The specialty of cardiothoracic surgery has always been defined by two inseparable attributes: the capacity to imagine a future that others cannot see; and a determination to discover and implement the knowledge and practical skills necessary to make that new future a commonplace reality. These attributes are pertinent to understanding the work of the TSFRE Education Committee.

The dissemination of new knowledge about cardiothoracic medicine and providing surgeons with the capability to implement this new knowledge and skills is a critical element to the progress of our specialty. TSFRE enables surgeons to constantly refine and improve their skills as physicians, surgeons and leaders in medicine.

The Foundation offers a variety of educational programming. Most notably, the Health Policy Leadership Program offered in partnership with Brandeis University. This initiative provides a comprehensive, weeklong program that focuses on the changing nature of the nation’s health care system, its management and how physicians can impact that system.

2009 was a year of many educational accomplishments for the Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education

6 Alley-Sheridan Scholars attended the Health Policy and Leadership program offered at 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.

Simulation in Thoracic Surgery Education
A Visioning Simulation Conference was held in April 2007 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. The Foundation believes that cardiothoracic surgery is an ideal specialty to demonstrate and evaluate the use of advanced simulation and other innovative approaches to quality and safety as a model for other highly technical medical specialties. The outcome of this forum has resulted in a new educational simulation grant offered by the Foundation. In January 2009, the Foundation’s Education Committee reviewed 19 proposals for grants to support the demonstration of the application of simulation in thoracic surgery education. The Board of Directors approved $100,000 total for funding 7 of these Simulation Grants.

TSFRE/Edwards Lifesciences New and Emerging Technology Fellowship
This award is providing support of $30,000 to allow for travel, temporary relocation and training costs associated with 3 fellows to spend approximately 3 months learning new and emerging technology and skills.