University of Chicago Biomedical Science Division
General Thoracic
Member Since: 2021
Biography:
Dr. Pablo Gerardo Sanchez, M.D., Ph.D., FACS, is a thoracic surgeon, researcher, and educator specializing in lung transplantation, thoracic surgery, and cardiopulmonary support. He is Professor of Thoracic Surgery and Lowell T. Coggeshall Professor at The University of Chicago Medicine & Biological Sciences, where he also serves as Surgical Director for Lung Transplant and Adult Respiratory Mechanical Circulatory Support.
Dr. Sanchez received his medical degree from the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba in Argentina and pursued advanced surgical training through residencies and fellowships in thoracic surgery and pulmonary physiology in Brazil and the United States. He earned a Ph.D. in Pulmonary Physiology, with a focus on lung preservation methods and mechanisms impacting transplantation outcomes. His professional journey has included leadership roles that integrate clinical practice, research, and academic education.
Dr. Sanchez has contributed to advancements in lung transplantation processes, including refining organ preservation technologies such as ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP). As Principal Investigator of the NOVEL Lung Trial, he facilitated research efforts aimed at improving donor organ utilization and transplant safety. His ongoing NIH-funded projects focus on clinical frailty assessment, donor organ preservation strategies, and mechanisms underlying graft failure. This research includes investigations into the endothelial glycocalyx, an extracellular matrix crucial for vascular health. Dr. Sanchez has made contributions to understanding how glycocalyx integrity affects ischemia-reperfusion injury and organ function in lung transplantation. He particularly studies its role in mediating inflammatory responses, promoting donor organ viability, and mitigating graft damage.
Dr. Sanchez has held committee leadership roles in organizations such as the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) and The Transplantation Society (TTS). As Chair in these organizations, he contributes to initiatives designed to advance clinical protocols, education, and collaboration in thoracic care, cardiopulmonary support, and transplantation. His efforts include shaping global training programs and promoting interdisciplinary learning opportunities for healthcare practitioners.
In addition to his organizational responsibilities, Dr. Sanchez is actively engaged in training medical students, residents, and fellows at The University of Chicago, focusing on thoracic surgery, lung transplantation, and cardiopulmonary techniques. He works on curriculum development and simulation-based training, aiming to foster expertise among future professionals in these fields. Through his involvement with professional societies like ELSO and TTS, Dr. Sanchez also participates in workshops, lectures, and educational initiatives that support ongoing learning in thoracic transplantation.
Previously, Dr. Sanchez served on committees for the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT), contributing to policy development and collaborative discussions on the allocation of donor organs and donor management practices. These roles have supported the enhancement of clinical guidelines and community-based education in the transplantation field.
Dr. Sanchez has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, which reflect his interest in advancing research and improving the evidence base for clinical practices. By mentoring trainees and contributing to educational programs, he works to support the continued development of future thoracic surgeons and researchers who will advance thoracic medicine and transplantation further. His ongoing NIH-funded work reinforces his dedication to scientific inquiry, particularly into areas that directly improve patient outcomes.
What Does the AATS Mean To You:
As a member of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery , I feel privileged to be part of a leading community dedicated to advancing thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. The AATS represents the pinnacle of excellence in fostering innovation, research, and education within the field, which resonates deeply with my personal and professional aspirations. Through participation in its initiatives, access to world-class resources, and opportunities to collaborate with outstanding surgeons, researchers, and medical professionals, my membership with AATS strengthens my commitment to contributing to patient care and advancing surgical techniques. Furthermore, the AATS embodies values of mentorship, leadership, and advocacy, which provide crucial support in navigating challenges and implementing transformative solutions in our ever-evolving field. To me, the AATS is not just an association but a network of professionals united by a shared dedication to improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of cardiothoracic surgery.
My First Experience with AATS:
I was doing my Research Fellowship under the mentorship of Dr. Joel Cooper at UPenn and we reanalyzed the NETT trial data accentuating the positive findings of this randomized trial. The abstract was accepted as an oral presentation at the Eighty-ninth Annual Meeting of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery, Boston, Massachusetts, May 9-13, 2009. I was both excited and terrified, this was my first time presenting at a prestigious national meeting.
Why I became an AATS member:
I became an AATS member to join a prestigious community of thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons dedicated to innovation, excellence, and advancing patient care. The association provides unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, education, and access to cutting-edge research, empowering me to contribute meaningfully to the field. Being part of AATS allows me to connect with leading professionals, share knowledge, and stay at the forefront of surgical advancements, ultimately enhancing my ability to improve outcomes and create lasting impact in thoracic surgery.
The first presentation I gave is:
National Emphysema Treatment Trial redux: accentuating the positive. Eighty-ninth Annual Meeting of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery, Boston, Massachusetts, May 9-13, 2009.
The first paper I had published is:
National Emphysema Treatment Trial redux: accentuating the positive.
J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2010 Sep;140(3):564-72. DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2010.03.050
I plan on becoming more involved in the organization through:
I continue to send my best science in form of Abstracts or Manuscripts to the AATS Annual Meeting or JCTVS. I also continue to support the AATS Foundation to provide others with the same opportunities that the AATS provided me. I also continue to volunteer for every mentorship opportunity.
A significant case/patient interaction that impacted my career is:
The first time during my residency I admitted a patient for a Lung Transplant, he was on 15 L of O2 at rest. A few weeks after the surgery he was oxygen free. One surgery brought back normalcy to this patient. It changed my life and solidified my decision to become a Lung Transplant Surgeon."
My career in CT Surgery was inspired by:
My inspiration for pursuing CT surgery stems from my upbringing. My father was a CT surgeon in Argentina. Patient stories and OR experiences were an integral part of my life. Witnessing the precision, dedication, and transformative impact of CT surgery sparked my passion for the field.
A significant case/patient interaction that impacted my career is:
The first time during my residency I admitted a patient for a Lung Transplant, he was on 15 L of O2 at rest. A few weeks after the surgery he was oxygen free. One surgery brought back normalcy to this patient. It changed my life and solidified my decision to become a Lung Transplant Surgeon.
I have been very fortunate to have had several mentors. Some made technically better, some influenced my decision to become a surgeon scientist and some remind me how important is to find balance outside work.
The topic most important to advancing the field of CT Surgery is:
Innovation, research, education, global collaboration, technology integration, and training the next generation, all while prioritizing patient-centered care and improving outcomes.
The most pressing issues impacting CT surgery are:
It is a great time to be a CT Surgeon. CT Surgeons have an unprecedented opportunity to drive innovation, enhance patient care, and influence the trajectory of the medical field.
Advice for Trainees:
Embrace feedback and grow constructively, as no single person can excel in isolation in CT surgery.
Also, one of my general surgery mentors once told me; learn from the heart cycle.... 1/3 is systole and 2/3 is diastole; to relax is part of normal physiology.