Dr. Stephen Laga Builds a Legacy of Skill and Compassion

By Your Health Magazine

Dr. Stephen Laga has dedicated his life to mending hearts, both literally and figuratively. As a cardiothoracic surgeon, he has performed over 6,000 open-heart surgeries, earning a reputation for precision and care in operating rooms across Illinois, Louisiana, Texas, and now Wisconsin, where he practices at Froedtert South Medical Group. His path from a medical student at St. Louis University to a Major in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps reflects a blend of technical skill and knowledge, disciplined leadership, and a commitment to patients. Known for his ability to communicate clearly in high-pressure settings, Laga has built a career that balances the demands of complex surgery with the human need for connection.

“You have to focus on staying calm, listen actively, and be ready to adapt to the situation,” Laga says, describing his approach to communicating critical surgical plans under pressure.

This focus on clarity and adaptability defines his work, whether he’s leading a surgical team or explaining a diagnosis to a patient. His ability to stay composed in high-stakes settings has been honed through decades of experience, from his early training to his current role.

Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his practice. Yet, it’s his patient-centered approach that defines him. He prioritizes individualized, evidence-based care, ensuring patients and families understand every step of the process.

The Foundation that Shaped Dr. Stephen Laga’s Path

Dr. Stephen Laga’s journey into cardiothoracic surgery began with a rigorous education. At St. Louis University School of Medicine, he developed the foundation for his medical career, learning the intricacies of human anatomy. His internship at St. Louis University Group Hospitals introduced him to the realities of patient care, where he faced long hours and complex cases. “It is a learning process, but repetition does help,” Laga says, reflecting on how his early experiences built his confidence.

His general surgery residency at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago was a crucible of training. The program demanded resilience as Laga navigated challenging surgeries and honed his technical skills. He then pursued a thoracic surgery residency at Baylor College of Medicine, followed by a fellowship in cardiovascular surgery. These years at Baylor were intense, exposing him to cutting-edge techniques and high-stakes procedures. The training prepared him to handle the delicate nature of heart surgery, where precision is paramount.

Laga’s time as a Major in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps added a unique dimension to his career. Working in high-pressure environments, he learned to make quick decisions with limited resources. This experience shaped his ability to lead teams and maintain focus during complex surgeries. “You have to prioritize preparation,” he says, emphasizing the importance of readiness in both military and medical settings. These early years of training and service laid the groundwork for his success across hospitals before joining Froedtert South Medical Group.

Dr. Stephen Laga Fosters Team Collaboration

In the operating room, where every second counts, Dr. Stephen Laga, MD, relies on clear communication to keep his team aligned. He uses tools like the SBAR technique, which stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation, to ensure critical information is shared efficiently. “SBAR is a lifesaver,” Laga says. “It cuts through the chaos and focuses everyone on what matters.” Developed by Michael Leonard, this method helps Laga convey urgent details without ambiguity, especially during complex surgeries.

To foster collaboration, Laga implements interdisciplinary communication protocols. “Have protocols with regular meetings,” he says. “Use a shared decision-making process. An example of a protocol is having a timeout to avoid miscommunication.” These strategies ensure surgeons, nurses, and support staff are aligned on goals and responsibilities. He also promotes a culture of respect, encouraging open dialogue and regular feedback. “Foster a culture of respect with open dialogue,” he says, noting that this approach builds trust and improves outcomes.

By focusing on the issue and avoiding blame, he maintains team cohesion. “You have to focus on the issue at hand and not the person,” he says. This approach ensures patient safety remains the priority, even in high-pressure settings.

Leading Through Complex Cases

Dr. Stephen Laga’s competence shines in complex surgeries. With over 6,000 open-heart procedures under his belt, he has seen nearly every scenario and mastered the art of coordination. “I have done more than 6,000 open hearts; that kind of repetition helps out in the long run,” he says. His experience translates into minimal complications, shorter hospital stays, and high patient satisfaction.

One challenging case involved a combined CABG and valve replacement, requiring precise coordination across departments. “Highlight which procedure goes first,” Laga says, explaining the need to prioritize tasks. He held a preoperative briefing, consulted with surgical schedulers, and ensured equipment was ready. “Coordinate the staff, anesthesia, pump tech, and other team members,” he says. “You have to make sure the equipment is available before the case starts.” This preparation was critical to the procedure’s success.

Coordinating such cases requires more than technical skill—it demands leadership. Laga fosters shared decision-making, ensuring each team member understands their role.

“You establish shared objectives and make sure everyone understands the goal. Then define roles and responsibilities.” His ability to align diverse teams, from surgeons to equipment suppliers, has shaped his leadership style. By prioritizing preparation and open communication, he ensures his teams are equipped for unexpected challenges.

His military background reinforces this approach, teaching him to anticipate problems and maintain focus. The result is a track record of successful surgeries and satisfied patients.

Dr. Stephen Laga Builds Trust Across Systems

Trust is the foundation of Dr. Laga’s practice, whether he’s working with patients, colleagues, or hospital administrators. He builds it through transparency, empathy, and accountability. “You have to be open and honest, especially when things don’t go as planned,” he said. “Admitting mistakes shows you’re human, and it builds credibility.” This principle guides his interactions across surgical teams, hospital systems, and patient networks.

For patients, Laga tailors his communication to their needs. He uses simple language to explain complex procedures, ensuring they feel informed and supported. “When someone’s facing heart surgery, they’re vulnerable,” he says. “You have to use clear, concise language. Avoid jargon. You listen, you explain, and you show empathy.” He relies on active listening, paying attention to nonverbal cues like body language to understand a patient’s fears. This makes patients feel seen and heard, and it also helps him connect with patients, especially when delivering difficult news, building rapport, and building trust.

With medical teams, Laga promotes a culture of respect and continuous learning. “Promote cultural competence,” he says. Encourage open communication and feedback without retaliation or judgment. Implement standard processes to provide clear communication. Also, realize that there are people with different perspectives, training, and abilities, and bring it all together. Then celebrate successes and address differences.”

By creating a safe space for dialogue, he ensures team members feel valued, strengthening collaboration across surgical teams and hospital systems.

Balancing Life and Leadership

Outside the high-stakes world of surgery, Dr. Stephen Laga finds peace on the water. Sailing is his escape, a chance to disconnect from the demands of his career. The water provides a space to recharge, allowing him to return to work with clarity and focus. This hobby offers a counterbalance to the intensity of his work, where he manages multiple cases across departments and institutions.

Laga’s leadership style is as adaptable as it is disciplined. In his professional life, he adapts his communication to different audiences. “These are vastly different audiences,” he says, referring to junior residents, seasoned surgeons, and patients. When guiding junior residents, he encourages critical thinking. With seasoned surgeons, he fosters mutual respect, recognizing their knowledge and skill while aligning on shared goals.

“I tend to use the Socratic method,” he says. “Clear, concise, complete, and compassionate language. Every audience is different. You adjust your approach, but the goal is always clear communication.”

Dr. Stephen Laga, MD’s career is evidence of the power of skill and compassion. From his early training to his current role at Froedtert South Medical Group, he has shown that effective leadership in medicine requires more than just technical knowledge. It demands clarity, empathy, and a relentless focus on the patient.

Whether guiding a resident through a complex procedure or sailing to clear his mind, Dr. Stephen Laga, MD, remains a beacon of skill, empathy, and leadership in medicine. As he moves ahead and navigates the complexities of heart surgery and team dynamics, Laga remains grounded in his mission: to save lives and build trust, one heart at a time.