History, Mission, and Philosophy of TSF

TSF is a pivotal force for growth and vitality in cardiothoracic surgery, especially for research and academic career development. TSF was first established in 1988 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization. The TSF Board of Directors was composed of members of the four leading thoracic surgery societies: The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS), The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association (STSA), and the Western Thoracic Surgical Association (WTSA).

On October 1, 2014, TSF became the charitable arm of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. The foundation represents thoracic surgery in the United States and its research and educational initiatives support the broad spectrum of thoracic surgery. The mission of TSF is to foster the development of surgeon scientists in cardiothoracic surgery; increasing knowledge and innovation to benefit patient care. STS underwrites all of TSF’s management expenses so that every dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly to support TSF CT Surgery Award programs.

TSF supports research and education initiatives to:

• Expand the specialty’s knowledge about cardiothoracic surgical treatment options
• Enhance the care of patients with cardiothoracic diseases
• Develop the skills of cardiothoracic surgeons, both as surgeon-scientists and as health
policy leaders