December 2024
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of my esteemed Program Committee, I would like to invite you to join us for the AATS 105th Annual Meeting in Seattle, Friday, May 2-Monday, May 5. View our robust scientific program and register now.
We had a record-setting number of abstracts and case video submissions this year, more than 2000, with significant increases in submissions for thoracic and adult cardiac. Our Program Committee worked diligently to assemble an innovative, state-of-the-art program with education focused on the leading science and research in cardiothoracic surgery. As our field evolves, the AATS Annual Meeting continues to be the premier cardiothoracic surgery meeting in the world, and our program in Seattle is second to none.
It is a true honor to lead this organization as AATS President. When I look back on my involvement with AATS, I look at what makes AATS the leading organization in our specialty: our focus not only on cardiothoracic surgery, but on the science and research of cardiothoracic surgery. We are scientists, academicians, and surgeons.
Upon this reflection, I chose to focus the 105th Annual Meeting on a key component of our mission statement: scholarship. The concept of scholarship is not just research papers and grants. Scholarship is about creating new opportunities for future generations to innovate and explore new ways to enhance patient care. Throughout the planning stages of this meeting, we’ve made significant efforts to have a program that exemplifies the necessity of scholarship as part of our roles as cardiothoracic surgeons.
Out of popular demand, the 104th Annual Meeting brought the return of the Legends Luncheon with Drs. Tirone David and D. Craig Miller. To build upon that, we will hold Legends Luncheons in adult cardiac, congenital, and thoracic surgery during the 105th Annual Meeting. Stay tuned to hear what legends we'll have speaking with us in Seattle.
As mentioned above, a core effort of scholarship is creating new opportunities for the future generations. The AATS Annual Meeting is the perfect opportunity for medical students, residents, fellows, and other early career surgeons to network and meet with some of the world's most renowned cardiothoracic surgeons. One of my favorite aspects of the Annual Meeting is our mentoring sessions where a mentee and mentor are matched to discuss everything from a curriculum vitae to career pathways for academic surgeons. If you are interested in participating as a mentee, be sure to add it to your Annual Meeting registration.
In addition to our engaging scientific program, I have invited free solo rock climber, Alex Honnold, to serve as an invited speaker. The pinnacle of his career (and maybe the sport of climbing) was his 2017 climb of El Capitan in Yosemite which The New York Times called “one of the greatest athletic feats of any kind, ever”. This accomplishment was captured in the Academy Award winning film, Free Solo. Alex will talk to us about his meticulous preparation as well as his mental and emotional management when he prepares for these climbs. This is something I think we, as surgeons, can learn from as we prepare for challenges in our professional careers.
The AATS Annual Meeting is a time to come together not only to learn from the top innovative research in our specialty, but to connect with old friends. Take advantage of the hallway conversations, the networking breaks, and the occasional run-in to someone you may not have seen for some time. I know I am looking forward to seeing familiar faces and hopefully leaving Seattle with a few new connections as well. I am confident the Annual Meeting will bring you a new idea or collaboration that will impact your future patient care.
I look forward to seeing you in Seattle for the 105th Annual Meeting!
Sincerely,
David R. Jones
AATS 105th President