Laura DiMasi

Establishing a systematic biomarker testing program for patients with suspected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) takes both time and collaboration across specialties. To standardize this process, the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) created two clinician checklists for use in practice.

The case-by-case checklist helps guide physicians to ensure timely and comprehensive biomarker testing for individual patients, and the programmatic/institutional checklist is for multidisciplinary teams to enable clear expectations and processes across hand-offs to aid in the testing process.

To substantiate best practices for ordering biomarker tests using the checklists, CHEST issued quality improvement demonstration grants for implementation at two institutions. This year, Tamer Said Ahmed, MD, FCCP, pulmonary and sleep physician at Toledo Hospital (ProMedica Health System) and Assistant Professor at the University of Toledo, and Adam Fox, MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, will begin projects to improve biomarker testing.

“Biomarker testing allows for tailored treatment plans that drastically impact the progression of lung cancer, but every hospital system and practice is following a different procedure for testing,” Dr. Said Ahmed said. “To best serve the patient, our project aims to streamline the approach to biomarker testing to bridge health care inconsistencies. Given the intense progression of some forms of lung cancer where every week matters, the more streamlined we can make the biomarker testing process, the earlier we will get to an accurate diagnosis, begin treatment, and likely extend the life of a patient.”

Discrepancies in the testing process stem from existing silos between specialties, including pathology, oncology, interventional radiology, and more. Care is fragmented, leading to delays like repeat biopsies because a large enough sample was not taken the first time.

This is the exact problem that checklist implementation will seek to solve.

“By intent, these checklists help to provide a systematic approach to timely and comprehensive biomarker testing,” said Dr. Fox, who was also part of the team that developed the checklists. “What we need now is to implement them into clinical practice to gain metrics that can be studied, identified, and will lead to the process being widely accepted. To truly impact practice, we need to be able to provide strong evidence for interventions that work for clinicians to implement.”

To learn more and download the checklists, visit CHEST’s Thoracic Oncology Topic Collection onlineThis project is supported in part by AstraZeneca, Sanofi, and Pfizer.

Establishing a systematic biomarker testing program for patients with suspected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) takes both time and collaboration across specialties. To standardize this process, the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) created two clinician checklists for use in practice.

The case-by-case checklist helps guide physicians to ensure timely and comprehensive biomarker testing for individual patients, and the programmatic/institutional checklist is for multidisciplinary teams to enable clear expectations and processes across hand-offs to aid in the testing process.

To substantiate best practices for ordering biomarker tests using the checklists, CHEST issued quality improvement demonstration grants for implementation at two institutions. This year, Tamer Said Ahmed, MD, FCCP, pulmonary and sleep physician at Toledo Hospital (ProMedica Health System) and Assistant Professor at the University of Toledo, and Adam Fox, MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, will begin projects to improve biomarker testing.

“Biomarker testing allows for tailored treatment plans that drastically impact the progression of lung cancer, but every hospital system and practice is following a different procedure for testing,” Dr. Said Ahmed said. “To best serve the patient, our project aims to streamline the approach to biomarker testing to bridge health care inconsistencies. Given the intense progression of some forms of lung cancer where every week matters, the more streamlined we can make the biomarker testing process, the earlier we will get to an accurate diagnosis, begin treatment, and likely extend the life of a patient.”

Discrepancies in the testing process stem from existing silos between specialties, including pathology, oncology, interventional radiology, and more. Care is fragmented, leading to delays like repeat biopsies because a large enough sample was not taken the first time.

This is the exact problem that checklist implementation will seek to solve.

“By intent, these checklists help to provide a systematic approach to timely and comprehensive biomarker testing,” said Dr. Fox, who was also part of the team that developed the checklists. “What we need now is to implement them into clinical practice to gain metrics that can be studied, identified, and will lead to the process being widely accepted. To truly impact practice, we need to be able to provide strong evidence for interventions that work for clinicians to implement.”

To learn more and download the checklists, visit CHEST’s Thoracic Oncology Topic Collection onlineThis project is supported in part by AstraZeneca, Sanofi, and Pfizer.

