United we might stand, divided we will certainly fall!

The authors reported no conflicts of interest.The Journal policy requires editors and reviewers to disclose interest decline handling or reviewing manuscripts for which they may have a conflict interest. this article “The world is beautiful but has disease called man.”—Friedrich NietzscheWe are our worst enemy! number practicing cardiothoracic surgeons needed continued grow, the fellowship applicants headed in discordant direction. There concerns about supply because an older active workforce growth percutaneous interventions. deficit could increase by 46% 2025.1Grover A. Gorman K. Dall T.M. Jonas R. Lytle B. Shemin et al.Shortage likely 2020.Circulation. 2009; 120: 488-494Crossref PubMed Scopus (153) Google Scholar A more pressing threat looms over specialty. Debates should not be on-pump off-pump surgery, thoracotomy sternotomy, surgical transcatheter interventions; it dig deeper within. It focus on how we treat each other, rebuild collegiality, improve collaboration, celebrate forgiveness retaliation. needs address underlying negative perception discuss issues such as professionalism, targeting leadership, anger, burnout, solitude increasingly scrutinized practice. While professional societies just started raise awareness, experience ongoing suffering, disappointment failed opportunities, high turnover. Patients sicker impacts providers. Nguyen colleagues2Nguyen T.C. Thourani V.H. Nissen A.P. Habib R.H. Dearani J.A. Ropski al.The effect COVID-19 adult cardiac surgery United States 717 103 patients.Ann Thorac Surg. 2022; 113: 738-746Abstract Full Text PDF (22) increased rate mortality after coronary artery bypass operations during pandemic.While manuscript elaborates impact observation system, patients, training residents, psychological surgeon forgotten. Mental health continue corrode profession channeling enough self-control get through particular catastrophic moment becomes vital technique self-preservation. We learn switch into “just passing by” strategy when family crying yet another loved one. Consequently, results from 2019 Society Thoracic Surgeons Practice Survey revealed that than half members experiencing symptoms burnout. Another 44% feeling depressed. Strikingly, 25.9% said if given choice, would choose complete residency again.3Chow O.S. Sudarshan M. Maxfield M.W. Seese L.M. Watkins A.A. Fleishman al.National survey burnout distress among trainees.Ann 2021; 111: 2066-2071Abstract (10) Could there profession? Are burying taboos? kind other fiercely driven need succeed? How many had personal failures? been caught downward aggravated spiral with administration human resources? Many these questions remain unfortunately unanswered part so-called “omerta” culture. real demise interventional cardiology, lies within us. Not week goes don't hear colleague having move institution going some “issues”. its various presentations, non-forgiveness climate retaliation, overwhelming fear speaking up ravaging specialty.4Maltais S. Healthcare Anonymous: Put Yourself First Avoid Anxiety, Addiction, Burnout. Lifetime Entrepreneur Press, 2022Google Its ok ok. inner culture limits ability make field attractive. must break silence grow core profession. It's only way prevent spread survival wonderful exhilarating specialty (Figure 1).