Departmental Highlights Archive
2024
Stanford Cancer Institute’s Annual Report 2024: Reshaping Lung Cancer Outcomes
Lung cancer treatment is evolving with advancements in screening, genetics, and minimally invasive surgeries. Stanford Cancer Institute’s annual report highlights Dr. Joseph Shrager, who is pioneering approaches that target early detection, address risk factors, and leverage cutting-edge surgical techniques. See page 18.
2024 Stanford Cancer Institute Annual Report
His career is devoted to closing the Asian American health care gap. Now, he has the cancer that’s afflicting Asians
Dr. Bryant Lin teaches “From Diagnosis to Dialogue: A Doctor’s Real-Time Battle with Cancer” at Stanford Hospital. Lin, who’s never smoked, was diagnosed with nonsmoker lung cancer in May.
December 20, 2024 - San Francisco Chronicle
Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Quarterly Newsletter 2024
This past year has been filled with remarkable milestones and achievements. These moments reflect the dedication and excellence that drive our department's mission forward.
December 19, 2024
Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Joins Research Agreement with Cuorips
In a recent news release, Cuorips, Inc., and its U.S. subsidiary iReheart, Inc., announced a sponsored research agreement with the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery.
December 17, 2024 - Cuorips Inc.
Stanford Health Care designated as Leapfrog Top Hospital
For the fourth consecutive year, Stanford Health Care has received the Leapfrog Top Hospital Award, recognized for its achievements in patient safety and quality.
December 17, 2024 - StanfordMed Pulse
Celebrating Dr. D. Craig Miller's decades of Leadership, Service, and Mentorship at Stanford
The department is honored to celebrate the career of D. Craig Miller, MD, who dedicated his life to improving cardiovascular care through his outstanding leadership, service, and mentorship. Dr. Miller has been integral in shaping the department since his early days as a surgical resident and has provided us with 43 years of service.
December 17, 2024
Dr. Yolonda Colson Speaks at Stanford's Seventh Dr. James B.D. Mark Family Visiting Professor Lecture
Dr. Colson is the Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Hermes C. Grillo Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. She has received multiple National Institutes of Health R01 grants and was recently elected to the National Academy of Medicine. Notably, she is the first woman to serve as the 103rd President of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery during 2022-2023.
December 16, 2024
Dr. Edward B. Stinson Receives Stanford’s J.E. Wallace Sterling Lifetime Achievement Award in Medicine
Each year, the Stanford Medicine Alumni Association honors distinguished alumni for exceptional service to Stanford Medicine and outstanding lifetime contributions to medicine and the biomedical sciences. Edward B. Stinson, MD, the Thelma and Henry Doelger Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery and Emeritus Professor, has been awarded the 2024 J.E. Wallace Sterling Lifetime Achievement Award. Watch video tribute to Dr. Stinson.
December 14, 2024
Stanford’s Thoracic Surgery Division Receives Top Rating for Esophagectomy from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons
“We are honored to receive this recognition from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for our excellence in esophagectomy,” says Joseph Shrager, MD, Professor and Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery in the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery. “This rating reflects our team’s high degree of experience and expertise with this complicated operation, and our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest standard of care for our patients.”
December 4, 2024
A New Era of Mental Health Care for NICU Parents
Some NICUs now embrace a family-centered approach, supporting both critically ill babies and their parents' mental well-being. Austen’s surgeon, Dr. Elisabeth Martin, provided clear, detailed explanations of the surgery, recovery, and lifelong care, helping the family prepare for the road ahead.
November 27, 2024 - Healthier, Happy Lives Blog
Dr. Brandon Guenthart Receives AATS Foundation Norman E. Shumway Research Scholarship
"As a heart and lung transplant surgeon, I am deeply committed to addressing the donor organ shortage in transplantation,” says Dr. Guenthart. “This grant is a vital step toward my goal of becoming an NIH-funded surgeon-scientist, enabling research that will directly impact patient care while also fostering a learning environment for my team across all levels."
November 18, 2024
Stanford 2024 CVI Seed Grant Award Recipients: Dr. Ngan Huang and Dr. John W. MacArthur
The Stanford Cardiovascular Institute supports innovative research projects through seed grants for projects that improve cardiovascular health. These grants encourage interdisciplinary collaborations and incorporate diversity to better serve minority patients, conduct research identifying and overcoming disparities of care, and other innovative ideas.
November 13, 2024
Dr. Elan Burton to Co-Lead Inaugural Clinician Educator Council at Stanford
As co-lead of the new council, Dr. Burton will also serve as a member of the CE Task Force Steering Committee within the Stanford School of Medicine. Her role will include working with the team to develop, pilot, and implement recommendations by the steering committee and council.
November 12, 2024
Repairing Valves, Repairing Lives: Dr. Taweesak Chotivatanapong Featured at Stanford's Seventh Dr. Lawrence H. and Mrs. Roberta Cohn Visiting Professor Lecture
Dr. Chotivatanapong is the Chairman of the International Academic Institute Program and Senior Consultant at Central Chest Institute of Thailand. He serves as a Senior Consultant at Vejthani Hospital in Thailand, is a councilor of the Asian Society of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, and is an active member of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery.
November 12, 2024
Stanford Medcast: Dr. Natalie Lui on Improving Outcomes with Lung Cancer Screening
In this episode of Stanford Medcast, Dr. Natalie Lui talks about lung cancer screening and the importance of early detection, as well as current research, recent updates to guidelines, barriers to screening in underserved communities.
