Presidential Message

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

I am filled with excitement and optimism for what 2026 has in store for the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association (STSA) and for our specialty.

One of our organization’s most significant recent milestones has been the launch of our charitable arm, the STSA Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to support the educational, scientific, and charitable goals of the STSA. This foundation will provide a vital platform to fund research, foster education, and support initiatives that directly benefit our members and the patients we serve. Through this new endeavor, I am confident that we will together build a legacy of impact and progress that touches lives across the world.

Next, I look forward to further implementing our expanded opportunities for membership. We are excited to welcome members who have demonstrated engagement in our organization, regardless of whether they have trained or practiced within our traditional geographic boundaries. We have also launched the Pre-candidate Member category for medical students and general surgery residents who have an interest in cardiothoracic surgery. By welcoming a broader range of talented individuals into our association, we are strengthening our collective expertise, expanding our impact, and building a more vibrant STSA community.

In addition, we will continue to serve students and surgical trainees who are pursuing careers in our great specialty by providing scholarships, mentoring opportunities, and special programing. The future success of our specialty depends on our ability to attract as many talented individuals to the field as possible and then to support them throughout their educational journeys; the STSA is proud to have this as an ongoing priority.

Finally, I am excited for our annual meeting—a signature event that brings us together to learn, collaborate, and celebrate our shared achievements. Our Program Committee and Postgraduate Committee are working hard to plan a conference that will embody the STSA spirit with its unique blend of scholarship, collegiality, and fun. I look forward to seeing you all in Orlando this November for what is sure to be an amazing conference!

In closing, it is a true honor to serve such a dedicated, collegial, and innovative community, and I am inspired by the focus and commitment that each of you brings to advancing the field of cardiothoracic surgery. Let us work together to make 2026 a year of unprecedented growth and impact for the STSA!

With gratitude and anticipation,

Scott A. LeMaire, MD
President