Epic Cardiovascular Services at STS 2025: Key Takeaways and Industry Insights
By Chris Odom, VP of Business Development and Client Services at Epic Specialty Services
Epic Cardiovascular Services recently attended the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Conference, where we engaged with industry leaders and explored emerging trends in cardiothoracic surgery. Our team connected with healthcare decision-makers to discuss how our flexible perfusion staffing solutions can support evolving clinical needs. The insights gained from these conversations reaffirmed our commitment to delivering high-quality, adaptable staffing solutions that meet the demands of modern cardiovascular care.
Advancing Cardiothoracic Care: Key Themes from STS 2025
The STS Conference underscored the rapid evolution of cardiothoracic surgery, with a strong emphasis on innovation, patient management, and provider well-being. Several key themes emerged, aligning closely with the work we do at Epic Cardiovascular Services:
- Advanced Techniques in Cardiothoracic Surgery: Discussions around aortic valve repair, complex airway reconstruction, minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and robotic-assisted surgery showcased how technology continues to enhance surgical precision and patient outcomes. As perfusionists play a critical role in many of these procedures, having highly skilled professionals available when and where they are needed remains essential.
- Management of High-Risk Patient Populations: The conference highlighted strategies for optimizing care for high-risk patients, reinforcing the need for experienced perfusion teams who can adapt to complex cases and ensure optimal outcomes.
- Updates on Lung Cancer Surgical Treatment: The conference featured discussions on the latest advancements in lung cancer surgery, including innovative techniques and improved patient outcomes. These updates highlight the continuous evolution of surgical interventions and the need for adaptable, well-supported surgical teams.
- CT Surgeon Burnout: One of the more pressing concerns discussed at STS 2025 was the growing issue of burnout among cardiothoracic surgeons. Staffing shortages and increasing procedural demands contribute significantly to this challenge. Our ability to provide flexible, high-quality perfusion staffing solutions directly addresses this issue by alleviating some of the workload pressures on surgical teams.
Key Takeaways from Our Conversations at STS 2025
Conversations at STS 2025 reinforced the growing need for flexible and reliable perfusion staffing solutions. Many attendees initially stopped by our booth for giveaways but quickly became interested in learning more about our services. Once they understood our capabilities—including PRN, blood management, ECMO, long-term outsourcing, and adaptable service models—they recognized how we could help address their staffing challenges.
Hospital leaders frequently mentioned the difficulty of ensuring consistent perfusionist availability, particularly given fluctuating case volumes. Our ability to scale staffing up or down in response to demand resonated strongly, positioning Epic Cardiovascular Services as a trusted partner in maintaining high-quality patient care while preventing burnout among surgical teams. These discussions reaffirmed the importance of having a staffing partner that can adapt to evolving clinical needs and provide reliable, expert support.
A Unified Presence: The Power of the Epic Staffing Group Network
Our presence at STS 2025 was further amplified by our partnership with Epic Physician Staffing. As part of Epic Staffing Group, both Epic Cardiovascular Services and Epic Physician Staffing operate under a unified platform that enables us to provide comprehensive healthcare staffing solutions across multiple disciplines, locations, and contract types.
Together, we showcased the strength of our collective expertise—Epic Cardiovascular Services leading the way in perfusion staffing and Epic Physician Staffing specializing in locum tenens staffing. This collaboration allowed us to highlight how Epic Staffing Group is uniquely positioned to support healthcare facilities with a full spectrum of high-caliber providers. By joining forces at STS, we reinforced our ability to deliver flexible, reliable, and specialized staffing solutions that meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.
Epic Cardiovascular Services: Expanding Impact Beyond STS
Our time at STS 2025 reinforced the critical role of strategic staffing in advancing cardiothoracic care. As hospitals and surgical teams continue to face evolving challenges, Epic Cardiovascular Services remains committed to delivering tailored solutions that enhance patient care, reduce provider burnout, and support healthcare institutions in achieving their goals. We look forward to continuing these conversations and expanding our partnerships to further strengthen cardiovascular care nationwide.
Ready to elevate your cardiovascular care team? Let’s work together to create flexible, high-quality solutions tailored to your needs. Reach out today to start the conversation
About the Author
With over 20+ years of experience in commercial leadership, business strategy, and partnerships in the Medical Field, Chris is a results-driven leader passionate about driving growth and fostering strategic relationships. As VP of Business Development, Chris oversees the company’s business expansion initiatives, identifies new market opportunities, and forges key alliances that align with the organization’s long-term vision.
Known for his collaborative approach and innovative thinking, Chris is committed to leading teams that create value and generate impactful results. In his free time, he enjoys mentoring young professionals and contributing to the next generation of leaders in business development through publications, teaching opportunities, and conferences.