Tom Varghese Jr. MD, MS, MBA
banner
tomvarghesejr.bsky.social
Tom Varghese Jr. MD, MS, MBA
@tomvarghesejr.bsky.social
🦋 Dad, Husband, Thoracic Surgeon.
🦋 Chief, Section of Gen Thoracic Surgery Univ. of Utah.
🦋 Immediate Past Prez, Society of University Surgeons.
🦋 Editor-in-Chief, Journal of American College of Surgeons
🦋 Following/ Repost ≠ Endorsed
#MedSky
Honored to introduce our new mission statement for @acsjacs.bsky.social

“Exceptional science for the practicing surgeon in the House of Surgery”.

Looking forward to our work ahead. 🙏🏾

@facs.org
August 29, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Why academic surgery?

Clinical care, science and training the next generation of surgeons. We are blessed 🙏🏾

#AmerSurg25
April 26, 2025 at 3:36 PM
“The strongest oak tree of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It's the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun.” - Napoleon Hill

#Leadership
#MedSky #SurgSky
March 1, 2025 at 3:15 PM
2 books by George Orwell.
‘Animal Farm’ was published in 1945.
‘1984’ was published in 1949.

Timeless lessons for individuals, organizations, and governments.

🚩Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
February 27, 2025 at 2:43 AM
Science and journalism have something in common: seek the truth.

So easy these days to slide into propaganda no matter what side of an issue you are personally on.

The path is not easy. But we can do this together. Advocate for positive change.

#Science
#Journalism
February 23, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Day 2 of HCI Frontier Symposium on Transformation in Cancer Care Delivery underway.

Fantastic opening session on Innovation to Address Distance as a Disparity across Rural America with talks by Drs. Jakob Jensen, Ruben Mesa and Kathi Mooney

web.cvent.com/event/cf377b...

@neliulrich.bsky.social
February 18, 2025 at 4:55 PM
- 4 strategies to use as individuals and as organizations:
1. Solve Interesting Problems
2. Find Your People
3. Festina Lente (Make Haste slowly) - also the motto of Navy Seals: Slow is smooth, smooth is fast
4. Celebrate. Celebrate milestones with your teams & family.

Grateful. 🙏🏾

#ASC2025
February 15, 2025 at 5:23 AM
Outline of the talk: 3, 2, 1…and 4
- 3 words: Origin, Culture, and Impact; the 3 critical for building a better world
- 2 stories: how Japanese children age 2 to 5 run errands independently; why we smile in photos
- One leadership approach: Bison go directly into the storm

#ASC2025
February 15, 2025 at 5:23 AM
Eternally grateful to the members of @univsurg.bsky.social for the honor of serving as the 85th President of this storied organization from 2024-2025.

The Presidential speech was delivered 2/11/25 in Las Vegas, and I’ve completed my term. Will post when the speech is available online.

#ASC2025
February 15, 2025 at 5:23 AM
Do the needed work. Solve interesting problems (generative AI snapshot of ‘what is an interesting problem?’ below).

Curiosity + Perseverance = Deep Insight

#Leadership
February 14, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Embrace the grind.

“"The road to success is always under construction." - Lily Tomlin.

#MedSky #SurgSky
#Leadership
January 20, 2025 at 1:40 AM
“Growth and comfort do not coexist. If everything is feeling comfortable, you probably need to sit down and do some goal setting.” - Ginni Rometty

#Leadership
#MedSky #SurgSky
January 12, 2025 at 3:24 AM
Misinformation = unintentional mistakes; getting the facts wrong

Disinformation = is deliberate; intentionally misstating the facts for harm or profit

As we navigate, these 2 quotes from Fred Rogers and Maya Angelou resonate now more than ever.

#Leadership
#HelpThoseInNeed
#MedSky #SurgSky
January 5, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Don’t wait for perfect.
“Someday” is not a day of the week.

🚩 “To achieve greatness, start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.”
– Arthur Ashe

#Leadership
#MedSky #SurgSky
January 4, 2025 at 5:16 PM
For only the 5th time since 1900, Christmas and the start of Hanukkah fall on the same day (1910, 1921, 1959, 2005, 224).

#MerryChristmas!
May the magic of Christmas remain with you throughout the year.

#HappyHanukkah!
Wishing you light and love.
December 25, 2024 at 2:53 PM
If you are being inducted into the Society of University Surgeons this year, we hope you can come to one of our New Member Happy Hours to meet the SUS leadership in the upcoming month.

Check your email for the sign-up form!

@univsurg.bsky.social #SurgSky
December 22, 2024 at 3:40 PM
The giants in our world don’t overlook the “afterthoughts” or “others” in a training program. They actively seek them out, and inspire in them the potential of what they can be.

I am blessed to have had Dr. Fullerton in my life. May his memory be eternal. 🙏🏾
December 18, 2024 at 12:39 AM
“Festina lente” is a Latin phrase that dates back to 4th century BC. “Make haste slowly” advises tasks should be undertaken with diligence and efficiency, yet also with careful attention and wisdom.

Amazing that this skillset is needed centuries from its origin.

#MedSky #SurgSky
#Leadership
December 7, 2024 at 7:05 PM
One of my heroes growing up was Carl Sagan. And a favorite is his book - “The Demon Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark”.

Science is the most precious thing.

A few eye opening passages in the images. The book was written in 1995.

#ScienceSky #MedSky #SurgSky
December 4, 2024 at 1:58 AM
Power can be effective, but also corrosive.

The best leaders
🔹Seek feedback from trusted advisors
🔸Promote a culture of accountability
🔹Delegate tasks to team members
🔸Lead by example

Will #AI shift the dynamics of power yet again?

hbr.org/2024/01/lead...

#MedSky #SurgSky
#Leadership
December 2, 2024 at 5:56 AM
Happy Thanksgiving! (📸 with our superstars Dr. Levy & Dr. Essig after rounds today)

We’re blessed to be in positions to help families in need. May we always appreciate the opportunities, and continue to make a positive difference in the lives of others. 🙏🏾
November 28, 2024 at 5:35 PM
Just the intellectually curious exploring the world around us.

“Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning.” - William Arthur Ward

Early days. Thank you #MedSky #SurgSky 🙏🏾
November 24, 2024 at 4:41 PM
“Midvale School for the Gifted”
November 24, 1986
By Gary Larson, The Far Side
November 23, 2024 at 11:01 PM
“Dinosaur Lecture” 
November 7, 1985
By Gary Larson, The Far Side
November 22, 2024 at 11:21 AM
Congrats to Dr. Mark Ferguson @uchicagosurgery on his retirement. Eternally grateful for his friendship, shining example and mentorship over the years.

“A truly great teacher is hard to find, difficult to part with, and impossible to forget.” 🫡

#Leadership
November 22, 2024 at 12:54 AM