Establishing a systematic biomarker testing program for patients with suspected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) takes both time and collaboration across specialties. To standardize this process, the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) created two clinician checklists for use in practice.

The case-by-case checklist helps guide physicians to ensure timely and comprehensive biomarker testing for individual patients, and the programmatic/institutional checklist is for multidisciplinary teams to enable clear expectations and processes across hand-offs to aid in the testing process.

To substantiate best practices for ordering biomarker tests using the checklists, CHEST issued quality improvement demonstration grants for implementation at two institutions. This year, Tamer Said Ahmed, MD, FCCP, pulmonary and sleep physician at Toledo Hospital (ProMedica Health System) and Assistant Professor at the University of Toledo, and Adam Fox, MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, will begin projects to improve biomarker testing.

“Biomarker testing allows for tailored treatment plans that drastically impact the progression of lung cancer, but every hospital system and practice is following a different procedure for testing,” Dr. Said Ahmed said. “To best serve the patient, our project aims to streamline the approach to biomarker testing to bridge health care inconsistencies. Given the intense progression of some forms of lung cancer where every week matters, the more streamlined we can make the biomarker testing process, the earlier we will get to an accurate diagnosis, begin treatment, and likely extend the life of a patient.”

Discrepancies in the testing process stem from existing silos between specialties, including pathology, oncology, interventional radiology, and more. Care is fragmented, leading to delays like repeat biopsies because a large enough sample was not taken the first time.

This is the exact problem that checklist implementation will seek to solve.

“By intent, these checklists help to provide a systematic approach to timely and comprehensive biomarker testing,” said Dr. Fox, who was also part of the team that developed the checklists. “What we need now is to implement them into clinical practice to gain metrics that can be studied, identified, and will lead to the process being widely accepted. To truly impact practice, we need to be able to provide strong evidence for interventions that work for clinicians to implement.”

To learn more and download the checklists, visit CHEST’s Thoracic Oncology Topic Collection onlineThis project is supported in part by AstraZeneca, Sanofi, and Pfizer.

For a night of fun and philanthropy, CHEST leadership and supporters of the CHEST Foundation came together in New York City to watch the Belmont Stakes race and raise money to support patient education.

What started 8 years ago as a brunch in the living room of Doreen Addrizzo-Harris, MD, FCCP, the 2022 Belmont Stakes Dinner and Auction has grown into an event that welcomed 250 guests to the Manhattan waterfront and raised over $290,000 to support the initiatives of the CHEST Foundation.

Courtesy CHEST

Spearheaded by Dr. Addrizzo- Harris, President-Elect of the American College of Chest Physicians, this year’s event was focused entirely on patient education and advocacy. The attendees heard the moving stories of Betsy Glaeser and Fred Schick who are both patients living with lung disease and advocates for others living with like afflictions. Betsy is living with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) disease and Fred with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Betsy and Fred have used their experiences to serve as support for others in similar positions.

Betsy Glaeser, a longtime patient of Dr. Addrizzo-Harris, shared a story about the struggle of being one of the first cases of NTM bronchiectasis and helping to define the course of action. She shared that her original doctors gave her 5 years to live. The room erupted in applause when she shared that with the exceptional treatment she’s received, over 20 years later, she is standing in front of the supporters of the CHEST Foundation to share her story.

Because of the rarity of her disease, she was hospitalized multiple times with pneumonia before finally reaching her diagnosis of NTM disease. She channeled the accompanying frustrations into helping others who were recently diagnosed with the NTM disorder by sharing her experiences. “I would give them guidance on treatment options because in my years of living with the disease, I’d been there and tried almost everything,” said Betsy. “I would get calls from my doctor all of the time to speak with someone who just received an NTM disease diagnosis. I was happy to do so – at the time, the Internet didn’t exist, and firsthand experiences were all we had. Since forming our physical support group, the most memorable experience I can recall is when a woman, newly diagnosed with NTM, walked into the room and immediately burst into tears. She shared that she expected to see all of us on oxygen and wheelchair-bound, but that wasn’t the case at all. That day, we were able to give her hope. That’s why I do what I do, and I’m proud to do it.”

