The American Association for Thoracic Surgery established the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003.  The Award serves to recognize individuals for their significant contributions to cardiothoracic surgery in the areas of patient care, teaching, research, or community service.  Honorees receive a plaque for Lifetime Achievement from the Association presented by the president at the Annual Meeting and the honoree's name and biography is printed in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.

	2009 Thomas B. Ferguson, M.D. Washington University St. Louis, Missouri
	2007 Frank C. Spencer, M.D. New York University New York, New York
	2004 F. Griffith Pearson, M.D. Toronto General Hospital Toronto, Ontario