Oregon Health & Science University Hospital
Adult Cardiac
Member Since: 2010
Biography:
Howard Song, MD, PhD, is Professor and Head of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University. He has served as the Head of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery since 2012. He also serves as the Associate Program Director for the categorical Thoracic Surgery Residency Program at OHSU. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Yale University, Dr. Song received his medical degree from Stanford University and then completed his general surgery residency and PhD in immunology at the University of Pennsylvania. He went on to complete a categorical fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at Emory University.
Dr. Song is a busy practicing cardiac surgeon and is a nationally recognized expert in several aspects of cardiac surgery including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and heart valve disorders. He has research interests in biomedical engineering, structural heart disease, and cardiac surgery outcomes. He has published more than 100 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals. He has served on steering and selection committees for several pivotal device trials. Dr. Song has served on numerous national specialty committees, including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Workforce on Annual Meeting, Blood Conversation Guideline Task Force, Practice Guideline Series Update Task Force, Patient Safety Task Force, the United Network for Organ Sharing Thoracic Transplantation Committee, and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery In-service Training Exam Committee (Adult Cardiac Chair).
Under Dr. Song’s leadership, the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery has developed a cardiothoracic surgery network providing care at five sites in Oregon and Washington. The Division is comprised of fifteen surgeons and has advanced programs in adult congenital surgery, pediatric surgery, aortic surgery, structural heart, valve repair, heart failure, and mechanical circulatory support. OHSU is recognized as a center of excellence by numerous accrediting organizations, insurance carriers, and patient advocacy groups.
What Does the AATS Mean To You:
AATS is a community of the most accomplished cardiothoracic surgeons committed to advancing the field through research and education.
My First Experience with AATS:
I attended the AATS annual meeting when I was a fellow and was inspired by the energy and expertise of the membership. It was humbling to know I was entering a specialty with such master senior surgeons.
Why I became an AATS member:
I became an AATS member to enter a community of surgeons that shares my passion to advance the field of cardiothoracic surgery. Being part of this community provides unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and advancement of this common goal.
The most impactful presentation I have seen at an AATS meeting:
Dr. Tirone David talking about his operation.
The first presentation I gave is:
The first presentation I gave at the AATS meeting was "Postop bleeding: survival guide for the cardiothoracic surgery team."
The first paper I had published is:
Song HK, Alters SE, Fathman CG. Evidence that anti-CD8 abrogates anti-CD4-mediated clonal anergy but allows allograft survival in mice. Transplantation 1993; 55:133.
I plan on becoming more involved in the organization through:
Participate in meetings, submit, nominate new members, mentor, volunteer, respond to requests to serve!
Advice for Trainees:
Try to learn a new operation or technique every year for the rest of your career."
My career in CT Surgery was inspired by:
Watching Dr. Norman Shumway do cardiac surgery and lead a team when I was a medical student at Stanford.
A significant case/patient interaction that impacted my career is:
Every time I talk with a patient about having cardiac surgery and making a personal commitment to doing everything I can to assure the best possible outcome for them.
The biggest impact my mentor had on my career is:
Dr. Robert Guyton as a senior surgeon still always trying to find a better way to do things.
The topic most important to advancing the field of CT Surgery is:
Staying curious, embracing change.
The most pressing issues impacting CT surgery are:
Failure to adopt new technology.
Advice for Trainees:
Try to learn a new operation or technique every year for the rest of your career.