International Connection

What topics would you like to read about in the next edition of International Connection? The Society would like your feedback and suggestions in order to provide you with the most relevant resources and information. Please send your feedback to communications@sts.org.

Annual Meeting Online Now Available
Annual Meeting Online, featuring more than 90 scientific and educational sessions from STS 2021, is now available. Watch highlights such as essential plenary sessions, presentations of new discoveries and techniques, and joint sessions with international medical societies, including the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and the Asian Society for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. This product offers the ability to earn up to 89.25 CME credits. STS 2021 attendees receive free access to Annual Meeting Online; all others can purchase access.

The Immersive Video Experiences series, featuring luminary surgeons and 360° views into their ORs, as well as an additional 20 CME credits offered, is also now available. If you participated in the Immersive Video Experiences during STS 2021, access was included in your registration. If you did not, the series can be purchased separately or with Annual Meeting Online for a special bundled rate, with a significant discount for STS members.

Must-Hear Keynote Lectures: Watch or Listen as You Like
STS 2021 keynote lectures were among the most powerful sessions during the Annual Meeting, and they are now available for free in the format of your choice, either via audio on the STS Surgical Hot Topics podcast series or video on the STS YouTube channel. Among these is the Ferguson Lecture, during which Drs. Enrico Ruffini (Italy), Alan Sihoe (Hong Kong), and Craig Smith Jr. (New York), share their experiences on the COVID-19 pandemic from their respective cities on different continents. Be sure to bookmark and subscribe for the latest videos and episodes to keep your finger on the pulse of the STS community.

Biographical Podcast Promotes a More Diverse Specialty
The “Same Surgeon, Different Light” podcast series features biographical interviews that illuminate the struggles and triumphs of prominent surgeons over their lifetimes and careers. Recent episodes have starred Drs. Doug Wood, Melanie Edwards, Sidhu Gangadharan, Ourania Preventza, and Tom Nguyen. The final episodes of the first season will highlight the stories of Drs. Elaine Tseng and Loretta Erhunmwunsee. Start listening.

Free Leadership Series Starts April 8
A new complimentary program for STS members only, the STS Leadership Series, is available to help you develop and fine-tune your leadership skills as your career and the specialty evolve. The series includes three 60-minute webinars and one in-person event adjacent to STS 2022 in Miami Beach, Florida, next January. The first webinar, scheduled for April 8, is “Leading During Crisis,” moderated by Drs. Mara Antonoff and Ram Subramanyan. Experienced physician leaders will provide insight, helpful tips, and lessons learned on how to navigate various unstable and surprising situations such as a financial crisis, sexual harassment, security threats, regulatory failures, and the COVID-19 pandemic. RSVP and add the event to your calendar today.

Robotic Surgery Course Teaches Techniques for All Experience Levels
Purchase access to Robotic Thoracic Surgery: Lung, Foregut, Mediastinal Surgery, and More, and learn how to perform a variety of minimally invasive general thoracic surgical procedures with the aid of a robot. STS members receive a reduced rate on this CME-eligible course, which includes seven sessions, released monthly through August, composed of recorded lectures and narrated video demonstrations by faculty from around the world that you can view on demand at your own pace. Each session also includes a live webinar featuring faculty talks and audience Q&A. Once you purchase the course, you’ll have unlimited access through December 31, 2021.

STS Welcomes Indian Society to ACSD
The Adult Cardiac Surgery Database (ACSD) has extended participation to India’s newly formed Society of Coronary Surgeons. Participating in the ACSD gives surgeons who perform cardiac procedures access to risk-adjusted outcomes data and other results compared to STS benchmarks and provides them with potential research opportunities. These data help identify areas for quality assessment and improvement initiatives. 

Review the Society’s New Membership Applicants
Election to Active or International Membership in STS is an important achievement. According to the Society’s Bylaws, Active, International, and Senior Members are to be notified of those applying for STS Active or International Membership prior to their consideration by the Executive Committee. Please review the current round of applicants for Active and International Membership. If you have comments about any of the candidates, send them to Dr. Joseph Sabik, STS Secretary, at jsabik@sts.org by March 25, 2021.