November 11, 2024
Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection and Screening
Stanford thoracic surgeons and researchers such as Natalie Lui, MD, are working to raise awareness about the importance of early lung cancer screening. She is also spearheading clinical and research efforts to further understand lung cancer and develop improved treatments for the disease.
November 9, 2024
The 46 Best Hospitals In California: New National Ranking
Newsweek and Statista analyzed several quality metrics to determine the best hospitals in all 50 states. Forty-six hospitals have been ranked the best in the Golden State in a new report from Newsweek. Stanford Hospital was the top-ranked hospital in California and received a Patient Experience Award.
November 7, 2024 - Patch
2024 Stanford CVI Fall Quarterly Newsletter
This issue showcases several CT Surgery faculty members: Dr. Leah Backhus (Bert J. Ginsberg Lectureship Award). Dr. Ngan Huang (NIH R01 grant). Dr. Brandon Guenthart (Norman Shumway Research Scholar and AATS Foundation Grant). Dr. John W. MacArthur (CVI Seed Grant). Dr. Yasuhiro Shudo (advancements in organ preservation devices). Drs. Maria Currie and Pierre Theodore (CVI Innovation Award).
November 4, 2024 - Stanford Cardiovascular Institute
Insights and Lessons from the Ross Procedure: Dr. Vaughn Starnes Presents at Stanford's Twelfth Norman E. Shumway, MD, PhD, Visiting Professor Lecture
Dr. Starnes is the Distinguished Professor and Chair of the University of Southern California Department of Surgery and the H. Russell Smith Foundation Chair for Stem Cell and Cardiovascular Thoracic Research at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He is a globally recognized surgeon known for pioneering contributions in congenital and adult cardiac surgery.
November 1, 2024
Dr. Patpilai Kasinpila to Lead the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
“I am honored to step into the role of Division Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at SCVMC. I am looking forward to working alongside such a dedicated team of surgeons and staff to deliver the highest level of cardiac and thoracic care to our patients in Santa Clara County," says Dr. Kasinpila.
October 31, 2024
Celebrating Trailblazers in Cardiothoracic Surgery: Thoracic Surgery Medical Association Spotlights Dr. Chawannuch Ruangsri in Success Stories Series
In this TMSA highlight, Dr. Ruangsri shared valuable insights from her personal journey, detailing the challenges she has overcome, her experience performing cardiothoracic surgery in developing and underserved areas, and her future goals in advancing equitable healthcare access.
October 25, 2024
Cardiothoracic Surgery Celebrates Filipino American History Month
In honor of Filipino American History Month, the department hosted a special luncheon to celebrate the rich heritage and contributions of the Filipino American community on October 16, 2024
October 25, 2024 - Filipino-American Community at Stanford
America's Best-in-State Hospitals 2025 (Stanford Health Care ranks #1 in California)
This year's rankings include facilities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The rankings were compiled using quality metrics from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the AHA Annual Survey of Hospitals Database, a nationwide online survey among medical professionals, results from HCAHPS patient experience surveys and a voluntary PROMs (Patient-Reported Outcome Measures) implementation survey. Stanford Health Care ranks #1 in California.
October 23, 2024 - Newsweek
6 children's hospitals leading in AI
These institutions are pioneering innovative AI projects that enhance diagnostics, optimize patient care, and streamline administrative processes. By leveraging advanced technologies such as machine learning and natural language processing, these hospitals are not only improving patient outcomes but also setting new standards for how AI can be utilized in the healthcare sector.
October 17, 2024 - Becker's Health IT
A doctor, his cancer journey and a uniquely teachable moment
A new course, "From Diagnosis to Dialogue: A Doctor's Real-Time Battle with Cancer," features the personal lung cancer journey of a Stanford physician. Thoracic surgeon Natalie Lui, MD, was a guest speaker on the first day of class, discussing the deadliness of lung cancer and relevant statistics.
October 16, 2024 - Stanford Medicine Scope
Celebrating Trailblazers in Cardiothoracic Surgery: Thoracic Surgery Medical Association Spotlights Dr. Élan Burton in Success Stories Series
In this TMSA highlight, Dr. Burton shares valuable insights from her personal journey, detailing the challenges she has overcome and offering advice to future surgeons.
October 16, 2024
Advancing Women in Thoracic Surgery: Stanford at the WTS Inaugural Conference
Several members of the Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Department attended the 2024 Women in Thoracic Surgery Inaugural Annual Conference in San Diego, California. Attendees included cardiothoracic surgery faculty Leah Backhus, MD, MPH, Elan Burton, MD, MHA, Irmina Elliott, MD, and Natalie Lui, MD, and Stanford research resident Carolyn Chang, MD.
October 16, 2024
Advancements in Cardiovascular Care: Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery at the 2024 Cardiovascular Symposium
The event featured faculty experts covering topics such as advances in heart failure therapies and treatments, current and future structural heart interventions, updates in coronary artery disease and vascular surgery, and atrial fibrillation ablation and surgery.
October 15, 2024
Newsweek: World's Best Smart Hospitals and Specialized Hospitals 2025
Stanford Hospital and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford are included in Newsweek’s list of World’s Best Smart Hospitals and World's Best Specialized Hospitals for 2025.
October 10, 2024
Department Quarterly Newsletter 2024 Summer
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery presents its latest quarterly newsletter, featuring key updates in clinical care, research, and education. View it online or download the PDF version.
October 8, 2024
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford Continues to Rank Among Top Children’s Hospitals in the Nation
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford has once again been recognized as one of the nation’s leading pediatric medical centers, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2024–25 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings. Notably, the hospital earned top recognition in heart surgery, highlighting its continued leadership in pediatric specialty care.