Fred Schick shared with the attendees his story of struggling to find his IPF diagnosis and how incredibly frustrating it was to be so short of breath that he needed to be rescued from the water while on vacation. With a history of cardiac complications, Fred’s doctors were looking at his heart.

For Fred to get to his IPF diagnosis, it took the careful ear of a primary care doctor Fred started to see when his previous doctor retired.

“It was almost like she was listening with different ears and was hearing what others didn’t. Once she recommended speaking with a pulmonologist, everything fell into place,” said Fred. “From my experience, IPF is best treated by a lot of pieces coming together and working together. It takes the dedication of a care team in the hospital, proper diet and exercise and, just as importantly, it takes a support group to guide you through the process. I’m grateful to my care team, but I’m equally thankful for the work I get to do as an advocate for others living with IPF.”

When she spoke to the attendees, Lisa Moores, MD, FCCP, reflected on what the patients shared. “We saw great examples of why we’re here tonight,” said Dr. Moores. “One of the things CHEST and the Foundation are focusing on is earlier diagnosis for interstitial lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis and, with voices like Fred Schick, we’ll get there. The patients remind us why we’re here. We’re here for our patients; we’re here for Fred; and we’re here for Betsy.”

Laurence Feldman, Vice President of the Feldman Family Foundation that partners with the CHEST Foundation for their annual casino fundraiser benefiting pulmonary fibrosis, was able to participate in the dinner and theauction.

He shared, “Tonight, I was so impressed with the generosity of the attendees and the organization of this event. It reminded me that if you ask your supporters to give, they’ll be there for you. Almost like the ‘Field of Dreams’ quote of ‘if you build it, they will come.’ Being at the Belmont Stakes Dinner and Auction makes me that much more excited for our upcoming Irv Feldman Casino Night and Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament coming up in late August. Thanks to our corporate partners and the support of the CHEST Foundation, we’re able to produce an excellent event like the Belmont Stakes fundraiser that helps bring in donations that can make a difference in the lives of patients.”

At the end of the day, medicine is all about the patients and, by dedicating the night to patient education and patient advocates, the Belmont Stakes event brought the focus to where it should always be – improving care and helping patients.

To learn more and to support the various initiatives of the CHEST Foundation, visit foundation.chestnet.org/donate.

For a night of fun and philanthropy, CHEST leadership and supporters of the CHEST Foundation came together in New York City to watch the Belmont Stakes race and raise money to support patient education.

What started 8 years ago as a brunch in the living room of Doreen Addrizzo-Harris, MD, FCCP, the 2022 Belmont Stakes Dinner and Auction has grown into an event that welcomed 250 guests to the Manhattan waterfront and raised over $290,000 to support the initiatives of the CHEST Foundation.

Courtesy CHEST

Spearheaded by Dr. Addrizzo- Harris, President-Elect of the American College of Chest Physicians, this year’s event was focused entirely on patient education and advocacy. The attendees heard the moving stories of Betsy Glaeser and Fred Schick who are both patients living with lung disease and advocates for others living with like afflictions. Betsy is living with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) disease and Fred with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Betsy and Fred have used their experiences to serve as support for others in similar positions.

Betsy Glaeser, a longtime patient of Dr. Addrizzo-Harris, shared a story about the struggle of being one of the first cases of NTM bronchiectasis and helping to define the course of action. She shared that her original doctors gave her 5 years to live. The room erupted in applause when she shared that with the exceptional treatment she’s received, over 20 years later, she is standing in front of the supporters of the CHEST Foundation to share her story.

Because of the rarity of her disease, she was hospitalized multiple times with pneumonia before finally reaching her diagnosis of NTM disease. She channeled the accompanying frustrations into helping others who were recently diagnosed with the NTM disorder by sharing her experiences. “I would give them guidance on treatment options because in my years of living with the disease, I’d been there and tried almost everything,” said Betsy. “I would get calls from my doctor all of the time to speak with someone who just received an NTM disease diagnosis. I was happy to do so – at the time, the Internet didn’t exist, and firsthand experiences were all we had. Since forming our physical support group, the most memorable experience I can recall is when a woman, newly diagnosed with NTM, walked into the room and immediately burst into tears. She shared that she expected to see all of us on oxygen and wheelchair-bound, but that wasn’t the case at all. That day, we were able to give her hope. That’s why I do what I do, and I’m proud to do it.”

