WTSA President: Michael A Smith, MD

Michael A Smith, MD

I am honored to serve as President of the Western Thoracic Surgical Association. Over the years this society has been a very important part of my development as a thoracic surgeon. Importantly, it has served as a platform that has allowed me to learn and grow both professionally and personally through the establishment and maintenance of close relationships with colleagues and their families alike. Planning for the 2026 meeting is underway. I look forward to seeing everyone in Southern Utah.

Michael A Smith, MD received his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco School. This was followed by five years of general surgery training at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, Missouri. He also spent 3 years as a research fellow in transplant immunology where he authored multiple papers on the immune mechanisms of chronic rejection after lung transplantation. Upon completion of his general surgery training, Dr Smith went on to complete his thoracic surgery residency at Washington University. Following his residency training, Dr Smith accepted a position at the University of Southern California as a general thoracic and lung transplant surgeon.

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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