The Thoracic Surgery Foundation Announces 2025 Award Recipients 

Published on

March 13, 2025

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The Thoracic Surgery Foundation

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The Thoracic Surgery Foundation (TSF) is proud to announce its 2025 class of award recipients in the areas of research, education, innovation, and humanitarian outreach.

As the charitable heart of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, TSF supports surgeons at all career stages. In 2025, TSF will distribute $1.9 million in grants and awards to directly strengthen the cardiothoracic surgery specialty.  

Research and Education Awards

During the recent STS Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, TSF President Dr. Joseph A. Dearani formally recognized the 2025 award recipients at the VIP & Awards Reception. Research Awards were presented to the 2025 cohort by Dr. Dearani and 2024-2025 TSF Research Chair Dr. Farhood Farjah. Education Awards were presented by TSF Board Members Dr. Virginia Litle and Dr. Karen Kim.

Research Committee Chair, Dr. Farhood Farjah, with STS Research Award recipient, Dr. Stephen Chiu.

[Left to right]: Dr. Virginia Litle, Dr. Yvonne Carter - Robotic Thoracic Surgery Equity and Access Award recipient, and Dr. Karen Kim.

Humanitarian Outreach Awards

Amanda Fowler, head of the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation, joined TSF Humanitarian Outreach Chair Dr. Joseph Bavaria on stage for presentation of the Every Heartbeat Matters Humanitarian Outreach Awards.  You may view the full list of awardees and their institutions and project titles on the TSF website, linked here.

[Left to right]: Dr. Joseph Bavaria, Dr. Shaun Setty - Every Heartbeat Matters Award recipient, and Amanda Fowler.

TSF President, Dr. Anthony L. Estrera

"The Thoracic Surgery Foundation is proud to celebrate the outstanding 2025 cohort of awardees, whose groundbreaking work in research, education, innovation, and humanitarian outreach will shape the future of cardiothoracic surgery. These exceptional individuals and teams are driving forward new discoveries, advancing surgical education, and expanding access to life-saving care around the world. Their dedication and ingenuity exemplify the highest standards of our specialty, and we are honored to support their efforts as they push the boundaries of what is possible in cardiothoracic surgery."  -Anthony L. Estrera, TSF President

Thank you donors!

The evening also celebrated the generosity of TSF’s donors, whose contributions make these awards possible. View photos of the VIP & Awards Reception on the TSF Facebook page. TSF is grateful to its generous donors and extends congratulations to the 2025 award recipients. Be sure to secure your invitation to the 2026 VIP & Awards Reception with a gift to TSF this year!