Code of Ethics

The Thoracic Surgery Directors Association (TSDA) is the organization which represents the Directors of residencies and fellowships in Thoracic Surgery and is the advocate for resident and fellow education in the various professional agencies, boards, councils and committees that influence the specialty of Thoracic Surgery. Membership within the TSDA carries with it general ethical obligations inherent in our roles as physicians and educators with respect to how we interact with other health care professionals, our peers, our trainees, and the community at large, and in addition, mandates adherence to conduct specific to our roles as Program Directors.

Obligations as Thoracic Surgery Directors

  1. Directors will participate in TSDA deliberations and endeavors, including a uniform Matching Program for resident/fellow selection.
  2. In keeping with their institutional policies and procedures, and as mandated by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), Directors will follow policies of resident/fellow/faculty recruitment and retention of minorities and the underrepresented in medicine.
  3. Directors will be the role models of professionalism in administration of their programs, teaching, scholarly activities, resident/fellow recruitment and retention, evaluation and promotion, and supervision of patient care.
  4. In their interactions with residents, fellows, faculty, their colleagues, and all health care professionals, Directors will not engage in harassment of any kind, including bullying, sexual, harassment, humiliation, and intimidation.
  5. As a condition of TSDA membership and leadership appointment, Directors agree to comply with TSDA Code of Ethics, which mandates the highest level of professional deportment in all interpersonal interactions. Directors should specifically avoid engaging in any form of harassment in interactions with staff assigned to TSDA and other health care professionals. With specific regard to sexual harassment, this includes unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.