Surgical Hot Topics

In this episode, Dr. Hari Keshava talks with Dr. Sid Murthy, section head, thoracic surgery at Cleveland Clinic, about thoracic surgical emergencies related to pulmonary and lung surgeries...and how optimal management of these situations often requires surgeons to anticipate, collaborate and be prepared with a well-thought-out action plan. 

In this episode of The Resilient Surgeon, host Dr. Michael Maddaus talks with Dr. Ross Bremner, the executive director of Norton Thoracic Institute and the department chair of the Center for Thoracic Disease and Transplantation at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, about surgeon burnout. Dr. Bremner shares his journey through burnout and how he used the 3 Cs - compassion, connection and creativity, to recover. 

According to the National Institutes of Health, 40% of surgeons met criteria for burnout, defined as a high emotional exhaustion score and/or a high depersonalization score.

In this episode of Thinking Thoracic, Dr. Jane Yanagawa talks with Dr. Stephanie Worrell, clinical associate professor and thoracic section chief, division of cardiothoracic surgery, University of Arizona, about her expertise in esophageal perforation management. Hear how esophageal surgery can involve complications such as anastomotic leak, pain, bleeding, infection, and reflux and how surgeons can best handle them. 

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.