October 8, 2024 - Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford
Abdominal Transplant Research Symposium 2024
The Stanford Division of Abdominal Transplantation hosted its inaugural research symposium, bringing together faculty, researchers, and clinicians with an interest in organ transplantation. The event included a keynote presentation by Dr. Brandon Guenthart on "Heart and Lung Ex Vivo Perfusion: Clinical Applications and Future Directions."
October 4, 2024 - Stanford Division of Abdominal Transplantation
Top U.S. surgeon comes to Poland to perform complex pediatric surgeries
During his two-week stay, Professor Richard Mainwaring from Stanford Medicine Children’s Hospital will operate on four young patients at the Upper Silesian Child Health Center in Katowice, alongside local cardiac surgeons, the Polish Press Agency reported.
October 3, 2024 - TVP World
Dr. Ngan Huang and Team Win 2024 NAM Healthy Longevity Catalyst Award for Space-Based Sarcopenia Research
This prestigious award is part of NAM's global competition, which fosters innovative research to improve health as people age.
October 1, 2024
Dr. Leah Backhus Honored with 2024 IASLC Robert J. Ginsberg Lectureship Award
Presented annually at the World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC), the Robert J. Ginsberg Lectureship Award recognizes leaders who have made significant contributions to the lung cancer community.
October 1, 2024
Parents Express Gratitude in a Heartbeat for the Strength of Stanford’s Pediatric Network
Parents Egan and Elain Lim are grateful to Frank Hanley, MD, and his team for successfully performing open-heart surgery on Ellie, who was born with a ventricular septal defect, a hole in her heart.
September 27, 2024
Students and Trainees in Cardiothoracic Surgery Excel at Cardiovascular Research Symposium
The event showcased a range of innovative research projects, with summer students and trainees under the mentorship of our faculty receiving top honors and recognition for their presentations.
September 19, 2024
Shaping the Future of Cardiothoracic Surgery: Insights from Dr. Michael Fischbein at the 2024 Annual Western Thoracic Surgical Association Meeting
In his presidential address, titled The Unwritten Chapters of Tomorrow Beckon Us: Role of the 4th Industrial Revolution in Cardiothoracic Surgery, Dr. Fischbein discussed the importance of surgeon-scientists in shaping the future of medicine.
September 16, 2024
Stanford Cardiovascular Health Innovation Award: Optimization of Cardiac Transplant Donation, Assessment, and Acceptance
This award provides clinical innovation funds to recipients who focus on enhancing clinical efficiency, advancing patient flow, and promoting patient progression.
September 13, 2024
Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery at the 2024 STS Boot Camp
The four-day intensive event provided hands-on training in essential cardiothoracic operating skills, offering trainees with practical experience in a simulated, high-pressure clinical environment.
September 11, 2024
Addressing Lung Cancer in Asian Americans: Screening, Treatment, and Advancements - September of 2024
In this session, featuring Thoracic Surgeon Natalie Lui, MD, she discusses the current lung cancer screening guidelines from the United States Preventive Services Task Force and explores efforts to increase screening rates, particularly for Asian Americans.
September 10, 2024 - Stanford CARE
How space became a place for the study of aging
Why the human body declines faster in space is still largely a mystery, but microgravity offers scientists a unique opportunity to study markers associated with aging on an accelerated timeline.
September 6, 2024 - Stanford Report
How space became a place for the study of aging
"Microgravity is almost like an accelerated disease-forming platform and environment," said Ngan Huang, PhD, associate professor of cardiothoracic surgery and senior author of the study published recently in Stem Cell Reports.
September 6, 2024 - Stanford Medicine Scope
Stanford Medicine Achieves National Recognitions in Cardiovascular and Cardiothoracic Surgery Care
Stanford Medicine faculty continually distinguish themselves as national leaders with appointments to prominent medical associations, including Joseph Woo, MD, Michael Fischbein, MD, PhD, and Anson Lee, MD.
September 2, 2024 - Stanford Health Care
Total Beating Heart Transplantation: An Interview with Dr. Stefan Elde
In this interview, Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident Stefan Elde, MD, discusses total beating heart transplants with CTSNet, covering techniques, outcomes, challenges, and his professional background, along with next research steps.
August 28, 2024 - CTS Net
Lab-Grown Muscle Launched into Space to Learn What Happens to Astronauts
To understand the effects of microgravity on muscles, Ngan Huang, PhD, and her research team launched muscle chips—bioengineered packages of oriented muscle cells on patterned biomaterials that mimic the structure of real muscles—into space to grow for seven days under astronauts' care.
August 28, 2024 - The Wall Street Journal
New Course on "A Doctor's Real-Time Battle with Cancer" Features Guest Speakers, Including Dr. Natalie Lui
A new Stanford course will start this fall, titled "MED 275: From Diagnosis to Dialogue: A Doctor's Real-Time Battle with Cancer." Guest speakers for the lecture will include Dr. Natalie Lui.
August 25, 2024 - The Stanford Daily
2024 Stanford CVH Innovation Fund Awards: Cardiothoracic Surgery Among Award Recipients
Each year, Stanford Cardiovascular Health awards clinical innovation funds to recipients focused on enhancing clinical efficiency, advancing patient flow, and promoting patient progression. This year’s awardees include several members from the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery.
August 23, 2024
Stanford Cardiovascular Health Innovation Award: Pioneering AI-Driven Heart Failure Care
A team of surgeons from the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery has been awarded the 2024 Stanford Cardiovascular Health Innovation Fund Award. This award provides clinical innovation funds to recipients who focus on enhancing clinical efficiency, advancing patient flow, and promoting patient progression.
