The Thoracic Surgery Outcomes Research Network (ThORN) is a cooperative dedicated to advancing surgical outcomes through rigorous evidence, collaboration, and shared expertise.
We bring together faculty, trainees, and institutional partners to accelerate health services and outcomes research within general thoracic surgery.
Our History
From a conversation to a continent-wide cooperative.
The Thoracic Surgery Outcomes Research Network (ThORN) was conceived at the Surgical Outcomes Club meeting in Chicago in October 2015. A small group of approximately 10 thoracic surgeons recognized a critical gap: there was no dedicated home for thoracic surgery health services research - a space to cultivate interest, build methodological expertise, and collaborate across institutions.
What began as a focused discussion among a handful of surgeons has grown into a robust, multi-institutional cooperative spanning more than 40 institutions across the United States and Canada. Today, ThORN unites faculty, trainees, and other stakeholders committed to advancing outcomes research within general thoracic surgery.
In 2019, ThORN was formally incorporated as a 501(c) nonprofit organization, enabling the network to serve as a central agency for funding and research coordination. The status supports NIH and VA MERIT grant submissions, opens foundation sponsorship opportunities, and allows donations to be tax deductible.
Founded
2015
Chicago, IL
Nonprofit Status
501(c)
Since 2019
Institutions
40+
US and Canada
Network Members
100+
Surgeons worldwide
Our Mission
Increase evidence-based understanding and education in thoracic outcomes research.
We operate as a multi-institutional cooperative of faculty, trainees, and stakeholders to advance health services and outcomes research within the general thoracic surgery specialty.
Organizational Structure
Leadership built for continuity and renewal.
ThORN's leadership model balances stability with fresh perspectives. Roles are held on two-year terms to keep momentum while rotating opportunities for service.
President
Two-year term
Vice President
Two-year term
Secretary
Two-year term
Treasurer
Two-year term
Directors-at-Large
Two-year term
Past President (advisory)
Two-year term
Methodological Expertise
Database Expertise
Comprehensive registry stewardship across STS GTSD, NCDB, and granular EHR data elements.
Analytic Methods
Advanced statistical modeling and machine learning tailored to surgical outcomes questions.
Qualitative Research
Patient experience and clinician perspective studies grounded in rigorous methods.
Implementation Science
Frameworks to embed research findings into durable clinical workflows.
Healthcare Economics
Cost-effectiveness analyses and value metrics to inform practice and policy.
Knowledge Sharing
Internal collaboration and external publication to advance the specialty together.
501(c) Nonprofit Status
A central agency for coordinated, multi-institutional research.
As a formally incorporated nonprofit organization, ThORN supports investigators and institutions with governance, sponsorship pathways, and scalable infrastructure for collaborative science.
Grant Support
Infrastructure for NIH and VA MERIT submissions across the cooperative.
Foundation Sponsorship
Channels for foundation and industry backing of multi-institutional research.
Tax-Deductible Giving
Fully deductible donations from attendings, alumni, and supporters.
Central Coordination
Unified operations for large-scale studies, data sharing, and governance.