Dr. Africa Wallace, the Director of Thoracic Surgery at Capital Health, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first black female president of the Eastern Cardiothoracic Surgical Society (ECTSS). In a remarkable feat, she not only broke barriers as the first black female president for ECTSS but also as the first in any cardiothoracic surgery society. Dr. Wallace’s appointment highlights her exceptional contributions to the field of cardiothoracic surgery and her commitment to diversity and inclusion in healthcare.
Key Highlights:
Leadership in Cardiothoracic Surgery: Dr. Africa Wallace’s presidency of ECTSS reflects her dedication to advancing the highest standards of patient care, education, research, and surgical training programs in cardiothoracic surgery.
Personal Commitment to Quality and Diversity: Dr. Wallace’s leadership aligns with her personal commitment to quality, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare, in addition to Capital Health’s mission of enhancing the health and well-being of communities.
Expertise in Thoracic Surgery: As a board-certified thoracic surgeon, Dr. Wallace specializes in treating diseases and injuries affecting chest organs. She employs minimally invasive techniques using video-assisted or robotic approaches at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, with a focus on cancer treatment and other conditions.
Part of Capital Health Surgical Group: Dr. Wallace is a vital part of Capital Health Surgical Group and Capital Health’s Robotic Center of Excellence, which offers a comprehensive range of robotic-assisted procedures while maintaining the highest national quality standards.
Leading Capital Health’s Lung Center of Excellence: She serves as co-lead of Capital Health’s Lung Center of Excellence, which operates within Capital Health Cancer Center. The center provides comprehensive care for lung diseases, including detection, evaluation, monitoring, and treatment.
Contributions to Diversity and Inclusion: In addition to her role as ECTSS president, Dr. Wallace serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Work Force of the Society of Thoracic Surgery. She is also an active member of organizations such as Women in Thoracic Surgery and the Association of Women Surgeons.
Research Interests: Dr. Wallace’s current research interests encompass racial disparities in the surgical management of thoracic cancers and clinical outcomes related to minimally invasive pulmonary and esophageal surgery approaches.
Dr. Africa Wallace’s groundbreaking achievement underscores the importance of diverse leadership in healthcare and her dedication to excellence and inclusivity in the field of cardiothoracic surgery.