August 23, 2024
Simulations Reveal Optimal Strategy for Surgery
Michael Ma, MD, is the senior author of a recent study that looked at computational models to prototype new surgical geometries without putting patients at risk. Findings from the study were published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.
August 14, 2024 - Stanford Cardiovascular Institute
2024 Stanford CVI Summer Quarterly Newsletter
The 2024 Stanford CVI Summer Quarterly Newsletter highlights recent news, research discoveries, and awards across our institute. CT Surgery Faculty highlights include: Ngan Huang, PhD (Award, Research and upcoming CV Med courses), Yuanjia Zhu, MD (Oriental Rising Star’ Award), Michael Ma, MD (Publication), Tomi Obafemi, MD (CVI Summer Research).
August 14, 2024 - Stanford Cardiovascular Institute
Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgeons Perform First-In-World Heart-Lung Transplant with Advanced Lung Preservation Device
Stanford cardiothoracic surgeons were one of the first in the world to use a newly released second-generation lung protection device, called BAROguard™, for a heart-liver organ transplant and performed the first-in-world heart-lung transplant with the device.
August 9, 2024
Human muscle cells come back from space, look aged
It turns out that space triggers processes in human muscles that eerily resemble something we know very well: getting old. “We learned that microgravity mimics some of the qualities of accelerated aging,” said Ngan F. Huang, an associate professor at Stanford who led the study.
August 2, 2024 – Ars Technica
ATVB Women’s Leadership Committee: Mentor of Women Award Luncheon Focuses on Women and Internationally Trained Scholars in Academic Medicine
Ngan Huang, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Ngan recently attended the Vascular Discovery 2024 conference, the Council of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology (ATVB) annual luncheon. Hosted by the Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC), Ngan provides highlights from the event.
August 2, 2024 – ATVB_net
Heart-Lung Transplant Patient Going Strong, Reaching Dreams at 16-Year Mark - Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Blog
Needing a heart-lung transplant has not kept ToneeRose Legaspi from living a full life. She recently completed the final step in preparing for her dream career: becoming a librarian.
August 1, 2024 – Healthier, Happy Lives Blog
Stanford Ranks Among U.S. News’ Top Hospitals and High CMS Star Ratings
Then U.S. News & World Report published its "Best Hospitals" rankings in July, naming 20 hospitals to this year's honor roll. Stanford Health Care was among the top hospitals to earn this recognition and has also earned a five-star rating from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rankings.
July 31, 2024 - Becker's Hospital Review
Dr. Ngan F. Huang Co-Authors Research on Career Advancement for Women in Academia
Ngan Huang, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford Medicine with an active research portfolio and a huge promoter of women’s advancement and an advocate of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
July 30, 2024
Scientists test drugs to reverse muscle loss in space
“On earth, sarcopenia usually takes decades to develop [in individuals] and we think that microgravity may accelerate the disease process in orders of days,” says Dr Ngan F Huang, associate professor, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford University.
July 26, 2024 – Happiest Health
Podcast: Dr. Ngan F. Huang on muscles in microgravity
In this BBC-affiliated news podcast, Ngan F. Huang shares her team’s exciting opportunity to work with the International Space Station to engineer 'muscles on chips' in space to study muscle regeneration and aging.
July 26, 2024 – The Naked Scientist
Space travel may make muscles age extremely quickly
We know that astronauts are at risk of losing bone density and muscle mass due to extremely low gravity in space. Now, Ngan Huang at Stanford University in California and her colleagues have analyzed the effects of microgravity on muscle cell genetics.
July 25, 2024 – NewScientist
Dr. Eldrin F. Lewis Appointed President of the Western States American Heart Association
Eldrin F. Lewis, MD, MPH, the Simon H. Stertzer, MD, Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, has been named president of the American Heart Association for the Western States region.
July 25, 2024
Dr. Backhus on Surgical Eligibility in Borderline Resectable NSCLC
Leah Backhus, MD, MPH, FACS, discusses the evolving definition of surgical resectability in patients with borderline resectable NSCLC.
July 23, 2024 – OncLive
Ngan Huang to Receive the Inaugural 2024 Elena Aikawa Trailblazer Award
Ngan Huang, PhD, Associate Professor of Research in the Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, has been awarded the 2024 Elena Aikawa Trailblazer Award by the International Society for Applied Cardiovascular Biology.
July 19, 2024
Honoring the ‘Miracle Days’ of Transplant Patients
Former patients and their families traveled from all over California to celebrate 50 years of pediatric heart transplants and 35 years of pediatric lung transplants at Stanford.
July 18, 2024 – Healthier, Happy Lives Blog
Stanford Hospital Receives Top Honors in U.S. News & World Report Hospital Rankings
The U.S. News & World Report recognizes Stanford Health Care among the nation’s top hospital for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, and for pulmonary and lung surgery.
July 17, 2024
2024-2025 REGIONAL RANK: Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford Ranks #3 in California and #3 in Pacific
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford in Palo Alto, CA is nationally ranked in 10 pediatric specialties and rated high performing in 1 adult procedure or condition.
July 17, 2024 – US News & World Report
Celebrating decades of excellence saving young transplant patients
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health is celebrating 50 years of pediatric heart transplants and more than 35 years of pediatric lung transplants. These milestones have a special significance, as Stanford was the site of the first successful human heart transplant in the United States, performed by cardiothoracic surgeon Norman Shumway, MD, PhD, in 1968.
