Tag: leadership

Successful STSA Program Committee Meeting Held May 8

The STSA Program Committee has been hard at work over the past several months collecting and reviewing 62nd Annual Meeting abstract submissions. The Committee, which is responsible for planning the scientific educational content of the STSA Annual Meeting, met in Chicago on May 8.

2015 Program Committee Members include:

  • Jeffrey P. Jacobs, MD (Co-chair)
  • Stephen C. Yang, MD (Co-chair)
  • John H. Calhoon, MD
  • Richard K. Freeman, MD
  • Charles B. Huddleston, MD
  • S. Adil Husain, MD
  • Richard L. Lee, MD
  • Daniel L. Miller, MD
  • Himanshu J. Patel, MD
  • Richard L. Prager, MD

The STSA 62nd Annual Meeting will take place November 4-7, 2015 at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts in Lake Buena Vista, FL. The Program Committee received over 250 video and oral abstract submissions and will select approximately 85 abstracts for inclusion in the 62nd Annual Meeting educational program. 2015 abstract submission categories included adult cardiac, general thoracic, congenital, and transplant surgery; history; surgical education; and Lessons Learned from Intraoperative Problems, Misadventures, and Disasters.

The 62nd Annual Meeting program is currently being finalized. Abstract authors will be notified of the Committee’s determination by May 22, 2015. The STSA 62nd Annual Meeting Advance Program will be published in June 2015. E-mail stsa@stsa.org to join STSA’s mailing list and be notified as soon as 62nd Annual Meeting registration and hotel reservations are available.

The STSA Annual Meeting is a premier forum to disseminate information to the cardiothoracic surgery community. Accepted oral presentations will be submitted for publication consideration to The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, which has a circulation of more than 8,000 subscribers. In 2014, 75% of STSA Annual Meeting presentation manuscripts were accepted for publication in The Annals.

Contact STSA Executive Director, Megan Drumm, at mdrumm@stsa.org or 312.202.5864 with questions.

May 11, 2015 | By | 11 Replies More

Five STSA Past Presidents Identified in 1955 AATS Annual Meeting Photo

STSA staff recently came across a letter from STSA Past President, Edward R. Munnell, MD, including a photo taken sixty years ago at the 1955 American Association for Thoracic Surgery Annual Meeting in Atlantic City.

The photo features five STSA Past Presidents, including Dr. Munnell himself (STSA Past President, 1967) along with James E. Dailey, MD (1962); DeWitt C. Daughtry, MD (1961); Joseph W. Peabody, Jr., MD (1977); and Hawley H. Seiler, MD (1971).

As many STSA members plan to attend the AATS 95th Annual Meeting in Seattle later this month, it seemed only appropriate to share this image and Dr. Munnell’s 2003 letter with the STSA community. Dr. Munnell’s letter to STSA staff read:

Dear Christine,

I just found this old photograph showing many of the lovely members of the STSA and six past presidents. This also shows close friends of mine from the thoracic cardiovascular surgery section of the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

I hope this will be of interest.

Best wishes.

Sincerely,
Edward Munnell

STSA Past Presidents Identified in 1955 AATS Annual Meeting Photo

STSA Past Presidents, members, and friends attended the AATS Annual Meeting in Atlantic City in 1955.

Individuals pictured are listed from bottom left:

  • Edward R. Munnell, MD (STSA Past President, 1967);
  • Conrad R. Lam, MD;
  • DeWitt C. Daughtry, MD (STSA Past President, 1961);
  • Takeshi Ohara, MD;
  • Robert E. McCall, Jr., MD;
  • Edgar Dovis, MD;
  • Joseph W. Peabody, Jr. (STSA Past President, 1977);
  • J. Moore, MD;
  • James E. Dailey, MD (STSA Past President, 1962);
  • Mrs. Mary Walkup;
  • Hawley H. Seiler, MD (STSA Past President, 1971);
  • Harry Walkup, MD; and
  • John Rayl, MD.

If you have historical STSA photos that you would like to share with the STSA community, please contact STSA Executive Director, Megan Drumm, at mdrumm@stsa.org.

View the note that Dr. Munnell sent to STSA in 2003, including a diagram of the table identifying each individual pictured in the photograph:

Dr. Munnell's Note to STSA

Dr. Munnell’s note included a detailed diagram identifying each individual pictured.

April 16, 2015 | By More

STSA Planning Session in Disney a Big Success

62nd Annual Meeting Planning Session

STSA President, Dr. John Calhoon, was greeted by Mickey Mouse during the 62nd Annual Meeting Planning Session in April 2015.

