Surgical Hot Topics

Today, co-hosts Dr. Sara Pereira and Dr. Cherie Erkmen sit down with guest Dr. Bo Yang, who shares his remarkable career path from medical school and early cardiothoracic training at Xiangya University in China, to earning a PhD in pharmacology in the United States, to retraining in surgery at the University of Arizona and Stanford and ultimately joining the University of Michigan as a surgeon-scientist. Along the way, he reflects on the mentors, cultural challenges, and relentless work ethic that carried him through 13 years of retraining. It’s a compelling chat, as Dr. Yang discusses building a basic science lab, while launching a complex aortic practice, developing the Y-incision aortic root enlargement technique, and learning to become a more patient and intentional teacher. offers words of wisdom on the importance of spending time with your family.

In the season two premiere episode of Thinking Thoracic, cohosts Drs. Erin Gillaspie, Hari Keshava, Jeff Yang, and Jane Yanagawa review the latest thoracic surgery research presented at the 2026 STS Annual Meeting in New Orleans.

In the Season 6 premiere episode, live from STS 2026, host Dr. Sara Pereira and guest co-host Dr. Fatima Wilder sit down with Dr. Doug Wood, who shares his extraordinary journey—from growing up on a farm in rural Michigan in a family that valued education, to attending the National Science Foundation Summer Science Program at Purdue University, to becoming a national champion rower at Harvard, and ultimately serving as a division chief, department chair, and leader in lung cancer surgery and advocacy. It’s a fascinating conversation, as he reflects on his career with humility and self-deprecating humor.

Jessica Donington, MD, and Christine Bestvina, MD, join host Erin Gillaspie, MD, to unpack key lung cancer advances from ESMO 2025, including adjuvant ALK inhibition (ALINA, ELEVATE), perioperative immunotherapy (KEYNOTE-671), and the expanding neoadjuvant space in borderline resectable disease.

In this STS blog article, Shubham Gulati, a third-year medical student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, reflects on a transformative year with his mentor, Dr. Ravi Rajaram, and other accomplished surgeons, who created space for candid discussions about the realities and rewards of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon.

In this special edition of the Best Science in Lung Cancer series, host Erin Gillaspie, MD, speaks with Paula Ugalde, MD, to examine findings from ELCC, including restaging in the neoadjuvant era, redefining resectability, the use of AI in multidisciplinary precision care, and the current de-escalation debate.

In this special edition of the Best Science in Lung Cancer series, host Erin Gillaspie, MD, sits down with Brendon Stiles, MD, to discuss insights from ASCO, including perioperative immunotherapy, CheckMate 816, and expanding surgical boundaries.

In this special edition of the Best Science in Lung Cancer series, Leah Backhus, MD, joins host Erin Gillaspie, MD, to explore key takeaways from WCLC, including how precision data, surgical restraint, and breakthrough immunotherapy are transforming care.

The latest episode of Thinking Thoracic dives into one of the most challenging diseases in thoracic oncology—malignant pleural mesothelioma. Host Erin Gillaspie, MD, speaks with Joshua Reuss, MD, a thoracic medical oncologist and clinical trials leader, about how immunotherapy, evolving surgical strategies, and global practice patterns are reshaping care for this rare cancer. The episode covers the impact of the Checkmate 743 trial, controversy surrounding the MARS-2 surgical study, promising results from neoadjuvant immunotherapy trials, and the critical need for collaboration and clinical trial enrollment to drive progress. Listen now to explore where mesothelioma research is headed and what it means for patient care.

The occupation we have chosen is the most fulfilling job in the world. Cardiothoracic surgery has been the only career I have pursued as an adult, but I know that even without a meaningful comparison, my bold claim is correct. We have studied and practiced for years to acquire skills so that we can help to cure our patients or at least minimize their suffering. Yet, throughout all of our careers, having a patient succumb to their disease, or our attempt at treating their disease, is as much of a certainty as our own eventual mortality. Read this blog by Dr. Derek Serna-Gallegos on how to face your first patient death as a cardiothoracic surgeon.