July 11, 2024 – Stanford Medicine Children’s Health
Transplant Recipient Celebrates Impressive 40-Year ‘Heart-Aversary’ in a Remarkable Year for Stanford
The pediatric heart transplantation program at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health is one of the oldest and largest programs in the world. Lizzy’s important 2024 milestone aligns with Stanford’s own remarkable milestone of providing pediatric heart transplants for 50 years.
July 11, 2024 – Healthier, Happy Lives Blog
Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Leads the Way at WTSA's 50th Annual Meeting
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery took center stage at the Western Thoracic Surgical Association (WTSA) at the Hythe in Vail, Colorado, from June 26-29, 2024, to showcase its latest clinical and research advancements.
July 11, 2024
Dr. Yasuhiro Shudo Breaks New Ground with Lung Preservation Device
Heart surgeons within the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford University are committed to researching and innovating to improve patient care and outcomes.
July 8, 2024
Department Quarterly Newsletter 2024 Spring
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery releases its spring issue of the quarterly newsletter! This issue highlights the latest news and updates in clinical care, research, and education. View online or PDF version.
July 2, 2024
Dr. Chawannuch Ruaengsri Named Director of the Transplant Procurement Surgery Program
Chawannuch Ruaengsri, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Stanford University School of Medicine, has been named Director of the Transplant Procurement Surgery Program, effective June 2024.
June 25, 2024
Department celebrates graduating cardiothoracic surgery residents and trainees
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery recently celebrated the graduation of residents and trainees from the Integrated Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency program, the Traditional Thoracic Surgery Fellowship program, and Clinical Instructorship at a celebratory dinner held at the Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center, Stanford University, on June 18, 2024.
June 19, 2024
New Residents and Fellows Join Department Starting Summer 2024
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery will welcome five new residents and fellows to the department starting this summer 2024.
June 17, 2024
Dr. Yuanjia Zhu: Honored with the 'Oriental Rising Star' Award at ASCVTS 2024
Yuanjia Zhu, MD, was recently recognized with the prestigious "Oriental Rising Star" Award at the 32nd Annual Meeting of the Asian Society for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (ASCVTS), held in Wuhan, China from May 23-26, 2024.
June 12, 2024
2024 Stanford Pride Parade
This year, the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery co-sponsored the 4th Annual Pride Parade on June 5, 2024. Over 100 Stanford Medicine staff and faculty members, trainees, and samba dancers marched for LGBTQ+ awareness and equal rights.
June 6, 2024 – StanfordMed Pulse
Stanford Hospital Honored with 2024 Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award
For the fifth time in a row, Stanford Hospital receives recognition from the American Heart Association and the Mitral Foundation for excellence in mitral valve repair.
June 4, 2024
ATVB In Focus: Pioneering Vascular Bioengineering with Dr. Ngan Huang
Ngan Huang, PhD, Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Stanford School of Medicine, was recently invited to contribute to the "ATVB In Focus Series" by the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.
June 1, 2024
Stanford Medicine, News Center, May Recognitions
Stanford Medicine professors were elected to a variety of medical associations and societies, with one named vice president; Dr. Joseph Woo.
June 1, 2024 – Stanford Medicine News Center
Dr. Louis Capecci: Dedicated Heart Surgeon, Scholar, and Colleague
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery is sad to announce the passing of Louis "Lou" Capecci, MD, who died on March 11, 2024, at the age of 40, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
May 13, 2024
Stanford Heart Team Keeps Extremely Ill Baby Alive With Finesse and Teamwork
"Our options were limited. She showed up extremely ill and with an acute viral infection, and that’s not a good time for surgery," says Elisabeth Martin, MD, CT surgeon at Stanford Children’s cardiothoracic surgeon and the surgical director of the Pulmonary Artery Reconstruction Program.
May 13, 2024 – Healthier, Happy Lives Blog
Department Announces Naming of Translational Cardiothoracic Surgeon Scientist Visiting Professorship after Dr. Edward B. Stinson
The department is honored to announce the naming of the Translational Cardiothoracic Surgeon Scientist Visiting Professorship after Edward B. Stinson, MD, a pioneer in heart transplantation and a world-renowned cardiothoracic surgeon-scientist known for his groundbreaking clinical and translational research contributions to cardiac surgery.
May 9, 2024
Dr. Joseph Woo Named Vice President of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery
Joseph Woo, MD, the Norman E. Shumway Professor and Chair of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, has been named Vice President of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) for the 2024-2025 term. This appointment puts Dr. Woo in line to become the 107th AATS President for 2026-2027.
May 9, 2024
ACS Member News May 2024, Backhus Receives Named Professorship at Stanford
Dr. Backhus serves as chief of thoracic surgery at the VA Palo Alto Health Care in California, as well as co-director of the Thoracic Surgery Clinical Research Program and associate program director of the thoracic track in the CT Surgery Residency Training Program, both with Stanford Medicine.
May 8, 2024
Highlighting Departmental Clinical and Research Excellence at the AATS 104th Annual Meeting
Gathering experts from across the globe with an interest in cardiothoracic surgery, this five-day event served as a platform to learn about the latest advancements in clinical care for adult cardiac, general thoracic, congenital, and transplant surgery.
May 8, 2024
AATS Aortic Symposium 2024 Review
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery showcased its clinical and research expertise at the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) Aortic Symposium, April 25 - 26, 2024 at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, New York, NY.
May 8, 2024
TAVI Use Rising in Young US Patients, Yet Another Analysis Shows
The findings, presented at the American Association for Thoracic Surgery 2024 meeting, showed a growing trend of TAVI performed in patients under the age of 60 and 65, respectively, with the former also showing worse mortality outcomes compared with SAVR. Statements from Dr. Craig Miller.
