Difficult Decisions in Thoracic Surgery

Why do thoracic surgeons need training in decision making? Many of us who have weathered harrowing residencies in surgery feel that, after such experiences, decision making is a natural extension of our selves. While this is no doubt true, correct de- sion making is something that many of us have yet to master. The impetus to develop a text on evidence-based decision making in thoracic surgery was stimulated by a conference for cardiothoracic surgical trainees developed in 2004 and sponsored by