Join the Glasgow University Cardiovascular Society for a symposium exploring cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology, thoracic surgery and paediatric intensive care.
Hear from five guest speakers about the developments shaping their specialties, from artificial intelligence and robotic surgery to modern coronary intervention and lessons from delivering care across the world. A panel discussion on *TAVI versus surgery* will explore the future of aortic valve treatment and the skills tomorrow’s trainees will need.
Our keynote speaker, *Professor Alan B. Lumsden of Houston Methodist*, will draw on his journey from studying medicine in Edinburgh to leading a cardiovascular surgery department in the United States, exploring why the next major advance could come from anyone, anywhere.
For students, the day offers a chance to explore these specialties and meet people who could support your next steps. Speak with clinicians and departmental leaders about *research, electives, SSCs, mentorship and clinical experience*, with time for questions and conversations during coffee breaks and lunch. Whether you already have a career in mind or are simply curious, come to learn and discover how you could get involved.
Saturday 24 October 2026
James McCune Smith Learning Hub, University of Glasgow
GUCVS members: £1.50 | Non-members: £3.50
Day programme
10:00–10:15 | Registration
10:15–10:30 | Welcome and committee introduction
Meet the Glasgow University Cardiovascular Society committee and hear an introduction to the day.
10:30–11:00 | Cardiac surgery
The Changing Landscape of Cardiac Surgery: Innovation, Artificial Intelligence and the Future of the Specialty
Mr Kasra Shaikhrezai
Clinical Director of Cardiac Surgery and Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Golden Jubilee National Hospital
Mr Shaikhrezai leads the cardiac surgery department at the Golden Jubilee. His published work includes aortic valve interventions and surgical simulation. He will explore how innovation and artificial intelligence are shaping cardiac surgery and what this could mean for future trainees.
11:00–11:30 | Interventional cardiology
Beyond the Angiogram: How Physiology and Imaging Shape Modern PCI
Dr Aadil Shaukat
Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Golden Jubilee National Hospital and Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Dr Shaukat specialises in complex coronary intervention, particularly chronic total occlusion (CTO) PCI. His talk will explore how coronary physiology and imaging guide treatment decisions beyond what the angiogram alone can reveal
11:30–11:45 | Coffee break
11:45–12:15 | Panel discussion
TAVI or Surgery? The Future of Aortic Valve Care and the Skills Tomorrow’s Trainees Will Need
Mr Kasra Shaikhrezai, Clinical Director of Cardiac Surgery, and Dr Aadil Shaukat, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist
Bringing surgical and interventional perspectives together, this panel will explore the changing treatment of aortic valve disease and its implications for the next generation of clinicians.
12:15–12:45 | Paediatric intensive care and global health
What Matters Most: Shared Learning from the Hardest Places
Dr Joanna Thirsk
Consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care, Glasgow
Dr Thirsk’s career has taken her through South Africa, England, Scotland and Antarctica. She teaches acute paediatric care internationally and has made multiple visits to Ukraine, helping develop cardiac paediatric intensive care in Lviv. She will reflect on the lessons challenging environments offer about caring for children and learning across borders.
12:45–13:00 | Coffee break
13:00–13:30 | Thoracic surgery
Thoracic Surgery in the Minimally Invasive Era: VATS, Robotics and AI
Professor Alan Kirk
Consultant Thoracic Surgeon, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, and Honorary Professor of Surgery, University of Glasgow
Professor Kirk’s interests include robotic thoracic surgery and training, thymic and mediastinal disease, and lung volume reduction surgery. He will explore how minimally invasive techniques, robotics and artificial intelligence are changing thoracic surgery and the skills future surgeons will need.
13:30–14:00 | Keynote
The Next Frontier in Cardiovascular Care: Why Impact Knows No Border
Professor Alan B. Lumsden
Chair, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Houston Methodist, USA
An Edinburgh medical graduate, Professor Lumsden built his surgical career in the United States, with work spanning endovascular innovation, cardiovascular research and surgical education. Drawing on that journey, he will explore the future of cardiovascular care and why its next major advance could come from anyone, anywhere, including students beginning their careers today.
14:00 onwards | Closing remarks and lunch
Continue the conversations, meet fellow students and speak with clinicians about your interests and potential next steps.