History

2023: David Blitzer, MD

26th TSRA President

2022: Garrett N. Coyan, MD, MS

25th TSRA President

2021: Clauden Louis, MD, MPH, MS

24th TSRA President

2020: Alexander A. Brescia, MD, MSc

23rd TSRA President

2019: Xiaoling Lou, MD

22nd TSRA President

2018: Peter Chen, MD

21st TSRA President

2017: Andrew B. Goldstone, MD, PhD

20th TSRA President

2016: Elizabeth Stephens, MD, PhD
As the 19^th TSRA president, Elizabeth Stephens led a fantastic team who produced a number of key resources including the highly popular TSRA podcasts (nearly 50 produced in the first year with over 9,000 listens), the TSRA Intern Survival Guide, the TSRA Pocket Mentor, the TSRA Operations Manual, a TAVR manual in collaboration with the ACC, as well as initiated the Algorithms in CT Surgery resource. During her tenure, the TSRA continued to publish several educational studies based on the In-Training Exam survey that were also presented at the national meetings, as well as published a report from TSRA Traveling Fellowship in both The Annals of Thoracic Surgery and the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. She also encouraged the initiation of a TSRA network of recent graduates.

2015: Dustin Walters, MD
18th TSRA President

2014: Damien LaPar, MD
17th TSRA President

2013: David Odell, MD
16th TSRA President

2012: Tom Nguyen, MD
15th TSRA President Tom C. Nguyen encouraged active involvement cardiothoracic surgery residents, as well as general surgery residents and medical students. During his tenure, the TSRA Executive Committee grew from 12 to 15 members to accommodate the organization’s initiatives and projects. He was a strong advocate for integrated residents and created an I-6 Committee and helped organize the first TSRA social mixers at the STS and AATS Annual Meetings. He established various TSRA Facebook pages, and was instrumental in creating TSRA Clinical Scenarios.

2011: Jason Williams, MD
14th TSRA President

2010: Carlos Mery, MD
13th TSRA President Carlos Mery oversaw the growth of the TSRA by creating the Education and Communications Committees  and increasing resident participation in the STS and AATS. During his tenure, the TSRA created TSRA Review of Cardiothoracic Surgery, a comprehensive review book written by cardiothoracic surgery residents from different programs around the country.

2009: Joe Turek, MD
12th TSRA President Joe Turek directed a major initiative to enhance clinical opportunities for cardiothoracic surgery residents, resulting in a comprehensive database of cardiothoracic surgery electives. He also teamed up with the 2010 TSRA President, Carlos Mery, to conceptualize, develop and edit the TSRA Review of Cardiothoracic Surgery.

2008: Bret Mettler, MD
11th TSRA President Bret Mettler affiliated the TSRA with Joint Council for Thoracic Surgery and Education and established resident presence in defining resident curriculum and developing the six- year integrated thoracic surgery residency position.

2007: Faraz Kerendi, MD
10th TSRA President Faraz Kerendi established a searchable online database of elective/fellowship rotations and expanded the international presence of the TSRA by developing a formal relationship with the EACTS surgical training and manpower committee.

2006: Daniel Boffa, MD
9th TSRA President Daniel Boffa surveyed the evolving status of the cardiothoracic job market and was an advocate for resident career education.

2005: D Michael McMullan, MD
8th TSRA President D. Michael McMullan introduced the Dwight C. McGoon Award for Outstanding Young Faculty Educator. He performed a survey detailing reasons for declining interest in thoracic surgery among general surgery residents.

2004: John Mehall, MD
7th TSRA President John Mehall took a strong interest in resident simulation and education. He pioneered the cardiothoracic technology symposium held annually for residents.

2003: Grayson Wheatley, MD
6th TSRA President Grayson Wheatley increased the online presence of the TSRA. Performed study of job placement by graduating residents 1998-2002.

2002: Richard Lee, MD
5th TSRA President Richard Lee consolidated leadership and defined the TSRA’s focus. Performed job search and work hours surveys of residents.

2001: Jorge Salazar, MD
4th TSRA President Jorge Salazar established formal representation with Thoracic RRC, AATS, STS, JCTSE in addition to TSDA and AAMC. Also formed the TSRA Executive Committee.

1999 & 2000: Antonio Laudito, MD
3rd TSRA President Antonio Laudito served the TSRA for two years. He continued representation to TSDA, ORR of AAMC, regular meetings, and establishment of communication with all residents through CTSNet and TSRA online. Dr. Laudito also established the Socrates Award.

1998: Scott Arnold, MD
2nd TSRA President Scott Arnold continued representation to TSDA, ORR of AAMC, regular meetings, and establishment of communication with all residents through CTSNet and TSRA online.

1997: Michael Mulligan, MD
TSRA founded under guidance of TSDA, especially Mark Orringer. Michael Mulligan serves as TSRA’s first President. Representation with TSDA was established and regular meetings at STS, AATS and ACS was initiated.