Advertise on podcast: Surgical Hot Topics

In this episode, host Dr. Melanie Edwards speaks with Dr. Donna Hicks, associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University, conflict resolution expert, and author of Leading with Dignity. Drawing on decades of work in international conflict resolution and healthcare, Dr. Hicks explores how dignity, the inherent value and worth of every person, underpins psychological safety, effective leadership, and stronger teams. As she explains, “We may differ in status, but we’re equal in dignity." Dr. Hicks discusses the 10 elements of dignity, why dignity violations are so common in hierarchical environments, and how surgeons can recognize and address behaviors that undermine trust and collaboration. She also shares practical strategies for giving feedback without causing harm, taking accountability for mistakes, and cultivating greater awareness of how our actions affect others to create a culture where healthcare professionals can learn, thrive, and deliver better patient care.

In this second special joint episode of Thinking Thoracic and the American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (AABIP), Dr. Erin Gillaspie is joined by interventional pulmonologist Dr. Sameer Avasarala of Case Western Reserve University and infectious disease specialist Dr. Renuga Vivekanandan of Creighton University to discuss the multidisciplinary management of pleural space infections. The conversation emphasizes early recognition, prompt source control, and seamless multidisciplinary collaboration. Following the clinical course, the panel discusses diagnosis, fluid sampling, targeted antimicrobials, drainage, intrapleural fibrinolytics, and risk stratification. They also explore when to pivot to surgical intervention, including VATS decortication, as well as the management of complex cases such as bronchopleural fistulas.

As cardiothoracic surgery becomes increasingly specialized, trainees have more choices to make about the direction of their careers. This article explores the evolving landscape of subspecialization, the continued role of generalist practice, and what additional training may mean as you consider the skills you want to develop and the career path you want to pursue.

What does the path to a career in cardiothoracic surgery look like today? Host Dr. Jane Yanagawa is joined by Dr. Varun Puri, Chief of Thoracic Surgery and CT Surgery Program Director at Washington University in St. Louis, to break down the evolving training pathways available to medical students and general surgery residents. They explore traditional 5+2/5+3 fellowships, fast-track 4+3 programs, and integrated I-6 tracks, highlighting key differences in clinical exposure, training timelines, board certification, and leadership development. The conversation also explores current match dynamics and common applicant misconceptions around applying to multiple tracks, while emphasizing the importance of early mentorship, scholarly research, and professional society resources such as TSMA, TSDA and TSRA in building a successful surgical career.

Host Dr. Melanie Edwards is joined by guest Dr. Andrea Wolf, director of the New York Mesothelioma Program, professor of thoracic surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, chair of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery Wellness Committee, and an accomplished marathoner. Dr. Wolf explores how the mindset and discipline of distance running can strengthen resilience, performance, and career longevity in surgery. Drawing from her own experiences with running and injury, Dr. Wolf discusses the value of focusing on process over outcomes, prioritizing recovery and strength training, and building sustainable habits that support both surgeon well-being and patient care. She also shares insights on workplace ergonomics, mentorship, and challenging the culture of pushing through physical limitations.