#174, S5 Becoming A High-Performing Surgeon Leader

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.

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.