WTSA President: Craig J. Baker, MD

Craig J. Baker, MD

Thank you for the honor of serving as the President of the Western Thoracic Surgical Association. This society has meant a tremendous amount to myself and my family. The colleagues, friendships, and relationships we have developed are enduring and Regina and I have so many wonderful memories. We are in the midst of planning for the 2025 meeting, and I appreciate all the committee members involvement. I look forward to seeing all of you in Dana Point.

Craig J. Baker, MD, received his medical degree from Georgetown University, followed by seven years of general surgery training at the University of Southern California. While at USC, Dr. Baker spent two years in the cardiothoracic research laboratory, where he co-authored numerous papers on reperfusion injury, lung transplantation, beating heart surgery, living lobar lung transplantation and pediatric cardiac surgery.

After a three-year cardiothoracic residency at the Keck Hospital of USC, Dr. Baker accepted a fellowship in pediatric cardiac surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. While at Children’s Hospital, Dr. Baker had the privilege of working under the direction of renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Vaughn Starnes, MD. The following year, Dr. Baker accepted a position in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Keck Hospital of USC.

Dr. Baker is currently the chief of the division of cardiac surgery at the Keck Hospital of USC and directs the cardiothoracic surgery training program. Dr. Baker has achieved national recognition for his involvement in cardiothoracic education. He has developed a comprehensive educational curriculum, including a highly structured simulation training program. In 2017, after 20 years at USC, Dr. Baker was appointed as chief of the division of cardiac surgery.

Presidents' Messages

In Memoriam: David A. Fullerton, MD

Dear Members of the WTSA,

The Western Thoracic Surgical Association has lost a treasured member, Past President, and icon of Thoracic Surgery. Dave Fullerton was a consummate gentleman who inspired countless individuals throughout his career. He was a master cardiac surgeon, innovative researcher, and revered teacher/mentor to many. He lived and breathed the Western and embodied our ideals, values and friendships. I acknowledge that numerous members of our society were fortunate to know Dave on a more intimate level than I did. Dave was the President of the WTSA when I was inducted in Banff Springs, 2009. Since that time, he was a guiding light in my professional career and in my involvement with the Western Thoracic. Dave inspired those around him to be the best version of themselves and with clarity I can say I would not be writing this as President of the Western Thoracic today without Dave’s guidance and mentorship during my career. The STS released a wonderful statement about Dave. On a personal note, I will miss seeing Dave at our annual meetings as I have done every year for the last 15 years. Dave had many responsibilities and titles on a national scale, but I always felt the Western was his home. We will honor Dave at our meeting in June. Our prayers are with Dave, his wife Chris, and the entire Fullerton Family. It certainly won’t be the same without Dave, but his memory will continue to be a beacon as we gather once a year with our families, loved ones, and colleagues.

Sincerely,
Craig Baker, MD
WTSA President