Surgical Hot Topics

A traveling, mobile lung screening program has the potential to diagnose cancer earlier, leading to a higher cure rate and lower death rate. In this episode of Thinking Thoracic, STS’s new podcast series, host Dr. Jeffrey Yang talks with Dr. Robert Headrick about CHI Memorial’s “Breathe Easy” mobile lung screening program and how meeting people where they are with quality healthcare services like this one is saving lives. Learn how to build a mobile lung screening program at a hospital and gain tips on assembling a multidisciplinary team, identifying eligible patient populations, securing funding and the necessary equipment, and more.

This episode delves into the pressing need to reevaluate the management strategies for Aortic Valve Disease (AVD) worldwide. With a focus on South Asian and Sub-Saharan African nations, the discussion highlights how low-income countries predominantly rely on surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) using mechanical valves.

The episode explores the unique challenges faced in these regions, where patients are generally younger compared to those in high-income countries, and the disease often stems from rheumatic origins. The conversation aims to shed light on the disparities in treatment approaches and the necessity for tailored solutions that address the distinct characteristics of AVD in diverse global contexts.

As Lung Cancer Awareness Month begins, it's crucial to acknowledge the significant efforts made by STS over the past year to advocate for improved lung cancer outcomes and raise awareness. These initiatives are paving the way for better access to care and education.

One of the key initiatives is the Mobile Lung Cancer Screening Initiative. STS is collaborating with institutions nationwide to help them secure funding and operational support for new mobile lung cancer screening units. These units are designed to enhance patient access to care, particularly in rural and underserved communities, ensuring that more individuals receive timely screenings and potentially life-saving interventions.

In this first episode of Thinking Thoracic, Dr. Erin Gillaspie talks with Dr. Wade Iams about notable takeaways on key clinical trials presented at the 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer and how these findings will help shape the thoracic surgery landscape.

In this insightful episode, we explore the multifaceted role of surgeons as leaders throughout their careers. From their first day in practice to retirement, surgeons are at the helm of guiding their teams toward common objectives.

Discover how successful leaders not only articulate and emphasize shared goals but also inspire their team members by acknowledging progress and the individuals driving it. Join us as we delve into the dynamics of creating a cohesive and effective team, and discuss whether having a common end goal is truly sufficient for success.

Early career cardiothoracic surgeons face the challenge of managing and developing crucial relationships, particularly with patients. These relationships can be a source of pride and healing or a cause of stress and contempt.

While training provides explicit lessons on technical procedures, guidelines, and publications, it often lacks guidance on how to achieve the best and manage the worst aspects of patient relationships. This episode delves into the complexities of patient interactions and offers insights on navigating these critical dynamics effectively.

Dr. Steven Gerndt is a cardiothoracic surgeon, speaker, and leadership mentor who developed the concept “Civilitas,” a system-wide cultural transformation focused on psychological safety and fostering of leadership by example. In this episode, Dr. Gerndt talks about his work dedicated to helping organizations and people navigate personal crises through counseling, affirmation, and empathy. He shares the critical importance of allowing people in crisis to be heard.

In this week’s Resilient Surgeon episode, Sheila Heen, a lecturer on negotiation at Harvard Law School and co-author of Thanks for the Feedback and Difficult Conversations, talks about giving and receiving feedback and how we can be better at both. Specifically, Heen explains how to be less dismissive in the way we receive feedback and become genuinely grateful and appreciative of feedback from others. She also talks about creating a productive feedback culture in the workplace.  

Former US Navy Commander Mike Abrashoff joins Dr. Michael Maddaus for a conversation on leadership with humanity. Abrashoff shares his success in turning around a struggling ship, the USS Benfold, which became the subject of his New York Times bestselling book, It's Your Ship. Hear about his simple yet powerful approach to leading with compassion, empathy, and respect for others.

Join Dr. Michael Maddaus, host of The Resilient Surgeon, for a discussion with Amer Kaissi, professor of health care administration at Trinity University in San Antonio and author of Humbitious: The Power of Low Ego, High-Drive Leadership, about embracing change with an open approach rather than a defensive stance. Kaissi explains that when leaders "connect with humility and elevate with ambition" they can transform organizations.