From The President's Desk
February Already!
09 February 2026
January flew by and we are already well into February. SCTS remains highly active, including the January Executive meeting, the Thoracic Surgery Forum, and an additional Trustees’ meeting convened following discussion at the last Executive to strengthen engagement and decision-making.
Our administration team is consolidating with our new appointments bedding in. We also welcome John Cowx, who has joined us a voluntary business coach to help us improve our processes in meeting the requirements of running a larger charity.
As we move forward, it is important to emphasise that SCTS, as a community, is an enabler rather than a regulator. It should be a safe space for open, respectful discussion, where constructive debate is encouraged and the collective wisdom of the group can be brought to bear on the issues we face. The SCTS Executive reflects this well, with thoughtful discussion in which we listen, consider different perspectives, and seek to improve what we do for patients and the specialty.
The work over recent months reflects themes raised by the membership, included in our manifestos and articulated by both me and the President-Elect. We have sought to respond to these priorities in a practical, timely, and measured way.
Register for the Annual Meeting and Fundraising Ride
If you have not already done so, please register for the SCTS Annual Meeting in Belfast (15–17 March 2026). It will be an outstanding meeting and a key opportunity to come together as a community. Registration is also now open for the SCTS fundraising cycle ride on 13 September 2026, with teams very welcome.
www.scts.org
SCTS Bulletin
The SCTS Winter Bulletin has now been published and is a bumper edition, reflecting the breadth of work across the Society. I was particularly encouraged by the number of fellowship reports, which clearly demonstrate the impact SCTS continues to have in supporting training and securing the future development of our specialty.
Thoracic Surgery Forum
The Thoracic Surgery Forum was an outstanding meeting, and a proud marker of how the specialty is evolving. The community felt confident, collaborative, and collegial. Partnership and “the Team” outweighed rivalry. There was a strong sense of shared responsibility for shaping the future of cardiothoracic surgery.
We received important updates on the thoracic surgery database build, now well underway, the Thoracic Surgery Research Priority Setting Partnership, and the continued growth of thoracic surgery activity while maintaining and, in many areas, improving outcomes. We were struck not only by the pace of innovation, but also by the thoughtful and practical ideas emerging around sustainability in our practice.
We would like to congratulate the Birmingham team for hosting the 2026 Forum. It was extremely well organised, welcoming, and professionally delivered, and provided an excellent environment for open discussion and shared learning.
Retraining and Reskilling Guidance
In direct response to member and Trust feedback, we progressed and published the guidance document originally authored by Mahmoud Loubani and Tim Jones, following consultation with the Executive and Trustees. This document has been prepared to support our members and healthcare providers and to provide clarity and reassurance around retraining and reskilling.
Importantly, it also serves to reassure patients and the public that clear professional guidance exists on these matters.
Trusts and our members should note the clear expectation that issues should be dealt with faster than currently occurs. Delay helps no one.
Member Engagement and Communication
Engagement with our membership remains a central priority. While we believe we have made progress, including enhanced digital communication such as WhatsApp discussions, additional Trustees’ meetings, and regular newsletters, the Executive is clear that even greater engagement is required.
We are listening carefully to this feedback and will continue to adapt, even if this means more frequent Executive discussions. This will be necessary if we are to maintain momentum and keep pace with overdue clinical transformation needs, technological progress, and the expectations of both our members, patients and society.
Leadership and Constitutional Development
We continue discussions around potential constitutional change, including the development of a more team-based Presidential approach. These active conversations are about ensuring that leadership structures remain resilient, proportionate, and capable of supporting the Society through future challenges as well as present ones.
Global Engagement and Collaboration
On a personal note, alongside our regular commitments, I had the privilege of attending the Association of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Sri Lanka (ACTSSL) Annual Meeting. Despite operating in different healthcare contexts, there are clear parallels between our island nations and much to be gained from collaboration.
SCTS members already contribute in many places through outreach, surgical camps, and training initiatives. Global surgery is a multidirectional partnership, and there is a real opportunity for SCTS to develop a wider portfolio in this area.
We look forward to seeing you in Belfast for good science, good company, and good debate.
Aman S Coonar
SCTS President
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