Dr. Stephen Laga Leads the Future of Cardiothoracic Surgery with Skill, Strategy, and Heart

Stephen Laga, MD, stands at the forefront of cardiothoracic surgery with a legacy built on precision, leadership, and a deeply rooted patient-first philosophy.

As a board-certified surgeon with extensive experience across general, thoracic, and cardiovascular surgery, Dr. Laga’s career exemplifies a dedication to both clinical excellence and continual growth.

Medical Background and Training

Dr. Stephen Laga received his medical degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine. He then completed an internship at St. Louis University Group Hospitals before moving on to a general surgery residency at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago.

His training in thoracic surgery was completed at Baylor College of Medicine, where he also pursued a specialized fellowship in cardiovascular surgery.

These stages of training are crucial in preparing a surgeon for the complexities of cardiothoracic surgery, which involves operations on the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest. For instance, a general surgery residency provides foundational skills in a wide range of surgical procedures, while a thoracic surgery residency and cardiovascular fellowship offer highly focused training in procedures such as heart valve repair, bypass surgery, and lung resections.

Dr. Laga is board-certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, credentials that signify a surgeon has met rigorous standards and passed intensive exams in their specialties. Throughout his career, he has held significant roles at leading healthcare institutions, including Froedtert South Medical Group, where he currently practices.

His experience also includes tenures at hospitals across Illinois, Louisiana, and Texas. Notably, Dr. Laga served as a Major in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps, demonstrating his leadership capacity and commitment to public service.

Patient-Centered Philosophy and Clinical Practice

What distinguishes Dr. Stephen Laga in the operating room and beyond is his patient-focused approach. He believes in transparent and empathetic communication, as well as individualized treatment plans grounded in evidence-based practices. This means that rather than applying a one-size-fits-all treatment, Dr. Laga tailors care based on the latest research and the unique circumstances of each patient.

Cardiothoracic surgery is not only technically demanding but also emotionally intense for patients and families. Dr. Laga’s emphasis on communication ensures that his patients feel informed, respected, and supported throughout their medical journey.

His approach fosters trust and improves outcomes by aligning expectations, reducing anxiety, and encouraging active participation in the recovery process.

Dr. Laga’s current work at Froedtert South Medical Group showcases his integrated approach to care. This includes using minimally invasive techniques when appropriate, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and pursuing innovations that reduce recovery time and surgical risk.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Dr. Stephen Laga, MD, has long emphasized the importance of resilience, a quality honed through both medical training and military service. He explains, “Resilience comes from understanding that failure is not the end. It’s a necessary part of a demanding profession like cardiothoracic surgery.”

Early in his career, he faced a challenging case involving open-heart surgery with unexpected complications. Open-heart surgery typically requires stopping the heart temporarily and relying on a heart-lung machine to maintain circulation.

Even slight deviations from the expected course can quickly become critical. Through years of discipline, real-time decision-making, and a well-coordinated surgical team, Dr. Laga successfully stabilized the patient. The experience reaffirmed his belief in the importance of remaining calm under pressure and the value of collaboration.

Growth Mindset and Continuous Improvement

A recurring motif in Dr. Laga’s approach is the belief in a growth mindset. For Stephen Laga, MD, every complication is an opportunity to refine systems and enhance outcomes. He treats setbacks analytically by examining what occurred, why it happened, and how similar events can be prevented. This process-driven mindset helps him remain adaptable and proactive in an ever-evolving field.

To manage stress and prevent burnout, Dr. Laga relies on activities that help him reset mentally, particularly sailing. Sailing offers both physical and mental stimulation, requiring attention to detail and the ability to navigate changing conditions, much like surgery itself. This balance helps him maintain clarity and energy in a profession known for long hours and high stakes.

Advocacy and Leadership

Beyond his clinical duties, Dr. Stephen Laga is a recognized advocate for professional development and interdisciplinary learning. He encourages open communication among surgical teams, ensuring that every member, from anesthesiologists to nurses, feels valued and heard. This culture of psychological safety leads to better teamwork and, ultimately, safer patient care.

His military service as a Major in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps provided additional leadership training. The military emphasizes clarity of the chain of command, situational awareness, and decisive action.  These are principles that Dr. Laga applies in high-stakes medical scenarios where timing and coordination can mean the difference between life and death.

Turning Challenges into Milestones

One of the most notable examples of Dr. Laga’s resilience occurred when he took on a high-risk cardiovascular case that had been deemed inoperable by other surgeons. After extensive evaluation and strategic planning, Dr. Laga and his team proceeded with a complex procedure.

Such cases often involve multiple bypasses, delicate valve repairs, or treatment of aortic aneurysms, conditions that can quickly become fatal without intervention. The success of this surgery not only improved the patient’s quality of life but also reaffirmed the value of perseverance and calculated risk-taking in the medical profession.

Advice on Building Resilience

For professionals across disciplines, Dr. Stephen Laga offers grounded advice: stay curious, stay disciplined, and build a trusted network of colleagues.

He emphasizes the importance of purpose as a motivator and encourages individuals to embrace challenges as integral to professional growth. “Every hard moment you overcome strengthens you for the next one,” he explains.

He also highlights the importance of debriefing and reflection. After high-intensity cases, he encourages his team to discuss what went well and what could be improved.

This feedback loop not only supports continuous learning but also helps reduce emotional fatigue by acknowledging the impact of challenging work.

Looking Ahead

As the field of cardiothoracic surgery continues to evolve with new technologies, data integration, and patient expectations, Dr. Stephen Laga remains at the helm of progress.

He is committed to applying the latest research and innovations to improve outcomes while maintaining the human connection that defines quality care.

Through decades of service, including his military background and present-day role at Froedtert South, Dr. Stephen Laga exemplifies what it means to lead with both skill and heart.

For Stephen Laga, MD, the journey is one of continuous learning, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care.