Thoracic Surgery in Canada has its unique history and model of practice.
The Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgeons (CATS) is an organization representing this legacy and working towards maintaining a vibrant thoracic community and promoting standards of excellence.
Members of our association have the benefits of close networking with peer thoracic surgeons around the country, accessing and sharing information via the our website, meetings, and newsletters, as well as the opportunity to participate in CATS.
Annual Fees
- Annual fees payable by Members of the association shall be as determined from time to time by resolution of Council when approved at an annual meeting of members.
- Resident/Fellow, Emeritus and Honorary Members shall be complimentary.
- The Executive, for compassionate reasons, may exercise its discretion in reducing or eliminating the fee to individual members.
Membership Categories
Full Member shall: be a medical graduate of a Canadian medical school (or equivalent), received full-time training in a Thoracic Surgery training program accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, (or equivalent), be a Fellow in good standing with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent) in Thoracic Surgery and be eligible for licensure by a Canadian licensing authority to practice medicine; Active members shall have the right to participate in all meetings of the Association, to hold any office and to vote.
Associate Member shall: be a physician with postgraduate training in thoracic surgery or in a relevant discipline who is engaged in a practice related to thoracic surgery or otherwise has shown an active interest in the field of thoracic surgery and who conforms to the ongoing standards of the Association; Associate members shall have the right to participate in all meetings of the Association, but cannot hold office and cannot vote.
Resident Member shall: be in a training program accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, (or equivalent), in a field related to thoracic surgery. Resident members shall have the right to participate in all meetings of the Association but cannot hold office and cannot vote.
Physician Extender Member shall: be a physician extender (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or similar) who is sponsored by a Full or Associate CATS member and whose clinical practice is predominantly in the field of thoracic surgery; Physician Extender Members shall have the right to participate in all meetings of the Association, but cannot hold office and cannot vote.
Emeritus Member shall: be a member who retires from the active practice of thoracic surgery or other related professional activity and shall be granted a waiver of dues upon written notification of the Association, sent to its office, of said retirement Emeritus members shall have the right to participate in all meetings of the Association but cannot hold office and cannot vote.
Honorary Member shall: be nominated by the Executive for honorary membership. Any person distinguished in the field of thoracic surgery may be nominated. All previous and current Pearson Lecturers shall be named as Honorary Members. Honorary members shall have the right to participate in all meetings of the Society but cannot hold office and cannot vote.