May 6, 2024
Fellowship Match Day 2024: Department welcomes two new cardiothoracic surgery residents
On May 1, the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery welcomed two new residents to the Traditional Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship program.
May 6, 2024
Strong Research Presentations from Cardiothoracic Surgery Engaged the International Transplant Community
At the recent 44th International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) annual meeting, the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery showcased their groundbreaking advancements in heart and lung transplantation, along with pioneering work from the Advanced Lung Support Program.
May 1, 2024
Groundbreaking Insights into Xenotransplantation: Dr. Bartley Griffith's Talk at Stanford's Third Bruce A. Reitz, MD, Visiting Professor Lecture
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery was honored to welcome Bartley P. Griffith, MD, a world-renowned cardiac surgeon and pioneer in xenotransplantation, as the Third Bruce A. Reitz, MD, Visiting Professor.
May 1, 2024
Dr. Leah Backhus Elected to the American Surgical Association
"It is a huge vote of confidence from your peers that validates the hard work you have put into your craft. It is very validating and really recharges your desire to do more," says Dr. Backhus, who practices at the Stanford main hospital and is Chief of Thoracic Surgery at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care.
May 1, 2024
Tween Misses Old Heart but Grateful for New One After Transplant
A multispecialty Stanford heart team takes heroic measures to ensure a good outcome for a complex heart transplant.
April 26, 2024
2024 Stanford Pride Parade
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery is excited to co-sponsor the 4th Annual Pride Parade on Stanford campus! Pride flags and swag items will be passed out while quantities last. All are welcome.
April 16, 2024
Low-Dose CT Scans Can Save Countless Lives From Lung Cancer. So Why Aren't People Getting Them?
With far better accuracy rates than previously thought, this exam could be a real game-changer for high-risk groups. That’s a big deal, says Natalie Lui, MD, the surgical director of Stanford’s Lung Cancer Screening Program in California.
April 12, 2024
Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Quarterly Newsletter 2024
The Department experienced exciting developments in the first few months of 2024.
April 3, 2024
Podcast: Same Surgeon, Different Light with Dr. Lillian Tsai
Dr. David T. Cooke talks with Dr. Angelica Martin, UC Davis Health, and Dr. Lillian Tsai, Stanford Medicine, about their career journeys and the people who have been a positive influence on them. Lillian Tsai, MD is a PGY6, General Thoracic Surgery Fellow, in our current Traditional CT Surgery Fellowship
April 2, 2024
Elevating Innovation in Cardiothoracic Surgery: Insights from Dr. Joon Bum Kim's Translational Surgeon Scientist Visiting Professor Lecture
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery was excited to host the 5th Translational Surgeon Scientist Visiting Professor Lecture by Joon Bum Kim, MD, PhD, Professor and Chief of the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Director of the Aortic Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea.
April 1, 2024
Dr. Ngan F. Huang Inducted into the 2024 Class of the AIMBE College of Fellows
In a recent press release, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) announced the induction of Ngan F. Huang, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Stanford University School of Medicine to its College of Fellows.
March 28, 2024
Healthier, Happy Lives: A Heart Ready for Everything
Lifelong care from the Pulmonary Artery Reconstruction program at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford has helped Nicholas achieve more than anyone might ever have imagined. Nicholas, now 13, recently ran the fastest mile in his class and was a first pick for the flag football team at his school in South Carolina, where he was born.
March 27, 2024
Match Day 2024: Three new interns join cardiothoracic surgery residency program
Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery welcomed three new residents to the Integrated Cardiothoracic Surgical Training Program. Please join us in welcoming Ellelan Degife from Yale University School of Medicine, Sofia Hu from Harvard Medical School, and Benjamin Shou from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine to the department!
March 27, 2024
For Top-Performing Heart Transplant Program, Innovation Is Key to Success
The recently released biannual statistics from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients has once again ranked Stanford Health Care’s Heart Transplant Program as one of the best in the country.
March 26, 2024
Black women surgeons break barriers and save lives
Two of Stanford Medicine’s boldest and brightest female cardiothoracic surgeons—Leah Backhus, MD, MPH, FACS, and Elan Burton, MD, MHA—came together recently to make history by completing a highly complex combined heart-lung tumor resection.
March 25, 2024
Embracing Tomorrow's Surgeons: Stanford CT Surgery's Match Day Excitement
During the lead-up to Match Day, the department took the week to reflect on all the hard work, accomplishments, and day-to-day life of a few of our trainees.
March 22, 2024
New DCD heart transplant technique could reduce risk of serious injury
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine recently published a study in JAMA Network Open about their use of the "beating heart" transplant procedure using DCD organs in 10 patients. They found it to be safe and associated with key benefits.
March 19, 2024
The Surgeon’s Role in Managing Patients with Resectable NSCLC
In this video, Dr. Leah Backhus, thoracic surgeon and professor of cardiothoracic surgery at Stanford Medicine, discusses the surgeon’s role in managing patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer.
March 8, 2024
Celebrating Women’s History Month: Recognizing women in cardiothoracic surgery
In celebration of Women's History Month in March and International Women's Day on March 8th, we are spotlighting some of the remarkable women faculty members within the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery. We aim to showcase their impactful contributions, from the operating room to their research labs to global health initiatives.
March 7, 2024
Aravind Krishnan, MD Awarded Prestigious TSMA Trainee Teaching Award
Each year, the Thoracic Surgery Medical Student Association selects two outstanding residents or fellows in cardiothoracic surgery to receive the TSMA Trainee Teaching Award. This year’s pick is one of our own, Aravind Krishnan, MD who in his 4th year of CT surgery residency and currently completing his mentored post-doctoral research fellowship.
