Letter from the President

The pages of this report contain the names of hundreds of surgeons, corporate supporters, patients and friends who have invested in the future of cardiothoracic surgery by supporting the Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education (TSFRE). On behalf of those surgeons who have benefited from TSFRE’s research and educational programs and the multitude of patients who will ultimately benefit from the programs, I would like to say thank you for your generous support.

TSFRE was established in 1992 by the four leading American thoracic surgical associations, AATS, STS, WTSA and STSA, to respond to the decrease in research funding from the federal government and institutions for education and research in thoracic surgery. Fourteen years later, these challenges continue.

How does thoracic surgery grow and thrive in an area of regulation and capitation? How can we expect significant innovation and progress with reduced funds and increased competition for research funding? How does the entire profession keep pace with high-speed changes in technology while retraining ourselves to be current? How do we provide for specialized continuing education? We do so by investing our energy and dollars in the future of our specialty now. The Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education is our foundation and the lifeblood of our specialty. It will depend on us to be informed, to fund the research to support our fellow surgeons and our ability to embrace new technology and learn its application.

Over the past several years, TSFRE has become a pivotal force for the growth and vitality of our specialty and its role is increasing, particularly in the areas of research, academic career development and postgraduate education. The efforts of our supporters — through donations or networking — will impact the future of cardiothoracic surgery and the welfare of our patients.

Lawrence H. Cohn, M.D.
President, Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education