STSA President, Dr. John Calhoon, and his wife and daughter met STSA staff at Walt Disney World, April 6-7 for the 62nd Annual Meeting planning session.

The STSA 62nd Annual Meeting will take place Nov. 4-7, 2015 at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts in Lake Buena Vista, FL. Highlights that attendees and their families can look forward to include:

  • Guest appearances by Mickey and his friends with plenty of photo opportunities;
  • The Nov. 6 President’s Mixer will conclude at Epcot, where STSA will have a front row seat for fireworks;
  • Awards Dinner & Dance attendees will enjoy a fun evening and delicious meal on Nov. 7. Reduced-price tickets for children will be available;
  • STSA social activities on Nov. 7 will feature a golf tournament along with several other options that the whole family can enjoy;
  • Attendees staying at Disney’s Yacht Club will have access to a 3-acre waterpark hosting a lazy river, sand bottom pool with beach entry, and one of the highest hotel waterslides in Walt Disney World. Yacht Club tenants will also enjoy 24-hour fitness club access, free Wi-Fi throughout the resort and convention center, and exclusive Disney theme park ticket options.

STSA has a room block secured at Disney’s Yacht Club and will begin taking reservations in June 2015. Mark your calendar now and plan to reserve early. E-mail stsa@stsa.org to join STSA’s mailing list and be notified as soon as 62nd Annual Meeting registration and hotel reservations are available.

Learn more about Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts:

STSA knows that the primary reason medical professionals attend the STSA Annual Meeting each year is the educational component. Stay-tuned for the full educational program, which will be available in early-June.

April 13, 2015 | By | Reply More

STSA Annual Meeting Resident Moderator Profile: HelenMari Merritt, DO

Resident Moderator - Merritt

HelenMari Merritt, DO (center) participated in the STSA 61st Annual Meeting as a Resident Moderator. HelenMari joined David R. Jones (right) and Richard L. Prager (second from left) at the moderator table during the First Scientific Session on Nov. 6, 2014 in Tucson.

HelenMari Merritt, DO participated in the STSA 61st Annual Meeting as a Resident Moderator. HelenMari is currently an I-6 resident at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio specializing in adult cardiac surgery.

HelenMari joined STSA Council Chair and Past President (2013-14), Richard L. Prager, MD, and former STSA Secretary/Treasurer, David R. Jones, MD at the moderator table during the First Scientific Session on November 6, 2014 in Tucson, AZ.

STSA recently interviewed HelenMari about her experience at the STSA Annual Meeting as one of the Association’s inaugural resident moderators.

How would you describe the STSA Annual Meeting?
I would describe the meeting as the yearly opportunity for regional surgeons to share information, emerging technology and fellowship with each other. There is a well-balanced blend of collegiality, as well as formal scientific interactions.

What did you find most valuable about attending an STSA Annual Meeting?
The most valuable and exciting part of attending the STSA Meeting was listening to emerging technologies and surgical approaches from cardiothoracic surgeons at all levels of training – from the Giants in the field to residents who may be presenting their work for the first time.

What did you find most valuable about participating in the STSA 61st Annual Meeting as a Resident Moderator?
Sitting at the moderator table with distinguished faculty and engaging in educational discussion was a really remarkable opportunity. Equally humbling was the warm welcome I received from every member I encountered at the meeting – from the newest STSA members to the President of the Association himself.

Would you describe the STSA Annual Meeting as a good forum for residents to disseminate their work?
Absolutely. Although there is a distinct focus on worthy academic presentations, the atmosphere is less formal than other larger meetings. And from a strictly chief resident perspective, networking for future jobs is always a welcome bonus!

2014 Residents Reception

HelenMari Merritt, DO (center), attended the 2014 Residents Reception during the STSA 61st Annual Meeting with Andrea J. Carpenter, MD (STSA President Elect) and John H. Calhoon, MD (STSA President).

Were you encouraged by a colleague or mentor to join STSA as a member and/or attend the STSA Annual Meeting?
My faculty members – in particular Dr. John Calhoon and Dr. Andrea J. Carpenter – have always encouraged resident participation in regional and national societies. Through their leadership, they model how important professional relationships and collegiality are in the field of CT surgery and inspire the residents to do the same.

Abstracts are currently being accepted for the 62nd Annual Meeting, which will be held November 4-7, 2015 at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts in Lake Buena Vista, FL. STSA looks forward to again providing residents with the opportunity to moderate general sessions in 2015. Visit www.stsa.org/abstracts to view abstract submission guidelines and access the abstract submission website.

