Facing Your First Patient Death as an Attending Surgeon

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.

You've finished training, landed your first job, and now stand at the operating room door with the patient prepped and your team watching. A sudden doubt hits: should you proceed open? This episode explores that pivotal moment every junior surgeon faces. We walk through the key factors to consider—patient safety, procedural complexity, your own experience, team dynamics, and long-term reputation—and offer practical frameworks and tips to help early-career surgeons make confident, patient-centered decisions in high-stakes situations.

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.