In this issue of Thoracic Surgery Clinics, guest editors Drs. Stephen Yang and Jinny Ha bring their considerable expertise to the topic of The Professional Lifespan: From Residency to Retirement. Profession transitions in thoracic surgery are difficult at any point in one’s career, from fellowships and first jobs through mid-career moves and retirement. Every thoracic surgeon goes through these transitions, but needs guidance to do so effectively. This issue covers the entire career lifespan of a thoracic surgeon, plus important related topics such as finances, wellness, lifelong learning, and diversity. Contains 15 relevant, practice-oriented topics including the growing years: promoting yourself the first five years; navigating promotions in thoracic surgery; integrating advocacy into your practice; exit strategy: preparing for retirement; the mid-career crisis: moving on to the next job; and more. Provides in-depth information on the professional lifespan: from residency to retirement, offering actionable insights for a lifetime of clinical practice. Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field. Authors synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to create clinically significant, topic-based reviews.