RSSCategory: Mentorship

Charles Fraser and Francis Robicsek Named 2019 STSA Inspiration Award Recipients

The STSA Inspiration Award was established in 2007 to recognize the important contribution of mentorship to the specialty and the organization, and to encourage upcoming generations of CT surgeons by helping to cultivate mentors worthy of emulation.

The Award is given to the STSA member who has demonstrated exceptional efforts in motivating, inspiring, and cultivating the clinical and research talents of medical students, residents and/or early career CT surgeons. Nominations are submitted in writing to the President, to be considered for presentation at the STSA 66th Annual Meeting. The award is given at the discretion of the President in consultation with the Council. Drs. Charles Fraser and Francis Robicsek were named the 2019 Inspiration Award recipients at this year’s Dinner Gala.

Dr. Charles Fraser has been a long-time Member of STSA. Dr. Fraser was nominated by an incredibly strong and emotional letter of support signed by eleven pediatric cardiac surgeons. The letter of support stated:

“It is unusual to have the opportunity in life to meet a person that has not only excelled at what he does but has found a way to inspire and mentor students, residents, fellows, and colleagues the way he has done. With his mentorship and inspiration, Dr. Fraser has touched every one of our lives in a very meaningful way. He has successfully trained and mentored many congenital heart surgeons from all around the globe. He has trained surgeons from India, Japan, Mexico, Korea, Australia, Canada, Israel, and Egypt, to name a few. Many of them now lead congenital heart programs in the United States and at their home countries.”

Dr. Francis Robicsek, was President of STSA in 1983, and a valued colleague to all members of STSA. Dr. Jeff Jacobs presented the award and said of Dr. Robicsek, “Notable amongst the multiple accomplishments of Dr. Robicsek is his commitment to international humanitarian cardiothoracic surgery dating back to the early 1960s in Honduras, treating surgical tuberculosis patients. For nine decades, Dr. Robicsek has known his WHY and inspired cardiothoracic surgeons around the world.”

The Awards were presented during the Dinner Gala by the then President, Dr. Jeff Jacobs, at the STSA 66th Annual Meeting on November 8, 2019 at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Marco Island, Florida. View a list of past Inspiration Award recipients at www.stsa.org/awards.

December 11, 2019 | By More

Application Deadline Extended until September 24/ Help Recruit New STSA Members

STSA Membership Application Deadline Extended Until September 24

Help Recruit New STSA Members!

STSA is currently accepting applications for Active, Associate, Candidate and Pre-Candidate Membership. The application deadline, previously scheduled for Sunday, September 15, is extended until Tuesday, September 24. 

Please take a few moments to encourage your partners, colleagues, and mentees to apply. If you are a Active or Senior member, offer to act as a member sponsor and write a letter of support. Your encouragement will be an important incentive to attract new members to our Association. 

Here are the available STSA membership categories:

  • Active Membership is available for Board-certified cardiothoracic surgeons who currently practice or have previously practiced in the Southern region for at least one consecutive year, have completed a thoracic surgery or general surgery residency program, or have completed a thoracic or cardiovascular research or clinical fellowship for at least one consecutive year in the Southern region.
  • Associate Membership is available for interdisciplinary care professionals working on a cardiothoracic surgery team in the Southern region.
  • Candidate Membership is available for cardiothoracic surgery residents training at an institution in the Southern region.
  • Pre-Candidate Membership is available for general surgery residents and medical students interested in pursuing cardiothoracic surgery and training at an institution in the Southern region.

Click here to see a map of the STSA region.

Member benefits, eligibility requirements and applications are available at www.stsa.org/becomeamember/.

Please contact the STSA Headquarters office at 312.202.5892 or stsa@stsa.org with questions.

