot Topics

In this episode, Dr. David Tom Cooke interviews Dr. Mark Orringer—a general thoracic surgery pioneer who developed the transhiatal esophagectomy, the most prevalent surgery for esophageal cancer. Listeners will learn about his upbringing in Pittsburgh and the work ethic learned from his immigrant father, plus his time at Johns Hopkins—including the involvement of his wife, Susan, in creating a welcoming environment for scores of faculty, fellows, and trainees. Dr. Orringer shares his memories of the esteemed Dr. Vivien Thomas, of traveling to England to work with Dr. Ronald Belsey, a renowned esophageal surgeon, and how working with Belsey changed the trajectory of his career. Listen as he shares his work developing the transhiatal esophagectomy, what he thinks is important in making a good CT surgeon, and the importance of the cardiothoracic surgery specialty.  “Same Surgeon, Different Light” is a program from the Society designed to demystify cardiothoracic surgery, revealing the men and women behind their

In this episode, Dr. Michael Maddaus talks with Haytham Kaafarani, MD, MPH, associate professor of trauma and critical care at Massachusetts General Hospital and chief patient safety officer and medical director for The Joint Commission. They discuss Second Victim Syndrome, the often-dramatic psychological impact of an adverse event on the physician—typically operative and one for which the surgeon often feels directly responsible. Dr. Kaafarani is an international expert on second victim due to his direct personal experience with the psychological impact of adverse events, as well as his role in two seminal studies of Second Victim Syndrome in surgeons.  Listen as Drs. Maddaus and Kaafarani share insights on the emotional toll that an adverse event can take on the life of a surgeon and talk about the importance of peer support for a better recovery. They explore how Dr. Kaafarani became an expert regarding Second Victim Syndrome and how he developed his 5-step peer support program. This discussion will help

In this episode, Dr. Michael Maddaus talks with Steve Magness about a reimagined idea of toughness and how to help others be tough through compassion, connection, and humanity. Magness is a world-renowned expert on performance and author of the book Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Surprising Science of Real Toughness. His work breaks down the myth of what real toughness is and identifies four pillars of becoming tough as an individual: Ditch the facade and embrace reality Listen to your body Respond instead of react Transcend discomfort Listen as the conversation explores the ways in which toughness and resilience equip individuals with the skills to succeed and become their best selves.  “The Resilient Surgeon” is a program from STS designed to inspire cardiothoracic surgeons to be their best selves, in and out of the OR, using scientifically proven tools and recovery strategies of the world’s top performers. Steve Magness, author of Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Su

In this episode, Dr. Michael Maddaus speaks with Christine Porath, an associate professor at Georgetown University McDonough School of Business. Porath has dedicated her career to understanding the business and personal impacts of how people treat one another in the workplace, and how the influence of leaders plays a huge role in happiness and engagement at work. The need for human connection is part of our genes. But Porath identifies today’s modern technologies and self-sufficient mindset as disconnecting factors that lead to increases in anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. Her book, Mastering Civility: A Manifesto for the Workplace, documents the financial implications of poor leadership and suggests a variety of solutions. Her newest book, Mastering Community: The Surprising Ways Coming Together Moves Us from Surviving to Thriving, tells of the importance of workplace connection and feelings of value, belonging, and understanding. Listen as Dr. Maddaus and Porath discuss the need, at wo

In this episode, Dr. Michael Maddaus talks with Marcus Buckingham, global researcher and New York Times bestselling author. Buckingham’s work focuses on unlocking people’s strengths, increasing their performance, and defining a better future for how people work. During this podcast episode, the two discuss finding and untapping one’s “wyrd,” which is described in detail in Buckingham’s latest book, Love+Work. Each person’s “wyrd”—from an ancient Norse term describing an individual’s unique spirit—informs how that person perceives the world and guides them to the things they truly love to do. Failing to tap into the “wyrd” and losing touch with that love is a recipe for burnout and angst. Listen as Dr. Maddaus and Buckingham discuss how to move through the demands of life and discover love in the details of one’s work, which inevitably leads to being a better team member and a happier self.  “The Resilient Surgeon” is a program from the Society designed to inspire cardiothoracic surgeons to be their best selve

