Dr. Joseph Woo Named Vice President of the
American Association for Thoracic Surgery

by Roxanna Van Norman
May 9, 2024

Joseph Woo, MD, the Norman E. Shumway Professor and Chair of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine, has been named Vice President of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) for the 2024-2025 term. This prestigious appointment puts Dr. Woo in line to become the 107th AATS President for 2026-2027.

“I am extraordinarily honored by this opportunity to serve and to advance the mission of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, which emphasizes scholarship, innovation, and leadership in cardiothoracic surgery," said Dr. Woo. “I look forward to working closely with my esteemed colleagues and dedicated surgeons who are committed to enhancing the care of our patients, novel discovery, and educating the next generation.”

Dr. Woo is a nationally recognized surgeon, innovator, researcher, and teacher in cardiothoracic surgery. He is also Professor by courtesy in the Department of Bioengineering at the Stanford University School of Engineering and is Associate Director for the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute.

He has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as the AATS Foundation Secretary, as immediate past-president of the AATS Cardiac Surgery Biology Club, and as past-chair of the American Heart Association Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia.

AATS is one of the world's foremost associations for cardiothoracic surgeons that supports, promotes, and stimulates preeminent clinical care and scientific investigation in cardiothoracic surgery. Recent AATS Past Presidents from the department include Norman E. Shumway Jr., MD, PhD, the 67th President (1986-1987), and D. Craig Miller, MD, the 88th President (2007-2008).

Congratulations to Dr. Woo on his incredible accomplishment.