President's Message

It has been my privilege to serve as the Foundation's President for the past three years and as my term comes to an end I am excited by the significant progress the Foundation has made. This time has afforded me the opportunity to learn and experience first hand the generosity of the members of our specialty in supporting TSFRE's research and educational initiatives. The Foundation has truly 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 post-graduate education.

Since TSFRE’s inception, funding cutting edge research has been the hallmark of our mission. The pages of this report highlight this year’s success stories. In 2010 alone, TSFRE awarded over $528,000 to fund 3 research grants, 4 fellowships and 1 Nina Starr Braunwald Award, contributing significantly to the progress being made in cardiothoracic research. As well, the Foundation continues its partnership with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) by co-funding 4 K08/K23 awards. These partnerships brought the total Foundation research funding commitment to over $1,000,000 in 2010!

There has also been tremendous expansion in TSFRE’s educational programs. Stemming from the success of the 2007 Visioning Simulation Conference, to date 14 Simulation grants have been awarded for a total of $200,000 to increase the development and use of simulation in thoracic surgery education and certification.

The Foundation has also shown its commitment to thoracic surgery education by becoming a founding member of the Joint Council on Thoracic Surgery Education (JCTSE); pledging $1,000,000 payable over the next four years.The major foci of the JCTSE are to improve cardiothoracic surgical resident education, the development of innovative techniques for both resident and post graduate education and the redesign of the resident training paradigm.

I close this chapter with optimism and hope for the future because we have vibrant new programs in research and education. Join me as your Foundation moves ahead and support its efforts with a contribution. Your support will make a tremendous difference in TSFRE’s ability to continue offering these valuable research and educational opportunities and will significantly improve the future of our specialty.

Thank you for your continued support.

Michael J. Mack, M.D.
President
Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education

Back to 2010 Annual Report