In this episode, Dr. Michael Maddaus interviews Commander Rich Diviney, a retired US Navy Seal officer and author of The Attributes, 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance. Drawing from his 20-plus years of experience in the Navy, Diviney came to understand that even individuals at the highest levels of physical and mental capabilities can sometimes fail to perform in specific situations. He determined that an individual’s ability to succeed is determined by attributes, not skills. Attributes—like patience, resilience, situational awareness, and adaptability—inform behaviors, and each person has a unique combination of attributes that dictates how they behave, react, and perform. Diviney shares how his time with the Navy Seals helped him develop his strongest attributes and how others can come to understand their own. Through careful examination of these attributes, people can build better relationships and teams and ultimately unlock their potential. “The Resilient Surgeon” is a program from the Society de

In this episode, Dr. Michael Maddaus talks with Dr. Brian Little, a world-renowned psychologist and an expert on personalities. Dr. Little has written three bestselling books on personality, has a TED Talk called “Who Are You, Really?” that has been viewed more than 20 million times, and was voted a favorite professor at Harvard University for 3 consecutive years. Together, they discuss the importance of self-awareness and how understanding our own personality traits can help us make better, more meaningful connections with those around us, both at work and at home. Learn about the Big Five Personality Traits: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism; and the profound impact they can have on how our lives unfold and flourish. Listen as Drs. Maddaus and Little share examples of these different personality traits and provide insights into how we can harness the unique qualities which truly allow us to be our best selves.  “The Resilient Surgeon” is a program from the Society des

In this episode, Dr. Michael Maddaus interviews Dr. Amy Edmondson—a scholar of leadership, teaming, and organizational learning. Best known for her groundbreaking work on psychological safety in the workplace, Dr. Edmondson is the author of seven books and is ranked as one of the most influential management thinkers. What is psychological safety? According to Dr. Edmondson, it is a belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes, and that the team is safe for inter-personal risk-taking. In other words, she says, “Think of it as felt permission for candor.” Dr. Maddaus reflects on the surgical culture in which fear and anxiety have been the accepted drivers of high expectations and excellence. The concept of psychological safety, though, has shown him a different way, and together with Dr. Edmondson, he discusses a “recipe for magic”—the magic for better outcomes, better problem-solving, and a more flexible and rapid ability to adapt and create fo

In this episode, Dr. Michael Maddaus has an insightful, don’t-miss conversation with Dr. Paul Conti, a psychiatrist and expert in trauma. Dr. Conti discusses psychological trauma: what it is and its far-reaching, profound effects on the mind and body. Listeners will learn that trauma changes the functioning of the brain and alters the lens in which we see ourselves and the world around us. Trauma also spreads like a virus and affects people in our orbit, including our loved ones and colleagues. But there are major challenges in untangling complex problems and recognizing trauma. Dr. Conti talks about shame as the biggest obstacle to healing from trauma and offers solutions for how—as a society—we can start to change the stigma of mental health and allow more people to ask for and receive help. Importantly, Dr. Conti shares his deeply moving personal experiences with trauma. So set aside any preconceived notions you have about trauma and give this episode a listen. “The Resilient Surgeon” is a program from the

In this episode, Dr. Michael Maddaus interviews Brad Stulberg—an internationally known expert on human performance, wellbeing, and sustainable success. He also authored the bestselling book, The Practice of Groundedness: A Transformative Path to Success That Feeds—Not Crushes—Your Soul. In this provocative and practical conversation, Brad shares a healthier, more sustainable model for success. He explains that at the heart of this model is groundedness—a practice that values presence over rote productivity, accepts that progress is nonlinear, and prioritizes long-term values and fulfillment over short-term gain. “The Resilient Surgeon” is a program from the Society designed to inspire cardiothoracic surgeons to be their best selves, in and out of the OR, using scientifically proven tools and recovery strategies of the world’s top performers. Brad can be reached at bradstulberg.com and @bstulberg.  Learn more about STS wellness efforts at sts.org/wellness.

