The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has elected Vinay Badhwar as its 62nd president.
Badhwar, who is described by STS as an internationally recognised cardiothoracic surgeon, physician–scientist, and innovator, brings more than two decades of clinical, research, and administrative leadership experience to the presidency.
He currently serves as the executive chair of the West Virginia University (WVU) Heart and Vascular Institute and Service Line and the professor and chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at WVU, in Morgantown, USA. He previously served as STS First Vice President and in multiple leadership roles within the Society.
During his presidential year, Badhwar will advance a three-part framework that reflects both the daily practice of cardiothoracic surgery and the mission of STS and focuses on the three pillars of excellence, evidence and impact.
“These are not abstract ideals; they define who we are as cardiothoracic surgeons and the enduring identity of the STS,” said Badhwar. “Excellence begins with our commitment to perform the very best operation for every patient every time. Evidence challenges us to evolve with data and ground our decisions in science. Impact is measured not only in survival rates, but in lives restored, families preserved, and trust earned.”
He emphasised that each of these principles requires deeper collaboration across surgical disciplines, medical subspecialties, health system leadership, and policymakers. “The future of our specialty depends not only on how well we operate, but on how effectively we integrate, communicate, and lead within the broader care team and health care ecosystem,” he said.
A master valve surgeon and one of the world’s foremost experts in robotic cardiac surgery, Badhwar has authored over 400 peer-reviewed publications and holds eight patents in cardiovascular technology. Among his many national academic leadership roles, he currently serves as a senior editor of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
Badhwar completed his surgical residency and fellowship training at McGill University, the University of Ottawa, and the University of Michigan. He served as the chief of Adult Cardiac Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh from 2011 to 2016. Since 2016, Badhwar has led WVU’s rapidly expanding cardiology and cardiovascular surgical clinical and academic programmes, including one of the most advanced robotic cardiac programs in the USA.
“I am deeply honoured to serve the STS at such a pivotal moment for our specialty,” said Badhwar. “As cardiothoracic surgery advances at unprecedented speed, our responsibility is to ensure that excellence, evidence, and impact guide not only our enduring legacy as a surgical specialty society but, most importantly, how we continue to advance the care for our patients.”
Also elected during the Annual Membership Meeting at STS 2026: Vinod Thourani (first vice president), Jessica Donington (second vice president), Wilson Szeto (re-elected secretary), Joseph Cleveland Jr (secretary-elect), and John Mitchell (re-elected treasurer).