In this special episode of Same Surgeon, Different Light, hosts Dr. Cherie Erkmen and Dr. Sara Pereira sit down with STS President Dr. Joseph Sabik as he reflects on his early interest science, the mentors who shaped his career, and the pivotal role mentorship continues to play in his leadership within the Society. He also shares insights into what attendees can anticipate at the 62nd STS Annual Meeting, unpacks the meaning behind this year’s theme—“Teaching for Tomorrow Together”—and offers an exclusive preview of the inspiring speakers and events that will celebrate the specialty’s future.

In this episode of Thinking Thoracic, host Dr. Erin Gillaspie talks with Dr. Robert Lentz and Dr. Fabien Maldonado about the groundbreaking VERITAS trial, which is reshaping how clinicians diagnose lung cancer. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the VERITAS trial compared navigational bronchoscopy with CT-guided biopsy in a rigorous, randomized design, bringing much-needed evidence to interventional pulmonology. The discussion explores how the study was conceived, why robust device trials are vital to patient outcomes, and what the findings mean for the future of minimally invasive lung diagnostics.

Whether you are a thoracic surgeon and you are going to break through the ceiling on survival for mesothelioma, an adult cardiac surgeon tackling structural valve deterioration, or a community cardiothoracic surgeon improving outcomes for ECMO patients, identifying and building a niche is exciting and rewarding. In this blog article, hear from Dr. Brian Bateson on how you can successfully build a niche with care, passion, and understanding.

The latest episode of Thinking Thoracic takes on a topic that’s on everyone’s minds: finances. Host Erin Gillaspie, MD, sits down with Lawrence Greiten, MD, and Josh Daily, MD, both from Arkansas Children’s Hospital, to discuss their recent paper examining financial decision-making in cardiothoracic surgery. From training pathways to compensation survey data, the conversation highlights how earnings and financial trade-offs shape career choices and negotiations. Tune in today.

This latest episode of Thinking Thoracic, an STS podcast, features host Erin Gillaspie, MD, in conversation with Jonathan Spicer, MD, a leading thoracic oncologist and clinical trial investigator. The two dive into the landmark CheckMate 816 trial, which helped usher in a new era for immunotherapy in lung cancer treatment. Dr. Spicer shares insights on trial design, clinical outcomes, and what these findings mean for the future of thoracic surgery and oncology. Listen today.

Efficiency in the operating room isn't just about working faster—it's about making every movement count, communicating clearly so needs are understood, and simplifying systems to support the team. True efficiency is a collective achievement that the surgeon can lead by understanding team needs and fostering coordinated, high-performing teamwork. When the team focuses on efficient processes and clear communication, the ultimate result is improved workflow and the highest quality patient care.

In this insightful episode, we explore the importance of planning for a stress-free retirement. Just as medication packages have clear dates of manufacture and expiration, individuals should also be mindful of their own timelines, from birth to retirement. We delve into the necessity of preparing for life after employment, emphasizing how failing to plan can lead to unnecessary stress. Join us as we discuss strategies and tips for ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable post-retirement life.

Don’t miss the latest Thinking Thoracic episode as host Erin Gillaspie, MD, is joined by Stephanie Worrell, MD, associate professor, University of Arizona, and thoracic surgeon, Banner Health, for a lively and insightful post-ASCO discussion. Together, they unpack the significance of the CheckMate 577 and Matterhorn trials, and explore what these groundbreaking studies mean for the future of esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancer care.

Join us as we explore the transformative journey of a scholar selected for the prestigious Looking to the Future (LTTF) Scholarship Program by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). Dive into the 61st Annual Meeting held in Los Angeles, California, where academic inspiration meets profound personal growth. Discover how this unique opportunity went beyond expectations, offering invaluable insights and connections that extend far beyond the realm of thoracic surgery. Experience the highlights of the event and learn why it was much more than just an academic gathering.