March 7, 2024
Spotlight: Dr. Lye-Yeng Wong
Lye-Yeng Wong is a general surgery resident from Oregon Health Sciences University currently in her professional development years working in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery. She has been involved in prior global surgery activities and joined the ENTRUST team about 18 months ago under Drs. Cara Liebert and Dana Lin.
March 6, 2024
Stanford Medicine researchers receive funding from Wellcome Leap Initiative
Wellcome Leap has selected three Stanford Medicine investigators, including Dr. Billie-Jean Martin from the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, to receive funding through its Surgery, Assess, Validate, Expand Program.
March 6, 2024
Dr. Leah Backhus named Thelma and Henry Doelger Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery
Dr. Backhus serves as Chief of Thoracic Surgery at the Palo Alto VA Health Care System, Co-Director of the Thoracic Surgery Clinical Research Program, and Associate Program Director, Thoracic Track, CT Surgery Residency Training Program. Her surgical practice consists of general thoracic surgery with special emphasis on thoracic oncology and minimally invasive surgical techniques. She joined the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford University in 2015.
March 5, 2024
Parents seek help in their fight to save 'Gideon the Brave'
Once the Scheutzows knew what was going on with their baby, the entire family went to Palo Alto, California, in December 2019 to meet Dr. Frank Hanley, a physician with Stanford Medicine who has pioneered a surgery to save children like Gideon.
March 4, 2024
Newsweek: World's Best Hospitals 2024 (Stanford Health Care)
Each hospital's score is based on an online survey of more than 85,000 medical experts and public data from post-hospitalization patient surveys on their general satisfaction. The score also considers metrics on things like hygiene and patient/doctor ratio as well as a Statista survey on whether hospitals use Patient Reported Outcome Measures, which are standardized questionnaires completed by patients to assess their experience and results.
March 4, 2024
Dr. Anson Lee nominated into prestigious American Association for Thoracic Surgery
We are thrilled to announce that Anson Lee, MD, Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery with Stanford Medicine is now a member of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Members are nominated by current members who complete a lengthy application process, including three sponsors.
March 4, 2024
Stanford designated a Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association Center of Excellence
The Stanford Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center, recognized as a Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association Center of Excellence, offers specialized care for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Leveraging Stanford's extensive expertise and experience in managing a substantial volume of HCM cases, the center provides patients with access to resources and knowledge specific to their conditions.
March 1, 2024
Gift of Life Celebrated at Warriors’ African American Heritage Night
During African American Heritage Night at Chase Center, seven Stanford Medicine Children’s Health transplant patients had the honor to stand next to their favorite Golden State Warriors’ players during the National Anthem. The “Anthem Buddies” were being celebrated as they all went through or are going through a transplant journey.
February 19, 2024
Hot Topics Mini-Series - Beating Heart Transplant
Featuring Dr. Brandon Guenthart, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford Medicine. Dr. Guenthart explores the conditions requiring heart transplantation, addresses the scarcity of donor hearts, and discusses its impact on patients awaiting transplants.
February 19, 2024
CT Surgery Faculty Featured in CVI Winter Quarterly
The latest CVI newsletter is filled with numerous updates and commendable achievements from the Stanford Health Care and Stanford School of Medicine team.
February 13, 2024
Boy Tames His Single Ventricle Condition With His Lion Heart
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health provides specialized heart care to give Judah the best possible outcome
February 12, 2024
Advancing Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering: Recent Grants Propel Research of Ngan F. Huang
Dr. Huang is a Principal Investigator at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System and has recently been awarded multiple prestigious grants for her groundbreaking work in Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering.
February 9, 2024
Stanford's Cardiothoracic Surgeons and Residents Shine at 60th Annual STS Conference
The 60th Annual Society for Thoracic Surgery (STS) conference held in San Antonio, TX, from January 27th to 29th, 2024, brought together a plethora of distinguished professionals in the field of cardiothoracic surgery.
February 9, 2024
Women Build Bonds and Break Ceilings to Redefine Leadership in Cardiothoracic Surgery
As with many aspects of career development, gender plays a significant role both inwardly and outwardly. It shapes how we relate to others and how they relate to us. It also is a social construct that is deeply rooted in history.
February 7, 2024
Dr. Elisabeth Martin Named Surgical Director of Pediatric Pulmonary Artery Reconstruction
Leaders within the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Department at Stanford Medicine selected Dr. Martin for her international reputation of being an exceptionally-skilled heart surgeon, and her deep knowledge of the PAR program at Stanford Children’s Health.
February 7, 2024
Dr. Michael Ma Named Division Chief of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
This announcement reflects Dr. Ma’s deep commitment and appreciation for the culture of the Moore Children’s Heart Center, which unifies the cardiothoracic surgery team around improving the lives of children with groundbreaking, advanced cardiothoracic surgeries.
February 7, 2024
Faculty Spotlight: Regenerative Bioengineer, Ngan Huang
Ngan Huang, PhD is Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and, by courtesy, of Chemical Engineering. Her research investigates the interactions between stem cells and extracellular matrix microenvironment for engineering cardiovascular tissues to treat cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases.
February 6, 2024
Stanford Cardiothoracic Transplantation Summit A Success
Cardiothoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, cardiologists, nurse specialists, transplant coordinators, pharmacists, and dieticians congregated from around the world in Vail, Colorado from January 20 - 23, 2024.