Fred Schick shared with the attendees his story of struggling to find his IPF diagnosis and how incredibly frustrating it was to be so short of breath that he needed to be rescued from the water while on vacation. With a history of cardiac complications, Fred’s doctors were looking at his heart.

For Fred to get to his IPF diagnosis, it took the careful ear of a primary care doctor Fred started to see when his previous doctor retired.

“It was almost like she was listening with different ears and was hearing what others didn’t. Once she recommended speaking with a pulmonologist, everything fell into place,” said Fred. “From my experience, IPF is best treated by a lot of pieces coming together and working together. It takes the dedication of a care team in the hospital, proper diet and exercise and, just as importantly, it takes a support group to guide you through the process. I’m grateful to my care team, but I’m equally thankful for the work I get to do as an advocate for others living with IPF.”

When she spoke to the attendees, Lisa Moores, MD, FCCP, reflected on what the patients shared. “We saw great examples of why we’re here tonight,” said Dr. Moores. “One of the things CHEST and the Foundation are focusing on is earlier diagnosis for interstitial lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis and, with voices like Fred Schick, we’ll get there. The patients remind us why we’re here. We’re here for our patients; we’re here for Fred; and we’re here for Betsy.”

Laurence Feldman, Vice President of the Feldman Family Foundation that partners with the CHEST Foundation for their annual casino fundraiser benefiting pulmonary fibrosis, was able to participate in the dinner and theauction.

He shared, “Tonight, I was so impressed with the generosity of the attendees and the organization of this event. It reminded me that if you ask your supporters to give, they’ll be there for you. Almost like the ‘Field of Dreams’ quote of ‘if you build it, they will come.’ Being at the Belmont Stakes Dinner and Auction makes me that much more excited for our upcoming Irv Feldman Casino Night and Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament coming up in late August. Thanks to our corporate partners and the support of the CHEST Foundation, we’re able to produce an excellent event like the Belmont Stakes fundraiser that helps bring in donations that can make a difference in the lives of patients.”

At the end of the day, medicine is all about the patients and, by dedicating the night to patient education and patient advocates, the Belmont Stakes event brought the focus to where it should always be – improving care and helping patients.

To learn more and to support the various initiatives of the CHEST Foundation, visit foundation.chestnet.org/donate.

For a night of fun and philanthropy, CHEST leadership and supporters of the CHEST Foundation came together in New York City to watch the Belmont Stakes race and raise money to support patient education.

What started 8 years ago as a brunch in the living room of Doreen Addrizzo-Harris, MD, FCCP, the 2022 Belmont Stakes Dinner and Auction has grown into an event that welcomed 250 guests to the Manhattan waterfront and raised over $290,000 to support the initiatives of the CHEST Foundation.

Courtesy CHEST

Spearheaded by Dr. Addrizzo- Harris, President-Elect of the American College of Chest Physicians, this year’s event was focused entirely on patient education and advocacy. The attendees heard the moving stories of Betsy Glaeser and Fred Schick who are both patients living with lung disease and advocates for others living with like afflictions. Betsy is living with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) disease and Fred with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Betsy and Fred have used their experiences to serve as support for others in similar positions.

Betsy Glaeser, a longtime patient of Dr. Addrizzo-Harris, shared a story about the struggle of being one of the first cases of NTM bronchiectasis and helping to define the course of action. She shared that her original doctors gave her 5 years to live. The room erupted in applause when she shared that with the exceptional treatment she’s received, over 20 years later, she is standing in front of the supporters of the CHEST Foundation to share her story.

Because of the rarity of her disease, she was hospitalized multiple times with pneumonia before finally reaching her diagnosis of NTM disease. She channeled the accompanying frustrations into helping others who were recently diagnosed with the NTM disorder by sharing her experiences. “I would give them guidance on treatment options because in my years of living with the disease, I’d been there and tried almost everything,” said Betsy. “I would get calls from my doctor all of the time to speak with someone who just received an NTM disease diagnosis. I was happy to do so – at the time, the Internet didn’t exist, and firsthand experiences were all we had. Since forming our physical support group, the most memorable experience I can recall is when a woman, newly diagnosed with NTM, walked into the room and immediately burst into tears. She shared that she expected to see all of us on oxygen and wheelchair-bound, but that wasn’t the case at all. That day, we were able to give her hope. That’s why I do what I do, and I’m proud to do it.”