Thank you for your time and efforts to help grow the STSA,

Andrew J. Lodge, MD
STSA Membership Chair

September 12, 2019 | By More

STSA Medical Student and Resident Scholarships Available

Applications Now Being Accepted

STSA is currently accepting applications for two scholarships available for medical students and general surgery residents training at an institution in the STSA region. Applications from students and residents training outside of the STSA region but who are nominated by a STSA member (Active or Senior) will also be considered.

Second, third, and fourth year medical students interested in pursuing a career in cardiothoracic surgery can apply for the STSA James W. Brooks Medical Student Scholarship.

General surgery residents pursuing a career in cardiothoracic surgery can apply for the STSA James W. Brooks Resident Scholarship.

Both awards are named for Jim Brooks, past president of the STSA and a great mentor to countless residents and students.

Scholarship recipients will receive:

  • Complimentary registration to attend the STSA 66th Annual Meeting at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Marco Island, FL, November 6-9, 2019;
  • A three-night hotel stay at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort;
  • Round-trip coach-class airfare to the Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Meyers, FL;
  • Tickets to the President’s Mixer and Dinner Gala, where they will be recognized; and
  • An assigned STSA mentor to assist in planning a schedule of educational programming, answer questions, and facilitate introductions.

Interested applicants must apply online. In addition to completing an application form, applicants will be asked to upload a current CV, a letter of nomination from a STSA member (Active or Senior), and a letter of support from his or her medical institution dean or program director confirming permission to travel to the meeting in Florida. Visit www.stsa.org/awards to learn more and access the online applications.

The application deadline is July 15, 2019. Applicants will be notified of the Scholarship Committee’s decision in early September.


Medical students and general surgery residents are eligible for STSA Pre-Candidate
membership. Learn more and download an application at www.stsa.org/membership.

June 11, 2019 | By More

Walter Wolfe and Gordon Murray Named 2018 STSA Inspiration Award Recipients

The STSA Inspiration Award was established in 2007 to recognize the important contribution of mentorship to the specialty and the organization, and to encourage upcoming generations of CT surgeons by helping to cultivate mentors worthy of emulation.

The Award is given to the STSA member who has demonstrated exceptional efforts in motivating, inspiring, and cultivating the clinical and research talents of medical students, residents and/or early career CT surgeons. Nominations are submitted in writing to the President, to be considered for presentation at the STSA 65th Annual Meeting. The award is given at the discretion of the President in consultation with the Council. Drs. Walter Wolfe and Gordon Murray were named the 2018 Inspiration Award recipients at this year’s Dinner Gala.

 

Dr. Judson Williams accepts the award on behalf of Dr. Walter Wolfe.

Dr. Walter Wolfe has been a long-time Member of STSA. Nomination letters regarded his sage advice in or out of the operating room as always profound, and noted that he can always be counted on to “do the right thing”. Unable to accept the award at the Dinner Gala, he sent a kind note remarking that he was honored and humbled by this recognition.

“I am honored and humbled by this recognition. I am so sorry that I cannot be there. My joy in life was training residents in surgery. I was unaware of the impact I had but am so grateful to know this at this stage in my life. I am blessed to have been a small part of the training of so many talented and gifted surgeons while being a faculty member at Duke. It was my privilege and my blessing. Your friendships are treasured.”

 

Dr. Gordon Murray’s family proudly accepted the award on his behalf.

Dr. Gordon Murray who passed on May 21, 2018, was President of STSA in 1993, and a valued colleague to all members of STSA. Dr. Kevin Accola presented the award and said of Dr. Murray, “His recent passing saddened us all as he will be remembered as a sincere friend and a consummate gentlemen. I am humbled to present this award to Dr. Gordon Murray in honor of his memory, and we’re so pleased his family could be with us this evening”. Mrs. Murray attended the Dinner Gala and was escorted by Drs. Vinay Badwar and David Jones to the stage to accept the Award on behalf of her late-husband.

 

The Awards were presented during the Dinner Gala by the then President, Dr. Kevin Accola, at the STSA 65th Annual Meeting on November 9, 2018 at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort in Amelia Island, Florida. View a list of past Inspiration Award recipients at www.stsa.org/awards.

