In this podcast series, we demystify cardiothoracic surgery by revealing the men and women behind their surgical masks. Hosts Cherie Erkmen, MD, and Sara Pereira, MD, interview CT surgeons at every career stage about the obstacles, triumphs, tradeoffs, and pivotal moments that have shaped their careers. The guests offer powerful, candid stories that are funny, fascinating, heartfelt, and inspiring.
#179; S6: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ ‘Looking to the Future’ Scholarship Recipients
In this episode, co-hosts Dr. Sara Pereira and Dr. Ian Bostock celebrate the 20th anniversary and impact of the STS Looking to the Future (LTTF) Scholarship Program by speaking with three rising stars pursuing careers in cardiothoracic surgery: Tyler Wilson, MD, a general surgery resident at the University of Chicago; Molly Shields, MD, a general surgery resident at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center; and Tyrone Hill, a medical student at Meharry Medical College.
Reflecting on their unique journeys into medicine, the LTTF scholars share how attending the STS Annual Meeting and participating in the scholarship program provided invaluable access to mentors, expanded their professional networks, and reinforced their confidence in pursuing a highly competitive specialty.
The guests share their perspectives on wellness, family planning, and maintaining outside interests like running, cooking, and camping. They emphasize that success in cardiothoracic surgery isn't a single path, but is built on resilience, community, and mentorship—illustrating how programs like Looking to the Future make the specialty more inclusive and supportive for aspiring surgeons.
11 Jun 2026
#178; S6: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ Dr. J.W. Awori Hayanga
Cohosts Dr. Sara Pereira and Dr. Fatima Wilder are joined by guest Dr. J.W. Awori Hayanga—professor of cardiothoracic surgery at West Virginia University, director of the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute ECMO Program, and a nationally recognized leader in transplantation, health policy, and artificial intelligence in medicine—for a wide-ranging conversation about mentorship, resilience, and purpose.
Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Dr. Hayanga reflects on the profound influence of his lawyer parents, especially his mother, whose pioneering work in microfinance and women’s empowerment shaped his worldview and commitment to service. He shares the challenges of immigrating to the United States for medical training, navigating the uncertainty of visa status as an international medical graduate, and learning how relationships, mentorship, and persistence can open doors throughout a surgical career.
The conversation also explores the growing role of artificial intelligence and robotics in cardiothoracic surgery, along with candid insights on leadership, emotional intelligence, failure, and staying grounded through the demands of academic medicine.
14 May 2026
#177; S6: Same Surgeon, Different Light w/ Dr. Ara Vaporciyan
In this episode of Same Surgeon, Different Light, cohosts Dr. Cherie Erkmen and Dr. Sara Pereira sit down with guest Dr. Ara Vaporciyan, professor of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, to explore a career dedicated to advancing surgical education and leadership.
Dr. Vaporciyan reflects on his path from an early fascination with heart transplantation to becoming a nationally recognized educator and institutional leader. He discusses the evolution of thoracic surgery, the demands of academic medicine, and his belief that expert surgeons must become “consciously competent” to effectively teach trainees.
Grounded in mentorship, negotiation, and “teaching to the gap,” he offers thoughtful insights on curriculum design, leadership, and preparing the next generation of surgeons.
Who has been a guest on Same Surgeon Different Light Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dr Joseph Sabik MD
Dr Emily Farkas
Dr Brittany Zwischenberger
Dr Ian Bostock
Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100
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Questions about Same Surgeon Different Light Podcast
Who hosts Same Surgeon Different Light Podcast?
Dr Sara Pereira and Dr Cherie Erkmen host the show. Published by samesurgeondifferentlight.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Same Surgeon Different Light Podcast take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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