Fred Schick shared with the attendees his story of struggling to find his IPF diagnosis and how incredibly frustrating it was to be so short of breath that he needed to be rescued from the water while on vacation. With a history of cardiac complications, Fred’s doctors were looking at his heart.

For Fred to get to his IPF diagnosis, it took the careful ear of a primary care doctor Fred started to see when his previous doctor retired.

“It was almost like she was listening with different ears and was hearing what others didn’t. Once she recommended speaking with a pulmonologist, everything fell into place,” said Fred. “From my experience, IPF is best treated by a lot of pieces coming together and working together. It takes the dedication of a care team in the hospital, proper diet and exercise and, just as importantly, it takes a support group to guide you through the process. I’m grateful to my care team, but I’m equally thankful for the work I get to do as an advocate for others living with IPF.”

When she spoke to the attendees, Lisa Moores, MD, FCCP, reflected on what the patients shared. “We saw great examples of why we’re here tonight,” said Dr. Moores. “One of the things CHEST and the Foundation are focusing on is earlier diagnosis for interstitial lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis and, with voices like Fred Schick, we’ll get there. The patients remind us why we’re here. We’re here for our patients; we’re here for Fred; and we’re here for Betsy.”

Laurence Feldman, Vice President of the Feldman Family Foundation that partners with the CHEST Foundation for their annual casino fundraiser benefiting pulmonary fibrosis, was able to participate in the dinner and theauction.

He shared, “Tonight, I was so impressed with the generosity of the attendees and the organization of this event. It reminded me that if you ask your supporters to give, they’ll be there for you. Almost like the ‘Field of Dreams’ quote of ‘if you build it, they will come.’ Being at the Belmont Stakes Dinner and Auction makes me that much more excited for our upcoming Irv Feldman Casino Night and Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament coming up in late August. Thanks to our corporate partners and the support of the CHEST Foundation, we’re able to produce an excellent event like the Belmont Stakes fundraiser that helps bring in donations that can make a difference in the lives of patients.”

At the end of the day, medicine is all about the patients and, by dedicating the night to patient education and patient advocates, the Belmont Stakes event brought the focus to where it should always be – improving care and helping patients.

To learn more and to support the various initiatives of the CHEST Foundation, visit foundation.chestnet.org/donate.

A quality educational meeting starts with a great slate of programs tailored to its audience, and CHEST 2022 is on-track to offer the highest tier of education for those in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine.

Although planning for the meeting started after CHEST 2021 wrapped up, the real magic started to happen a few months ago when the schedule began coming together. In mid-February, members of the Scientific Planning Committee gathered both virtually and in-person at the CHEST headquarters to solidify the schedule for the upcoming CHEST 2022 meeting taking place in Nashville, TN, October 16-19.

The excitement in the room was palpable as committee members gathered for the first time in over a year to plan what will be the first in-person meeting since CHEST 2019 in New Orleans.

Chair of CHEST 2022, Subani Chandra, MD, FCCP, has high expectations for the meeting and is excited for everyone to be together in Nashville. “There is something special about an in-person meeting and my goal for CHEST 2022 is to not only meet the academic needs of the attendees, but also to serve as a chance to recharge after a long haul in managing COVID-19,” says Dr. Chandra. “Many first-time CHEST attendees are fellows and, with the last two meetings being virtual, there are a lot of fellows who have yet to attend a meeting in-person, so that is a big responsibility for us and opportunity for them. We want to make sure they have a fun and productive meeting – learn from the best, understand how to apply the latest research, get to present their work, network, participate, and have fun doing it all!”