February 6, 2024
World Cancer Day: Stanford Cancer Researchers Drive Progress in Closing the Care Gap
In honor of the 2024 World Cancer Day theme “Close the Care Gap,” we are highlighting a few Stanford cancer researchers—including the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery's Dr. Natalie Lui—working to close the care gap in diverse populations through screening, clinical trials, prevention, and community engagement.
February 2024
Celebrating Black Excellence in Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford Medicine
In the spirit of Black History Month 2024, Stanford Medicine and Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Department pays tribute to the immeasurable contributions of Black Americans, emphasizing their pivotal role in advancing the institution's mission and enriching its cultural fabric.
February 5, 2024
Heart Health Month 2024
We express our gratitude to all departments at Stanford for their support of Heart Month, and all that it represents. Here is a snapshot of the ongoing efforts to improve heart care at Stanford, and Heart Month events across campus.
February 5, 2024
Girl Faces Open-Heart Surgery With Strength, Humor, and Grace
Los Gatos family has nothing but gratitude for daughter’s heart care at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health
February 1, 2024
Dr. Michael Fischbein named Thelma and Henry Doelger Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery is pleased to share the news of the appointment of Michael Fischbein, MD, PhD, Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, as the Thelma and Henry Doelger Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery.
January 29, 2024
Unveiling Visual Excellence: Stanford's Adult Chest Wall Surgery Program - New Patient Education and Patience Experience Videos
The Thoracic Surgery team at the Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Department is proud to announce the release of new patient experience and education videos focused on the comprehensive care provided by their Adult Chest Wall Surgery Program. This program, led by Dr. Leah Backhus, encompasses a multidisciplinary approach to chest wall reconstruction, ensuring that patients with chest wall tumors receive holistic and specialized care.
January 26, 2024
Dr. Yihan Lin receives funding to study maternal and fetal outcomes in Rwandan women with mechanical heart valves
Yihan Lin, MD, MPH, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford School of Medicine, has been awarded a Clinician Educator Award from the Stanford Maternal and Child Health Research Institute to support her project on maternal and fetal health outcomes in low-income countries.
January 25, 2024
Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Michael Ma, Leads Humanitarian Mission to Vietnam
Michael Ma, MD, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon with the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford Medicine, completed his first-ever humanitarian mission as the lead, solo surgeon and co-leader of a prominent North American team. The mission took place near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and included 20 to 25 pediatric specialists from prominent children’s hospitals around North America, with six from Stanford Medicine Children’s Health.
January 25, 2024
Healthgrades Names America’s Best Hospitals for 2024 – Stanford Ranks in top 50
In a press release, Healthgrades stated that its rankings “recognize the national leaders in overall clinical excellence and the top-ranked hospitals for specialty care by state.” Read article here. Healthgrades announced its 2024 America’s Best Hospitals Awards and State Rankings. Stanford Healthcare received top rankings for the state of California.
January 23, 2024
How to Manage Scanxiety and Fear of Lung Cancer Recurrence
Scanxiety can occur at all stages of evaluation, treatment, and surveillance for lung cancer, says Natalie Lui, MD, an assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery at Stanford Medicine in Palo Alto, California.
January 19, 2024
2024 Translational Surgeon Scientist Visiting Professor
It is our honor to welcome Dr. Joon Bum Kim, Chair of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea, as our 2024 Translational Surgeon Scientist Visiting Professor on Friday, February 9th, 2024, from 8:00 – 9:00 AM in Room LK101 in Li Ka Shing Center for Learning and Knowledge on the 1st Floor. RSVP here.
January 12, 2024
Inspiration Found at 6th Annual Dr. James B.D. Mark Family Visiting Professor Lecture
Once again, the annual Dr. James B.D. Mark Family Visiting Professor Lecture attracted a nationally-respected guest who inspired a crowd of colleagues, fellows, and residents with the latest advances in thoracic surgery. This year marked the sixth annual occurrence of the event, which is a part of the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Visiting Professors and Lecture Series, started in 2008.
January 12, 2024
2023 Stanford Cardiovascular Institute Seed Grant Awardees
The Stanford Cardiovascular Institute recently announced its 2023 Seed Grant Award Recipients, including three awarded to the Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Department.
January 9, 2024
Podcast: “What You Need to Know About the Sternotomy” with Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Mark Francis Berry
Dr. Mark Berry guides us through a virtual, detailed journey starting from the initial preparation for the sternotomy, progressing to the chest opening, and highlighting the intricate, choreographed movements involved in the procedure. Listen online or watch the video.
January 3, 2024
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Announces New Division Chief of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
Dr. Michael Ma promoted to chief, bringing exceptional education, skills, and experience to Heart Center
January 1, 2024 - Stanford Medicine Children's Health
Several Stanford University Faculty, Fellows, and Residents Present at AHA Scientific Sessions 2023
The 2023 American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions featured dozens of speakers with eight from the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford University.
January 1, 2024
Remembering Philanthropist Betty Irene Moore (1928–2023)
The Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health honors the life and legacy of Betty Irene Moore, 95, who passed away in December 2023. Patient families who have received cardiac care at our hospital will recognize her name, which lives on at the Betty Irene Moore Children’s Heart Center. We honor Betty’s memory by thinking about all the children who are thriving today because of the care they received at the Betty Irene Moore Children’s Heart Center.
January 1, 2024
Patient Heading to the Rose Parade to Honor His Three ‘Angel Organ Donors’
Anyone who’s met Joseph Sanchez-Munoz will tell you he is special. His love of music, bubbly personality and zest for life are infectious. Just looking at him, you wouldn’t know that this 19-year-old has been through a lot. He’s had three transplants—a kidney, liver and heart—at three different points in his life.
December 29, 2023