In this season finale of Same Surgeon, Different Light, co-host Dr. Thomas Varghese speaks with Dr. Stephanie Fuller, attending surgeon in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. and chair of the STS Workforce on Annual Meeting, about creating a life of impact. For Dr. Fuller, it's about positioning herself for new learning opportunities - both expected and unexpected. "Lessons will come from all sorts of people along your pathway. Be receptive to anybody willing to teach you," she advises.
Isabelle Opitz, MD, the director of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, and an associate professor for thoracic surgery at the University of Zurich, as well as the chair of the Lung Cancer Center in Zurich, talks with Dr. Thomas Varghese about her international career path, spanning Germany, France, and Switzerland, in this episode of Same Surgeon, Different Light.
In this episode of The Same Surgeon, Different Light, podcast host Dr. Thomas Varghese explores the opportunities, the rewards, the sacrifice, and the struggles in life as a cardiothoracic surgeon with Dr. Mimi Ceppa, a thoracic surgeon at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Ceppa shares her family's journey as immigrants from Vietnam to Canada, the expectations placed on her to become a doctor, what it takes to get into medical school, and how she balances her career with her personal life. No doubt, it's a "can't miss" episode.
In this episode of Same Surgeon, Different Light, your host, Dr. David T. Cooke, talks with Dr. Ikenna Okereke, vice chair of the department of surgery at Henry Ford Health, and Dr. Mark Henderson, professor of medicine and vice chair of education at UC Davis Health, about the role of education in medical workforce diversity.
April is National Minority Health Month, a time and opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of improving the health of racial and ethnic minority communities and reducing health disparities. While our patient population in the US is rapidly diversifying, our specialty of cardiothoracic surgery remains one of the least diverse specialties in terms of gender and race.
In this episode, Dr. David T. Cooke talks with Dr. Angelica Martin, UC Davis Health, and Dr. Lillian Tsai, Stanford Medicine, about their career journeys and the people who have been a positive influence on them. “I come from an underserved community and I’m the first in my family to go to college,” said Dr. Martin. “At first, it felt like I was navigating this career on my own. My mentor has been my north star.”
Cardiothoracic surgery has historically been dominated by men. Yet the narrative of women in the specialty is one of groundbreaking achievements, perseverance, and resilience.
STS President Thomas MacGillivray, MD, recently hosted a Town Hall to get member input on how the Society can advance a more inclusive and welcoming community of cardiothoracic surgeons.
Facilitated by DEI Consultant James Pogue, PhD, the Town Hall focused on understanding member perceptions of where individuals, the specialty, and the Society are today with respect to DEI. “This work is about you, our members. We want your perspectives on the role that DEI should play in our specialty and our Society,” said Dr. MacGillivray. “This is your opportunity to speak up and have your voices heard.”
Key themes that emerged were the need for data to understand members’ general knowledge of DEI; a call to action for members to engage in real, meaningful conversations that result in tangible change; and a culture that elevates empathy, listening, kindness, and grace throughout this journey.
Dr. MacGillivray said he has listened to a wide range of opinions over the past five months, and he sees STS members at different levels of DEI understanding and engagement.
“The more we talk about things, the more we can learn. I hope all of us who are trained in science, data, and evidence take the knowledge gained from this journey and use it to help us build a better future for all,” added Dr. MacGillivray.
Leading up to the Town Hall, Dr. Pogue conducted one-on-one discussions with key stakeholders and a deep-dive DEI session with the STS Board of Directors. Next up is a member survey and focus groups. Dr. Pogue will use data and insights from this work to develop recommendations on the path forward for STS.
STS is pleased to co-present this free webinar on the Advances in Surgery channel. Creation of a free account on the AIS site is required to view the program.
Watch STS President Thomas MacGillivray and DEI consultant James Pogue discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion. The video includes Q&A, insights from moderators, and an update on the Society’s efforts to bolster its commitment to DEI. Viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of DEI, and the opportunities and challenges in advancing a culture of inclusivity within STS and the specialty.
Moderators
Thomas E. MacGillivray, MD
STS President
Washington, DC
James Pogue, PhD
President and CEO, JP Enterprises
Dallas, Texas
Dr. Griffith discusses the first animal-to-human heart transplant, the work he and his team did in preparation, and how they shattered the barriers around xenotransplantation.
Cardiothoracic surgeons and trainees who are underrepresented in medicine (URiM) will discuss challenges and successes they’ve experienced throughout their careers. Additionally, the panel will share what they have learned from these experiences and how to apply those lessons toward supporting other surgeons from underrepresented groups.