In this final episode of Season 2, Dr. David Tom Cooke interviews Dr. Ed Chen from Duke University in North Carolina. Described as an experienced leader with “exceptional maturity” and a reputation for “respectful and thoughtful engagement,” Dr. Chen generously shares his personal experiences and insight. While he is Taiwanese, Dr. Chen was born in Tokyo (where his parents were attending university), moved to Taiwan, and eventually landed in the US. His hometown? Athens, Georgia, he said, while sharing that he is a die-hard fan of University of Georgia football. Importantly, Dr. Chen explains that he is a “better person and surgeon” because he was able to travel and have different global experiences. Even as a young boy, he knew his future was in medicine. “I remember being fascinated with the circulatory system which was featured on this TV special called ‘The Body Human.’” In fact, his younger brother also became a surgeon. Dr. Chen credits good mentors with encouraging him to become a cardiothoracic surgeo

In this episode of Season 2, Dr. David Tom Cooke interviews Dr. Cherie Erkmen, from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Erkmen grew up in Colorado with devoted parents who encouraged and inspired her to consider a career in medicine. Interestingly, her mom was unofficially a “storm chaser;” officially, she was an atmospheric researcher for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who studied how pollution impacts storm patterns and the connection between air pollution and lung cancer. Through her mom, Dr. Erkmen “gained a lot of courage and vicarious experience.” She remembers having only a “vague” idea of being a doctor when she was growing up. However, along with a cheering section of parents and siblings, Dr. Erkmen had the support to “think big.” In this fascinating conversation, she also shares that her dad’s battle with lung cancer motivated her to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. An active member of the STS Workforce on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dr. Erkmen discusses the importance

In this episode, Dr. Tom Varghese interviews Dr. Allan Pickens, a leading thoracic surgeon from Emory University in Atlanta. Listeners will discover interesting personal details such as Dr. Pickens, along with his five siblings, grew up on a farm in a rural Alabama town. That farm is where he began shaping his extraordinary work ethic. With parents who strongly encouraged good grades and required college after high school, Dr. Pickens always made schoolwork a priority. A high performing student, he was recruited in 6th grade to participate in a special program through the Macy Foundation. This is when Dr. Pickens was first inspired to pursue a career in medicine. Eventually he decided on cardiothoracic surgery. “I enjoy the technical components of surgery and the immediate impact on patient care, and I’m fascinated by chest physiology.” Dr. Pickens shares that growing up in rural Alabama did not provide much opportunity for physician mentorship, especially for minorities. “Finding mentors took some work,” he

In this episode of the STS Webinar Series, a panel comprising several coauthors of the STS/AATS Clinical Practice Guideline on the Management of Type B Aortic Dissection discuss the key takeaways from this comprehensive, up-to-date summary of the state of the evidence. Discussion topics include: optimal medical therapy as the recommended treatment for patients with uncomplicated TBAD, thoracic endovascular aortic repair for patients with complicated hyperacute, acute, or subacute TBADs and favorable anatomy, and conditions under which open surgical repair is the preferred treatment option, including for patients with connective tissue disorders. Participants include Edward P. Chen, MD, Thomas G. Gleason, MD, Dawn S. Hui, MD, Thomas E. MacGillivray, MD (moderator), and Himanshu J. Patel, MD.

