Raison D’être in Turbulent Times: Academics, Legerdemain Surgery, and a Leadership Theorem

In his presidential address to the AATS annual congregation, Dr. Lars Svensson shared ideas and insights into CT surgeons’ purpose as physicians, what it takes to become a master surgeon (40,000 hours), how surgery is similar to car racing, and what it takes to push the limits of what is possible to drive progress and innovation. He discusses the values of vision and leadership, shares a mantra for success and attaining the highest quality patient care possible, and discusses ways to reach such a lofty goal. He also touches on the importance of building a great team, and how to lead such a team, devise a strategy, and measure progress along the way. This is a thorough, elaborate, and eloquent address that is thought provoking and inspirational.