Tag: surgeon leaders
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.
Members Appointed to STSA Leadership Committee Positions
More than 60 STSA members participated in the 2017 self-nomination process. Thank you to everyone who nominated themselves to be considered for an STSA Committee leadership position.
Six members were selected to serve on the Program, Postgraduate, Membership, and Scholarship Committees. The newly appointed Committee leaders are as follows:
- Program Committee Appointments:
- Joseph A. Dearani, MD, Rochester, MN
- Daniela Molena, MD, New York, NY
- Postgraduate Committee Appointments:
- Matthew Bott, MD, New York, NY
- Ahmet Kilic, MD, Columbus, OH
- Membership Committee Appointments:
- James J. Gangemi, MD, Charlottesville, VA
- Brooks Scholarship Committee Appointments:
- Min Kim, MD, Houston, TX
Appointees will serve three- to four-year terms; they will assume to role of Committee Chair/Co-chair in the final year of their term. Committee Chairs/Co-chairs attend STSA Council Meetings and assist in the overall management of the Association.
STSA Executive Council Members attended a Council Meeting on November 9, 2016 in conjunction with the STSA 63rd Annual Meeting.
STSA will accept nominations for 2018 Committee leadership position vacancies in December 2017.
Contact STSA Headquarters with questions at stsa@stsa.org or 312.202.5892.
Members Appointed to Leadership Committee Positions
More than 50 STSA members participated in the 2016 self-nomination process. Thank you to everyone who nominated themselves to be considered for an STSA Committee leadership position.
Six members were selected to serve on the Program, Postgraduate, Membership, and Scholarship Committees. The newly appointed Committee leaders are as follows:
- Program Committee Appointments:
- Faisal Bakaeen, MD, Cleveland, OH
- Elizabeth David, MD, Davis, CA
- Postgraduate Committee Appointments:
- Kirk Kanter, MD, Atlanta, GA
- Chad Stasik, MD, San Antonio, TX
- Membership Committee Appointments:
- Andrew J. Lodge, MD, Durham, NC
- Brooks Scholarship Committee Appointments:
- Jennifer Solms Nelson, MD, Chapel Hill, NC
Appointees will serve three- to four-year terms; they will assume to role of Committee Chair/Co-chair in the final year of their term. Committee Chairs/Co-chairs attend STSA Council Meetings and assist in the overall management of the Association.
STSA Executive Council Members and Committee Chairs attended a Council Meeting on November 4, 2015 in conjunction with the STSA 62nd Annual Meeting.
STSA will accept nominations for 2017 Committee leadership position vacancies in December 2016.
Contact STSA Headquarters with questions at stsa@stsa.org or 312.202.5892.
STSA Member Band to Perform at 62nd Annual Meeting Awards Dinner & Dance
STSA Member band, WOOSAH!!!, will perform during the November 7 Annual Meeting Awards Dinner & Dance. Plan to attend and register today at www.stsa.org!
The STSA 62nd Annual Meeting Awards Dinner & Dance will take place on Saturday evening, November 7, 2015. STSA Annual Meeting attendees and their families are invited to attend for a fun evening of live music, costume competitions, dining, and dancing.
- Register for the Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner & Dance online or download a printable registration form.
STSA is excited to announce that STSA member band, WOOSAH!!!, will perform during the Awards Dinner & Dance. The band features STSA members Jeff Jacobs (drums), Jim Quintessenza (guitar and vocals), Paul Chai (guitar), Joe Dearani (tenor sax), and Jim Tweddell (banjo). Other band mates include Gil Wernovsky (keyboard and STSA 62nd Annual Meeting invited speaker), Marshall Jacobs (guitar and vocals), and Duke Cameron (guitar).
Jeff Jacobs, WOOSAH!!! band member and Co-Chair of the STSA Program Committee, states: “The 2015 annual Saturday night STSA Awards Dinner & Dance on November 7 promises to be truly AWESOME with great live music and massive fun! Please plan to attend. Children are welcome. This evening will be FUN!!!!!”
The awards presentations will be shortened this year to maximize time to socialize and enjoy your friends at the STSA. Although black tie is always in fashion, feel free to come in your own costume (Superhero, Superwoman, Superman, Renaissance, Gatsby, etc., nothing is off limits) to compete for best-dressed, most-original, or most-outlandish. And if your idea of black ties is more casual, that will be fine as well.
STSA President and First Lady, John Calhoon and his wife Sarah Lucero-Calhoon, worked with the Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club chefs to create a delicious three course meal, specially designed for STSA. A Mickey-inspired children’s menu is also available for children 12 years of age and younger.
The Dinner & Dance will be the perfect finale to the STSA Annual Meeting. Plan to attend today and learn more about the STSA 62nd Annual Meeting at www.stsa.org/62ndannual. Contact STSA Headquarters with questions by calling 800.685.7872 or e-mailing stsa@stsa.org.
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, 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 included a detailed diagram identifying each individual pictured.
2015 STSA Postgraduate Program Taking Shape
Members of the 2015 STSA Postgraduate Committee attended a planning meeting during the STS 51st Annual Meeting in San Diego on January 24, 2015.
The STSA Postgraduate Committee is working diligently to create a preeminent educational event during the STSA 62nd Annual Meeting. The 2015 Postgraduate Program will take place on Thursday, November 5 at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts in Lake Buena Vista, FL.
2015 Postgraduate Committee Members include:
- John Howington, MD (Co-chair)
- Thomas Wozniak, MD (Co-chair)
- John Calhoon, MD
- Paul Chai, MD
- Robert Dabal, MD
- Melanie Edwards, MD
- Richard Freeman, MD
- Scott LeMaire, MD
- Daniel Miller, MD
- Richard Prager, MD
Committee members have carefully reviewed 2014 Annual Meeting evaluation data and other available resources to identify trends that indicate existing practice gaps (the gap between what is done and what should be done in the field of CT surgery). By first identifying these gaps, the Committee can then generate an ideal program format, select pertinent and interesting topics, and identify expert faculty to present and moderate. The primary objective of this process is to create an educational program that improves the knowledge and competence of cardiothoracic surgeons so that they can improve performance — ultimately leading to better patient outcomes when surgeons return home from the STSA Annual Meeting.
The final 2015 Postgraduate Program agenda will be published in the Spring 2015 issue of STSA News in May. Attendees can look forward to presentations on some of the most frequently recommended topics from 2014 Annual Meeting attendees, including ECMO, valve repair, minimally invasive procedures, case presentations highlighting how surgeons approached a challenging case in the OR, career management, and more. The Program will again feature subspecialty breakout sessions, which — new this year — will include video presentations.
If you would like to participate in the STSA 62nd Annual Meeting, consider submitting an abstract for presentation. The deadline to submit abstracts is Monday, April 6, 2015. Learn more and access the abstract submission website at www.stsa.org/abstracts.
Contact Megan Drumm, STSA Executive Director, at mdrumm@stsa.org with questions.
STSA Annual Meeting Resident Moderator Profile: HelenMari Merritt, DO
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