December 4, 2018 | By More

Online STSA Brooks Scholarship Donations Now Accepted

STSA now accepts online donations for the James W. Brooks Medical Student Scholarship fund. The Brooks Scholarship was founded in 2010 to recognize and honor STSA Past President, Dr. Jim Brooks. Dr. Brooks was a lifetime supporter of the STSA, and he was a great mentor to countless residents and students during his career at the Medical College of Virginia.

The Brooks Scholarship is given annually to a promising 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year medical student interested in pursuing a career in cardiothoracic surgery and training in the STSA region (or training outside of the STSA region but who is nominated by an active STSA member). Scholarship recipients receive funding to attend the STSA Annual Meeting where they benefit from the guidance of STSA members. Since 2010, the Brooks Scholarship has funded the travel of seven medical student scholars to attend the STSA Annual Meeting where they are recognized and actively mentored by an STSA member. Each year, STSA receives dozens of applications for the Brooks Scholarship from accomplished and deserving medical students throughout the country.

Joseph Dearani, MD is Chair of the 2016 STSA Brooks Scholarship Committee. “Innovation and technology are rapidly advancing the specialty of cardiothoracic surgery,” says Dr. Dearani. “We need enthusiastic, bright and talented young surgeons. The Brooks Scholarship provides an awe-inspiring opportunity for medical students to visit and get to know elite surgeons and programs… and get inspired to join our specialty.”

Brooks

STSA Scholarship Committee Chair, Dr. Joe Dearani (left) attended an STSA 62nd Annual Meeting networking reception with his mentee and ’15 Brooks Scholar, Graham Ungerleider (center), and STSA Secretary/Treasurer, Dr. Daniel Miller (right).

Donations made to the James W. Brooks Medical Student Scholarship will be used to fund the travel of future scholarship recipients. Donors are recognized on signage placed near registration at the STSA Annual Meeting.

Login to your STSA user account to make a donation online or download a printable pledge form that can be mailed to STSA with a check.

STSA will begin accepting applications for the 2016 Brooks Scholarship in May 2016. Learn more about the Scholarship and view a list past recipients.

Contact STSA Headquarters with questions at stsa@stsa.org or 312.202.5892.

February 10, 2016 | By More

STSA Brooks Scholarship Recipient Profile: Bogdan Kindzelski

The STSA Brooks Scholarship was established in 2010 in honor of Past President, James W. Brooks, MD. The Scholarship funds the travel of a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year medical student to attend the STSA Annual Meeting.

Bogdan Kindzelski, a 4th year medical student at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of CWRU, received a 2015 Brooks Scholarship. Richard Lee, MD, served as Bogdan’s STSA member mentor throughout the 62nd Annual Meeting. STSA Member, Keith Horvath, MD, nominated Bogdan for this award, saying “Bogdan has shown that he is a team player, has great rapport with patients and is beginning to develop and learn proper surgical techniques.”

Scholarship Image

2015 STSA Brooks Scholar, Bogdan Kindzelski (left), attended an STSA 62nd Annual Meeting networking reception with Dr. Melanie Edwards and his STSA member mentor, Dr. Richard Lee (right).

Bogdan recently shared feedback with STSA about his experience as a Brooks Scholar attending the November 2015 STSA 62nd Annual Meeting.

What did you enjoy most about the STSA 62nd Annual Meeting and STSA Scholarship Program?
The meeting was fantastic; the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge research in addition to networking with the cardiothoracic surgery community, from fellow trainees to leaders in the field, was particularly memorable. My assigned mentor was exceptional and provided great career advice, facilitated introductions, and made sure that I felt welcome throughout the meeting.

Did the STSA Scholarship Program affect your level of interest in pursuing cardiothoracic surgery?
The program only strengthened my decision to pursue cardiothoracic surgery based on my experience from the scientific sessions, excellent lectures, jeopardy event, social events, interactions with other members, and guidance from my assigned mentor.

