Research

Higgins Robert Profile Photo

Creating a Sustainable Future… Investing in Our Specialty
Robert S.D. Higgins, MD, TSF Development Co-Chair
The William Stewart Halsted Professor
John Hopkins University School of Medicine
 
 
The Thoracic Surgery Foundation (TSF) was established in 1988 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). From 1993-2014, the TSF Board consisted of surgeon representative members of 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). During that time, the evolution of the surgical sciences has been stimulated by innovations in cardiovascular and thoracic surgical care. Critical to this evolution was the foresight demonstrated by TSF Board of Directors and early contributors to the mission of the Foundation. TSF research grants, fellowships, and educational scholarships have been instrumental in hundreds of young careers by providing seed funding for early career investigators. These awards continue to be an important stepping stone in the development of potential innovations in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery.  These scientific advances are helping us better care for our patients and all those who suffer from cardiothoracic diseases.
 
On October 1, 2014, TSF returned to its roots, once again becoming the philanthropic arm of the STS. As its designated charitable foundation, administrative and operating expenses are covered by STS, allowing for ALL contributions to be dedicated to research grants and scholarships. We are optimistic that this relationship will pay real dividends to young surgeons, our patients, and our specialty. We must work collaboratively to support the mission of the TSF, to accomplish the goals of supporting and nurturing the next generation of cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon scientists. Your contributions will help to maintain and support a sustainable future for generations of surgical scientists in the field of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. We appreciate your support as we embark upon this exciting new chapter in the life of the TSF. Thank you for your support.