With something for everyone in chest medicine, the CHEST 2022 meeting will feature over 200 sessions covering eight curriculum groups:

• Obstructive lung disease
• Sleep
• Chest infections
• Cardiovascular/pulmonary vascular disease
• Pulmonary procedures/lung cancer/cardiothoracic surgery
• Interstitial lung disease/radiology
• Interdisciplinary/practice operations/education
• Critical care

Covering a large breadth of information, the sessions will include the latest trends in COVID-19 care – recommended protocols, surge-planning and best practices; deeper looks into the latest CHEST guidelines – thromboprophylaxis in patients with COVID-19, antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease, and the guidelines for lung cancer screening; and sessions speaking to diversity, inclusion, and equity within medicine, including how lung disease affects populations differently.

Dr. Chandra says diversity was top of mind throughout the planning process. When submitting session ideas, it was noted that “submissions with speakers representing one gender and/or one institution will not be considered,” and that “selection priority will be given to outstanding submissions with proposed speakers who represent diversity of race, ethnicity, and professional status.”

During February’s meeting, as the committee members confirmed each of the sessions, they took the time to ensure every single one had presenters from a variety of backgrounds, including diversity of gender, race, credentialing, and years of experience in medicine.

It was important to the committee that this not be a physician-only meeting, because both CHEST and Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine feature an array of team members including physicians, advance practice providers, respiratory therapists, nurses and other members of the care team and the sessions will reflect that.

When asked what she hopes attendees will gain from CHEST 2022, Dr. Chandra says, “I want attendees to feel the joy that comes from not only being together, but learning together.”

She continued, “I want this meeting to remind clinicians why they fell in love with medicine and to remember why it is that we do what we do, especially after two grueling years. Attendees should leave feeling reinvigorated and charged with the latest literature and clinical expertise ready to be implemented into practice. Most of all, I want all of the attendees to have fun, because we are there to learn, but CHEST is also about enjoying medicine and those around you. I just cannot wait.”

A quality educational meeting starts with a great slate of programs tailored to its audience, and CHEST 2022 is on-track to offer the highest tier of education for those in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine.

Although planning for the meeting started after CHEST 2021 wrapped up, the real magic started to happen a few months ago when the schedule began coming together. In mid-February, members of the Scientific Planning Committee gathered both virtually and in-person at the CHEST headquarters to solidify the schedule for the upcoming CHEST 2022 meeting taking place in Nashville, TN, October 16-19.

The excitement in the room was palpable as committee members gathered for the first time in over a year to plan what will be the first in-person meeting since CHEST 2019 in New Orleans.

Chair of CHEST 2022, Subani Chandra, MD, FCCP, has high expectations for the meeting and is excited for everyone to be together in Nashville. “There is something special about an in-person meeting and my goal for CHEST 2022 is to not only meet the academic needs of the attendees, but also to serve as a chance to recharge after a long haul in managing COVID-19,” says Dr. Chandra. “Many first-time CHEST attendees are fellows and, with the last two meetings being virtual, there are a lot of fellows who have yet to attend a meeting in-person, so that is a big responsibility for us and opportunity for them. We want to make sure they have a fun and productive meeting – learn from the best, understand how to apply the latest research, get to present their work, network, participate, and have fun doing it all!”

With something for everyone in chest medicine, the CHEST 2022 meeting will feature over 200 sessions covering eight curriculum groups:

• Obstructive lung disease
• Sleep
• Chest infections
• Cardiovascular/pulmonary vascular disease
• Pulmonary procedures/lung cancer/cardiothoracic surgery
• Interstitial lung disease/radiology
• Interdisciplinary/practice operations/education
• Critical care

Covering a large breadth of information, the sessions will include the latest trends in COVID-19 care – recommended protocols, surge-planning and best practices; deeper looks into the latest CHEST guidelines – thromboprophylaxis in patients with COVID-19, antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease, and the guidelines for lung cancer screening; and sessions speaking to diversity, inclusion, and equity within medicine, including how lung disease affects populations differently.

Dr. Chandra says diversity was top of mind throughout the planning process. When submitting session ideas, it was noted that “submissions with speakers representing one gender and/or one institution will not be considered,” and that “selection priority will be given to outstanding submissions with proposed speakers who represent diversity of race, ethnicity, and professional status.”