Was there anything about the STSA Annual Meeting that surprised you or stands out as different from your experiences at other national medical meetings?
The collegial atmosphere established during the STSA Annual Meeting was truly unique. The social events provided ample opportunity for exciting conversations and laughs. It was a privilege to interact with so many individuals who were willing to share their insight into the field of cardiothoracic surgery.  Everyone was cordial, approachable and truly vested in trainee mentorship and education.

Have you included your Brooks or Resident Scholarship award on your CV, and if so, do you believe the designation adds value to your resume?
Yes, it was an honor to include this designation on my CV. It has frequently become a talking point during my integrated cardiothoracic surgery interviews.

What was your overall impression of the STSA Scholarship Program?
My experience was exciting and enlightening. I would highly recommend any medical student considering cardiothoracic surgery to attend the STSA annual meeting and also to apply for the Brooks Scholarship.

STSA is pleased to announce that funding has been secured for two medical student Brooks Scholars to attend the STSA 63rd Annual Meeting, November 9-12, 2016 in Naples, FL. The 2016 Resident and Brooks Scholarship applications will be available in late-May.

Learn more about the STSA Brooks Scholarship and make a donation to help fund the program at www.stsa.org/awards. Contact STSA Headquarters with questions or to request additional information by e-mailing stsa@stsa.org or calling 312.202.5892.

February 2, 2016 | By More

Nominate a Mentor for the 2015 STSA Inspiration Award

2014 Inspiration Award Presentation

Richard Prager, MD (right) presented Curtis Tribble, MD with the 2014 STSA Inspiration Award during the Association’s 61st Annual Meeting in Tucson, AZ.

To acknowledge the crucial importance of mentorship in developing CT surgeons and to recognize and positively reinforce STSA members who have excelled in their mentorship roles, STSA established its Inspiration Award in 2007. The Inspiration Award is given to the STSA member who has demonstrated exceptional efforts in motivating, inspiring, and cultivating the clinical and research talents of medical students, residents, and/or early career CT surgeons.

STSA is currently accepting nominations for the 2015 Inspiration Award. Honor your STSA member mentor by nominating them for this great award.

To nominate someone for the 2015 STSA Inspiration Award, please submit your nomination in writing by September 1. Recommendation letters should outline the specific merits of the nominee and his or her positive influences on the mentee(s). The recipient must be an STSA member in good standing. The award will be given at the discretion of the President in consultation with the Council.

Mail or e-mail nominations to:

John H. Calhoon, MD, President
Southern Thoracic Surgical Association
633 N. Saint Clair St., Floor 23
Chicago, IL 60611
stsa@stsa.org

2014 Inspiration Award recipient, Dr. Curtis Tribble, shared the following comments with STSA about what receiving this award meant to him:

The Southern Thoracic Surgical Association has been important to me and my family for a long time. I suspect I come from one of the few families that have three current STSA members. The STSA Inspiration Award that I received at last fall’s meeting came as quite a surprise to me. I certainly appreciated learning about the support of my current and former students, residents, and associates who, I was told, nominated me for this award. I was also thrilled that the award was presented to me by one of my own favorite medical school mentors, Dr. Rich Prager, as he has certainly been a role model for me throughout my career. I believe that all of these relationships illustrate very well what the Southern Thoracic means to so many of us, which is that the organization is as much like family as any to which most of us belong.

Curtis Tribble, MD, 2014 Inspiration Award Recipient

The 2015 Inspiration Award recipient will be announced at the November 7, 2015 Annual Awards Dinner & Dance. Register for the STSA 62nd Annual Meeting and secure your tickets to the Awards Dinner at www.stsa.org.62ndannual.

View a list of all previous STSA Inspiration Award recipients at www.stsa.org/awards. Contact STSA Headquarters with questions at stsa@stsa.org or 800.685.7872.

June 16, 2015 | By More