President's Message

In 2007 the Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education recognized a significant milestone. It was 15 years ago that the Foundation was established 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. Fifteen years later, these challenges continue!

Since TSFRE’s inception, funding cutting-edge research has been the hallmark of our mission. Over the past 15 years TSFRE has recognized the following accomplishments:

• Awarding 85 research grants, fellowships and career development awards, contributing significantly to the progress being made in cardiothoracic research.
• Cultivating partnerships with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI); increasing the dollars available to support cardiothoracic research.
• Funding over $7 million in peer reviewed research!

There has been tremendous expansion in TSFRE’s educational programs as well.

• 192 Alley-Sheridan Scholars have attended the Health Policy and Leadership program offered through Harvard University and Brandeis University. This program has had a profound impact upon the hundreds of surgeons who have attended and gained invaluable insight into the public policy process of the US health care system.
• A Visioning Simulation Conference was held this past April to provide a forum for leaders in thoracic surgery and invited simulation experts to discuss our shared vision for development and use of simulation in education and certification.
• TSFRE has supported the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association with a contribution of $50,000 in 2007 and will continue to do so for the next two years. These unrestricted funds were granted in response to the TSDA’s urgent request to financially support its current programs and its continued efforts to develop core curriculums that will emphasize the significant challenges facing today’s residents.

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. 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. Over the past 15 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 philanthropic participatory index for members of the Foundation’s founding organizations is important as these surgeons know that giving begins at home and TSFRE is their home for research and education. Foundation supporters — through donations or networking — can have a significant impact on the future of cardiothoracic surgery and the welfare of our patients.

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