Women in Thoracic Surgery Board of Directors

Women in Thoracic Surgery has announced its newly elected leaders and committee members for 2025.

The Women in Thoracic Surgery (WTS) is a non-profit organization with an incorporated structure. The Board of Directors consists of several key officers and members. These officers include the President, who leads the organization and sets its overall direction, and the Vice-President, who supports the President and may step in if the President is unavailable. The Secretary/Treasurer holds a combined role, responsible for maintaining records and overseeing the financial matters of the organization.

The Immediate Past President, Dr. Daniela Molena, who has recently completed their term as President, continues to offer guidance and support during the transition to the new leadership. In addition to these officers, there are Directors-at-Large, who are Board members without specific officer titles. They help represent the general membership and contribute their expertise to the Board’s decisions. Directors-at-Large often serve on committees and take on special projects as needed, ensuring the organization’s activities align with the interests and needs of its broader membership.

The mission of Women in Thoracic Surgery is to foster networking, mentorship, sponsorship, educational opportunities, partnerships, and scholarships, while cultivating a supportive community that advances the progress of women in cardiothoracic surgery.

See the Newly Elected leaders and committee members of Women in Thoracic Surgery Below:

Dr. Mara Antonoff – President

Dr. Mara Antonoff is the Program Director of Education in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Division of Surgery, at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. In this role, she plays a key part in overseeing educational initiatives and training programs within the department, significantly contributing to the development of future leaders in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery.

Dr. Leah Backhus – Vice President

Dr. Leah Backhus is a thoracic surgeon, surgical oncologist, thoracic specialist, and cardiothoracic surgeon at Stanford University. She specializes in the treatment of thoracic conditions, focusing on both surgical oncology and cardiothoracic surgery, and is actively involved in advancing patient care and research in her field.

Dr. Sara Pereira – Secretary

Dr. Sara Pereira is a Professor of Surgery at the University of Utah, where she has joined the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery. She is recognized for her expertise in cardiothoracic surgery and contributes significantly to the academic and clinical advancements in the field.

Dr. Lana Schumacher – Treasurer

Dr. Lana Schumacher is the Chief of Thoracic Surgery, Director of the Center of Innovation, and an Associate Professor at Tufts Medical Center and Tufts School of Medicine. With extensive experience in the field, she plays a leading role in advancing thoracic surgery practices, fostering innovation, and contributing to medical education at Tufts.

Dr. Daniela Molena – Immediate Past President

Dr. Daniela Molena is a thoracic surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she serves as the Director of Esophageal Surgery. She specializes in the treatment of esophageal cancer and other esophageal conditions, leading advancements in surgical techniques and patient care in this specialized area of thoracic surgery.

Dr. Stephanie Worrell – Director-at-Large

Dr. Stephanie Worrell is a Clinical Associate Professor and the Thoracic Section Chief in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Arizona. She specializes in thoracic surgery and plays a key role in both clinical care and the education of future surgeons in her field.

Dr. Mimi Ceppa – Director-at-Large

Dr. Mimi Ceppa is a thoracic surgeon at IU Health Cardiothoracic Surgery. She specializes in treating conditions related to the chest, including complex thoracic diseases, and is dedicated to providing advanced surgical care to her patients.

Dr. Lisa Brown – Director-at-Large

Dr. Lisa Brown is a General Thoracic Surgeon at UC Davis Health. She specializes in treating a wide range of thoracic conditions and is committed to providing high-quality surgical care, contributing to advancements in thoracic surgery within the healthcare system.

Dr. Tara Karamlou – Director-at-Large

Dr. Tara Karamlou is a pediatric cardiac surgeon in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. She specializes in performing cardiac surgeries for pediatric patients, focusing on providing exceptional care and advancing the field of pediatric cardiac surgery.

Dr. Brittany Zwischenberger – Director-at-Large

Dr. Brittany Zwischenberger is a cardiothoracic surgeon at Duke University Health System. She specializes in advanced surgical treatments for heart and lung conditions, contributing to both patient care and research in the field of cardiothoracic surgery.

Dr. Lauren Kane – Past President

Dr. Lauren Kane is a cardiac surgeon specializing in congenital heart conditions at The Heart Center at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. She is dedicated to providing expert surgical care for children with congenital heart defects, focusing on improving outcomes and quality of life for her young patients.