Residents submitting an abstract may also elect to participate in the 2015 Hawley Seiler Residents Award Competition. The 2015 Hawley Seiler Residents Award winner will receive $500, a personalized plaque, and their name will be engraved on a permanent plaque to be displayed at future STSA Annual Meetings. Learn more about the award and view a list of past recipients at www.stsa.org/seiler.

March 17, 2015 | By | Reply More

2014 History Lecture Honors Past President, Osler Abbott, MD

The 2015 Harold Urschel History Lectureship will be presented at the STSA 62nd Annual Meeting on Saturday, November 7, 2015 in Orlando. To be considered, submit an abstract by April 6, 2015. Learn more at www.stsa.org/abstracts.

Daniel L. Miller, MD presented the 2014 Harold Urschel History Lectureship titled “Osler Almon Abbott: The Man, The Award, and His Legacy” during the STSA 61st Annual Meeting on November 8, 2014 in Tucson, AZ.

Dr. Abbott (STSA Past President, 1969) was an active member of STSA, and the Osler Abbott Award is given in his honor each year at the Annual Awards Dinner & Dance.

Video of Dr. Miller’s presentation, including commentary from Dr. Abbott’s colleague and fellow STSA member, Kamal Mansour, MD, is now available on CTSNet.

View the 2014 Harold Urschel History Lectureship:

The Harold Urschel History Lectureship was established in 2013 in memory of long-time STSA member and contributor, Harold C. Urschel, Jr., MD, (STSA Past President, 1979; STSA Historian, 2001-12). The lecturer is selected annually by the Program Committee as the abstract author who submitted the most exemplary history abstract.

Contact STSA Executive Director, Megan Drumm, at mdrumm@stsa.org or 312.202.5864 with questions.

March 12, 2015 | By | Reply More

Members Receive TSFRE/Edwards Every Heartbeat Matters Awards to Support Philanthropic Projects

Congratulations to STSA members, R. Morton Bolman, III, MD; Emily A. Farkas, MD; and Frederick L. Grover, MD for receiving 2015 TSFRE/Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Every Heartbeat Matters Awards.

The TSFRE/Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Every Heartbeat Matters Award Program offers support of up to $37,500 for qualified surgeons who conduct charity work in underserved regions/populations. This award is designed to provide support for programs that educate, screen and/or treat underserved populations to reduce the global burden of heart valve disease, or to support other programs that advance health care and address underserved populations.

Dr. Bolman has been an STSA member since 1990 and currently practices at Brigham & Women’s Hospital. He received $37,500 for his project “Increasing Access to Reduce the Burden of Rheumatic Heart Disease in Rwanda”.

Dr. Farkas has been an STSA member since 2011 and works with CardioStart International to provide free heart surgery and medical services to children and adults in developing countries. Her $11,000 award will fund the project “Establishing a Not-For-Profit Cardiac Surgical Program at Kathmandu University Dhulikhel Hospital” in the Nepal, Kathmandu Valley, Dhulikhel region.

STSA Past President (1994-95), Dr. Fred Grover of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, received a $37,000 award in support of his project “Enhancing Access to Care and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease in Nepal”.

Learn more about this awards program and view a full list of recipients at www.tsfre.org.

February 27, 2015 | By | Reply More

Seven STSA Members Appointed to 2015 Leadership Committee Positions

STSA Secretary/Treasurer, Dan Miller, MD, and STSA Program Committee Chair, Jeff Jacobs, MD, attended the November 2014 Council Meeting in Tucson, AZ.

STSA Secretary/Treasurer, Dan Miller, MD, and STSA Program Committee Chair, Jeff Jacobs, MD, attended the November 2014 Council Meeting in Tucson, AZ.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2015 self-nomination process. Nearly sixty STSA members nominated themselves to be considered for an STSA Committee leadership position.

Seven members were selected to serve on the Program, Postgraduate, Membership, and Brooks Scholarship Committees. The appointments are as follows:

  • Program Committee Appointments:
    • S. Adil Husain, MD, San Antonio, TX
    • Richard Lee, MD, St. Louis, MO
  • Postgraduate Committee Appointments:
    • Robert J. Dabal, MD, Birmingham, AL
    • Melanie Edwards, MD, St. Louis, MO
  • Membership Committee Appointments:
    • Edward B. Savage, MD, Davie, FL
  • Brooks Scholarship Committee Appointments:
    • Anthony D. Cassano, MD, Richmond, VA
    • Michael E. Halkos, MD, Atlanta, GA

STSA will again accept nominations from the membership for 2016 Committee position vacancies. Learn more about the self-nomination process. View the full 2014-15 STSA leadership roster.

 

February 18, 2015 | By More