About ThORN
The Thoracic Surgery Outcomes Research Network (ThORN) is a multi-institutional cooperative advancing health services and outcomes research in general thoracic surgery. Born from the need for a thoracic surgery research "home," ThORN now spans more than 40 institutions across the United States and Canada.
Origin Story
Conceived at the Surgical Outcomes Club meeting in Chicago (October 2015), ThORN was created to grow interest, skills, and collaboration in thoracic surgery health services research. What started with roughly ten surgeons has grown into a network of faculty and trainees across North America.
Mission
Increase evidence-based understanding, advance education, and drive innovation in health services and outcomes research within general thoracic surgery through coordinated, multi-institutional collaboration.
Structure
ThORN incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2019, enabling grant submissions (including NIH/VA MERIT), foundation sponsorships, and tax-deductible donations.
Methodological Expertise
- Database research (STS GTSD, NCDB, NIS, SEER, VA, Medicare)
- Analytic methods: propensity scoring, instrumental variables, survival analysis
- Qualitative research
- Implementation science
- Healthcare economics