Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) is a professional association that represents thoracic surgeons and others who are involved in the field of cardiothoracic surgery. Established in 1964, the STS is dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for surgeries of the heart, lung, and esophagus, as well as other surgical procedures within the chest. The Society is known for its commitment to the improvement of care for patients who undergo cardiothoracic surgery.

History

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons was founded to provide a forum for thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons to share their knowledge, enhance their skills, and improve the quality of care for their patients. Since its inception, the STS has grown significantly, both in terms of its membership and its influence on the practice of thoracic surgery.

Mission

The mission of the STS is to enhance the ability of cardiothoracic surgeons to provide the highest quality patient care through education, research, and advocacy. The Society is committed to professional development, support of clinical research, and public awareness initiatives related to thoracic surgery.

Membership

Membership in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons is open to certified thoracic surgeons, surgeons in training, and other professionals who are involved in the care of patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Members benefit from access to educational resources, professional development opportunities, and a community of peers for networking and collaboration.

Activities and Programs

The STS engages in a wide range of activities aimed at advancing the field of thoracic surgery. These include:

• Education and Training: The Society offers a variety of educational programs, including annual meetings, workshops, and webinars, designed to keep members up-to-date on the latest surgical techniques and clinical practices.
• Research: The STS supports clinical research in thoracic surgery through its databases, which are among the largest and most comprehensive in the world. These databases facilitate studies on the outcomes of thoracic surgical procedures and help identify best practices.
• Advocacy: The Society advocates on behalf of its members and their patients to ensure access to high-quality care. This includes lobbying for policies that support the thoracic surgery community and patient care.
• Public Education: The STS provides resources to help the public understand the diseases treated by thoracic surgeons and the surgical procedures performed.

Publications

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons publishes several scientific journals and other publications to disseminate research findings and clinical practice guidelines. The most notable of these is The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, which is widely regarded as one of the leading journals in the field.

Data Collection and Quality Improvement

One of the key initiatives of the STS is its National Database, which collects clinical data from participating institutions across the United States. The database is used to monitor and improve the quality of care in thoracic surgery, and it serves as a model for other surgical specialties.

Conclusion

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons plays a crucial role in the advancement of thoracic surgery. Through its commitment to education, research, and advocacy, the STS ensures that thoracic surgeons are well-equipped to provide the highest level of care to their patients.