A decade of digital impact: Results of the Women in Thoracic Surgery social media initiative

Objective: Previous investigators have demonstrated the importance of social media in shaping public perceptions of the cardiothoracic surgical workforce, as well as the utility of online networking in providing support for women in this field. Beginning in 2012, the Women in Thoracic Surgery (WTS) embarked upon a targeted initiative to develop a social media presence, with the ultimate goal of disseminating key information to members of the specialty, inspiring potential future trainees, and dispelling myths regarding the definition of a cardiothoracic surgeon. These efforts aimed to specifically build professional networks, facilitate mentorship, and augment the visibility of individual surgeons and their work. After more than a decade of deliberate growth, we aimed to characterize the digital footprint of WTS over time across its breadth of social media platforms. Methods: Using annual reports from 2012 to 2025, we retrospectively analyzed engagement metrics of all WTS social media accounts. Key metrics included follower counts on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube, as well as engagement highlights and demographic trends. Results: Facebook followers grew from