July 2026
Dear NYSTS Members, Friends, and Colleagues,
It is an honor to welcome you to the 2026–2027 academic year as President of the New York Society for Thoracic Surgery. As we approach our 109th year, we take great pride in our legacy of shaping generations of cardiothoracic surgeons. Through decades of remarkable advances, our commitment to excellence in patient care, innovation, and mentorship remains steadfast.
The vitality of the NYSTS is a direct reflection of our dedicated members, trainees, and institutional partners. I want to recognize and thank our recent past Presidents—Dr. Amie Kent, Dr. Christopher Lau, Dr. Benjamin Lee, and Dr. Luigi Pirelli—for their outstanding leadership, which has positioned our Society for continued success.
The strength of our organization lies in those who volunteer their time. I am pleased to introduce this year’s Council and Committee leadership and extend my sincere appreciation for their commitment:
• Vice President: Dr. Berhane Worku
• Secretary/Treasurer: Dr. Sebron Harrison
• Membership Committee Chair: Dr. Neill Chudgar and Jonathan Vilena-Vargas
• Program Committee Co-Chairs: Dr. Brian Houseman and Dr. Oliver Chow
• Educational Committee Co-Chairs: Dr. Sandhya Balaram and Dr. Michael Salna
• Resident Liaison: Dr. Katherine Phillips
• Webmaster: Dr. Eugene Grossi
Our Council has begun planning an exceptional year of educational and social programming. We look forward to our longstanding tradition of Fall and Spring dinner meetings for learning and collaboration.
• Fall Meeting (November 17, 2026): Featuring noted historian and History Channel contributor Barnet Schecter. His presentation, The Battle of New York, will offer a fascinating perspective on the city’s pivotal role during the Revolutionary War. This presentation will be followed by the Scientific Program that will feature selected Resident Presentations.
• Annual Mock Oral Examination (Late March 2027): Held virtually to provide a vital board-preparation resource for our trainees.
• Spring Meeting (Mid-May 2027): Planned for the second or third week of May. We are currently finalizing these arrangements.
Please keep an eye out for our new social media presence on X and Instagram. We will also be updating our website.
As we embark on this new academic year, I encourage all members to remain actively engaged. Your participation, ideas, and feedback are essential to our sustained success.
I wish you and your families a wonderful summer and a successful year ahead. I look forward to seeing many of you in November.
With gratitude and best wishes,
Charles Mack, MD
President, New York Society for Thoracic Surgery