In this episode, Dr. David Tom Cooke interviews Dr. Sharon Ben-Or—the first female President of the Eastern Cardiothoracic Surgical Society. This inspirational leader shares remarkable, thought-provoking details about her journey into medicine. She credits her uncle with opening her eyes to the possibility of medical school. Listeners will learn that while on a family trip, Dr. Ben-Or skipped the skiing and spent the day with her uncle who was studying for the MCAT. Why cardiothoracic surgery? A clerical error, she explains. When considering a surgical subspecialty, Dr. Ben-Or was interested in the pancreas and liver, so she “signed up” for surgical oncology. But someone mixed up the paperwork, and she ended up on the thoracic oncology rotation. “I loved it,” she said. Dr. Ben-Or also generously shares how her 2017 breast cancer diagnosis “completely changed” her approach to patients and helped her better understand and empathize with patients’ feelings of fear and anger. She is in the process of rebuilding h

In this episode of the STS Webinar Series, a multidisciplinary panel shares their expertise in establishing and maintaining an effective mobile ECMO unit. In addition to optimal staffing, logistical details, and contingency plans for transport, the panel discusses findings from research on ECMO-facilitated resuscitation and contraindications for deploying the mobile ECMO unit. Participants include Cory Alwardt, PhD, Anna L. Ciullo, MD (moderator), J.W. Awori Hayanga, MD, MPH (moderator), Hitoshi Hirose, MD, Jeffrey Javidfar, MD, and Demetris Yannopoulos, MD.  

In this episode, Dr. Tom Varghese interviews Dr. Jenna Romano, from C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan Health. Listeners will discover fascinating personal details about this surgeon leader, including that she considers herself a “lifer Midwesterner;” while in college, her plan was to become a veterinarian (thanks to Dr. Bob Bartlett, that plan changed); and she was the first in her family to “dip” her toe into the medical field. Throughout her unique, “rare as a unicorn” journey, Dr. Romano has overcome stigmas and changed paradigms, and she’s done this by confidently wearing her emotions on her sleeve. “I don’t hold back. If there’s something I believe could be different or better, I speak up—for better or for worse,” she shares. At the time of this episode recording, Dr. Romano had just been named Second Vice President for The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), putting her in line for the STS Presidency. She will be the first woman to hold this position. Still “trying to catch her

In this episode of the STS Webinar Series, senior leaders from STS and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery discuss the concerns that informed the decision not to endorse the 2021 Guideline for Coronary Artery Revascularization published in December by the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. Concerns discussed include: the devaluation of both coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) as a treatment option and the evidence supporting bypass surgery as a preferred approach in select high-risk patient populations, and the superior long-term benefits of CABG versus percutaneous coronary intervention in decreasing repeat reintervention. Panelists include: John H. Calhoon, MD, Leonard N. Girardi, MD, Shaf Keshavjee, MD, MSc, FRCSC, Thomas E. MacGillivray, MD, Joseph F. Sabik III, MD, and Lars G. Svensson, MD, PhD. 

In this episode, Dr. David Tom Cooke interviews Dr. Raja Flores, from Mount Sinai in New York City (NYC). With generous detail, Dr. Flores describes his “jagged line” to cardiothoracic surgery, while crediting luck and his supportive mom for much of his success. He shares how he “grew up poor” in NYC with neighborhood friends who turned to drugs and often ended up in jail. For Dr. Flores, though, personal experiences during repeated trips to the emergency room as a kid sparked his interest in medicine. He opens up about his passion for improving lung cancer survival—an area that has “a lot of room for improvement.” Dr. Flores explains that 80% of people living in NYC public housing are living with serious health hazards and exposures, but there is no “political activity” to improve the conditions. This reality fueled Dr. Flores’s motivation to launch a run for NYC mayor in 2021. “I wanted to bring awareness and effect change on a greater scale,” he shares. While unsuccessful, his campaign as “a son of New Yor

In this episode of the STS Webinar Series, an international panel of surgeons shares their experiences with electromagnetic and robotic approaches to bronchoscopy, as well as ablation of lung cancers. Topics include: a comparison of two robotic platforms currently available for bronchoscopy, electromagnetic navigation for nodule localization, and the use of bronchoscopic microwave ablation for patients ineligible for stereotactic body radiation therapy. Participants include Hiran C. Fernando, MD (moderator), Douglas J. Minnich, MD (moderator), Calvin S.H. Ng, MD, FRCS(CTh), Janani S. Reisenauer, MD, Benny Weksler, MD, MBA, and Kazuhiro Yasufuku, MD, PhD, FRCSC.