WTSA - Western Thoracic Surgical Association

The Western Thoracic Surgical Association

The Western Thoracic Surgical Association (WTSA) was founded in 1974. It was originally named the Samson Thoracic Surgical Association in honor of Paul "Buck" Samson, a Pioneer in Thoracic Surgery on the west coast with his surgical base in Oakland, California. Along with his partner, Dave Dugan, they had a tremendous influence in the development of Thoracic Surgery in the Western United States.

49th WTSA Annual Meeting
June 21-24, 2023
Coeur d'Alene, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

The Western Thoracic Surgical Association is excited to announce that the 49th Annual Meeting will take place from June 21-24, 2023 at the Coeur d'Alene in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Please know, the Western leadership is committed to providing continuous updates to the membership on the plans for the upcoming Annual Meeting.

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WTSA Awards

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WTSA 48th Annual Meeting Claim CME Credits
Claim your CME Credits for the 47th Annual Meeting

View 2021 Annual Meeting Photos

WTSA Traveling Fellowship for Residents, Trainees, and Practicing Surgeons
The application deadline is December 15, 2021. Apply today!

Donald B. Doty Award
The application deadline is February 15, 2022. Apply today!

WTSA Awards
Learn more about all of the Awards and Travelling Fellowship opportunities the WTSA has available

The 21st Century Founders Fund
Learn about the ways to support the 21st Century Founders Fund and view the donor list

WTSA Mentorship Program
Read more about the WTSA�s Mentorship Program and how to sign-up and participate

WTSA Newsletter
Read the latest issue of the WTSA Newsletter

Mission & Vision of the WTSA
Mission & Vision of the WTSA

the western thoracic surgical association (wtsa)

Seeks persons who are dedicated to advancing the quality and practice of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery as a specialty (and who either reside in or have completed a cardiothoracic surgery residency training program within the western United States and Canada);

Encourages research and study of thoracic and cardiovascular health and conditions towards increasing knowledge and improving clinical care; and

Holds scientific meetings for the presentation and discussion of topics of interest to thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons promoting academic discourse and encouraging publication to these proceedings.

Seeks persons who are dedicated to advancing the quality and practice of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery as a specialty (and who either reside in or have completed a cardiothoracic surgery residency training program within the western United States and Canada);

Encourages research and study of thoracic and cardiovascular health and conditions towards increasing knowledge and improving clinical care; and

Holds scientific meetings for the presentation and discussion of topics of interest to thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons promoting academic discourse and encouraging publication to these proceedings.

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