Brigham and Women's Hospital
General Thoracic
Member Since: 2019
Biography:
Dr. Paula Ugalde Figueroa has established herself as a thoracic surgeon dedicated to research and innovation. With a focus on innovative uniportal VATS approaches for lung cancer, she boasts an impressive portfolio of publications. Notably, Dr. Ugalde spearheaded the establishment of the lung cancer database at Laval University, Canada, elevating it to the world's leading contributor to the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer's prospective database.
Since 2021, Dr. Ugalde has served on the Board of Directors of the IASLC, alongside her memberships in prestigious organizations such as the American Association of Thoracic Surgery and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. As the past Chair of International Affairs for the Women in Thoracic Surgery society, she actively advocates for gender equity in her field.
In 2021, Dr. Ugalde transitioned to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, where she is an Associate Surgeon within the Division of Thoracic Surgery. Emphasizing her academic prowess, she also serves as an Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and is affiliated with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Dr. Ugalde's influence extends beyond the operating room; she has played a pivotal role in introducing minimally invasive thoracic surgery techniques to Brazil and Latin America. Through her mentorship of hundreds of thoracic surgeons and her annual instruction of a Latin American fellow in Québec and now in Boston, she facilitates the dissemination of expertise throughout the region. Dr. Ugalde's commitment to empowering the next generation of female thoracic surgeons, particularly in developing countries, underscores her dedication to advancing the field on a global scale.
What Does the AATS Mean to You:
AATS represents the peak of academic excellence and professional achievement in the field of cardiothoracic surgery. It is a community where cutting-edge research and innovative surgical techniques are shared and celebrated, fostering a spirit of learning and collaboration among the best minds in our field.
My First Experience with AATS:
My first experience with AATS in 2017 was transformative. The environment was both inspiring and humbling, reinforcing my commitment to contribute to the advancement of our field.
Why I became an AATS member:
I became an AATS member to engage with this community dedicated to excellence. The association offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and staying informed of the latest advancements, which are key for my commitment to innovation and education in minimally invasive thoracic surgery.
The first presentation I gave is:
My first presentation at an AATS meeting was on the implementation of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in lung cancer treatment. I shared my research on its efficacy, patient outcomes, and the potential for this technique to become a standard practice in thoracic surgery
The first paper I had published is:
The first paper I published was on diaphragmatic motion and quality of life in long-term pneumonectomy patients on 2008. This work laid the foundation for many subsequent research projects and collaborations.
I plan on becoming more involved in the organization through:
I plan to further my involvement in AATS by contributing to committees focused on surgical innovation and education, mentoring the next generation of surgeons, and continuing to present my research at annual meetings. Additionally, I aim to collaborate on multicenter studies to advance our understanding and practice of minimally invasive thoracic surgery.
Advice for Trainees:
My advice for trainees would be to embrace a mindset of lifelong learning and curiosity. Stay informed of technological advancements, seek mentorship, and never underestimate the value of collaboration. Most importantly, maintain a patient-centered approach in all aspects of your work."
My career in CT Surgery was inspired by:
My career in cardiothoracic surgery was inspired by a desire to make a significant impact on patient outcomes through surgical innovation. Witnessing the impact of thoracic surgery in treating serious conditions, combined with my passion for continuous learning and teaching, solidified my path in this field.
A significant case/patient interaction that impacted my career is:
Complex lung cancer cases are the one's that impact me the most. First by the complexity of the decision making process to treat those patients but also by the importance of the multidisciplinary work.
The biggest impact my mentor had on my career is:
Multiple mentors, all of them have supported and guided me all along.
The topic most important to advancing the field of CT Surgery is:
Advancing the field of CT surgery requires a commitment to innovation, rigorous research, and the dissemination of new techniques and knowledge. Collaboration across institutions and countries, as well as fostering the next generation of surgeons through education and mentorship, are also vital.
The most pressing issues impacting CT surgery are:
The most pressing issues include the need for more widespread adoption of minimally invasive techniques, addressing disparities in access to advanced surgical care, and the continuous evolution of technologies that can improve patient outcomes while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Advice for Trainees:
My advice for trainees would be to embrace a mindset of lifelong learning and curiosity. Stay informed of technological advancements, seek mentorship, and never underestimate the value of collaboration. Most importantly, maintain a patient-centered approach in all aspects of your work.