During February’s meeting, as the committee members confirmed each of the sessions, they took the time to ensure every single one had presenters from a variety of backgrounds, including diversity of gender, race, credentialing, and years of experience in medicine.

It was important to the committee that this not be a physician-only meeting, because both CHEST and Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine feature an array of team members including physicians, advance practice providers, respiratory therapists, nurses and other members of the care team and the sessions will reflect that.

When asked what she hopes attendees will gain from CHEST 2022, Dr. Chandra says, “I want attendees to feel the joy that comes from not only being together, but learning together.”

She continued, “I want this meeting to remind clinicians why they fell in love with medicine and to remember why it is that we do what we do, especially after two grueling years. Attendees should leave feeling reinvigorated and charged with the latest literature and clinical expertise ready to be implemented into practice. Most of all, I want all of the attendees to have fun, because we are there to learn, but CHEST is also about enjoying medicine and those around you. I just cannot wait.”

A quality educational meeting starts with a great slate of programs tailored to its audience, and CHEST 2022 is on-track to offer the highest tier of education for those in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine.

Although planning for the meeting started after CHEST 2021 wrapped up, the real magic started to happen a few months ago when the schedule began coming together. In mid-February, members of the Scientific Planning Committee gathered both virtually and in-person at the CHEST headquarters to solidify the schedule for the upcoming CHEST 2022 meeting taking place in Nashville, TN, October 16-19.

The excitement in the room was palpable as committee members gathered for the first time in over a year to plan what will be the first in-person meeting since CHEST 2019 in New Orleans.

Chair of CHEST 2022, Subani Chandra, MD, FCCP, has high expectations for the meeting and is excited for everyone to be together in Nashville. “There is something special about an in-person meeting and my goal for CHEST 2022 is to not only meet the academic needs of the attendees, but also to serve as a chance to recharge after a long haul in managing COVID-19,” says Dr. Chandra. “Many first-time CHEST attendees are fellows and, with the last two meetings being virtual, there are a lot of fellows who have yet to attend a meeting in-person, so that is a big responsibility for us and opportunity for them. We want to make sure they have a fun and productive meeting – learn from the best, understand how to apply the latest research, get to present their work, network, participate, and have fun doing it all!”

With something for everyone in chest medicine, the CHEST 2022 meeting will feature over 200 sessions covering eight curriculum groups:

• Obstructive lung disease
• Sleep
• Chest infections
• Cardiovascular/pulmonary vascular disease
• Pulmonary procedures/lung cancer/cardiothoracic surgery
• Interstitial lung disease/radiology
• Interdisciplinary/practice operations/education
• Critical care

Covering a large breadth of information, the sessions will include the latest trends in COVID-19 care – recommended protocols, surge-planning and best practices; deeper looks into the latest CHEST guidelines – thromboprophylaxis in patients with COVID-19, antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease, and the guidelines for lung cancer screening; and sessions speaking to diversity, inclusion, and equity within medicine, including how lung disease affects populations differently.

Dr. Chandra says diversity was top of mind throughout the planning process. When submitting session ideas, it was noted that “submissions with speakers representing one gender and/or one institution will not be considered,” and that “selection priority will be given to outstanding submissions with proposed speakers who represent diversity of race, ethnicity, and professional status.”

During February’s meeting, as the committee members confirmed each of the sessions, they took the time to ensure every single one had presenters from a variety of backgrounds, including diversity of gender, race, credentialing, and years of experience in medicine.

It was important to the committee that this not be a physician-only meeting, because both CHEST and Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine feature an array of team members including physicians, advance practice providers, respiratory therapists, nurses and other members of the care team and the sessions will reflect that.

When asked what she hopes attendees will gain from CHEST 2022, Dr. Chandra says, “I want attendees to feel the joy that comes from not only being together, but learning together.”

She continued, “I want this meeting to remind clinicians why they fell in love with medicine and to remember why it is that we do what we do, especially after two grueling years. Attendees should leave feeling reinvigorated and charged with the latest literature and clinical expertise ready to be implemented into practice. Most of all, I want all of the attendees to have fun, because we are there to learn, but CHEST is also about enjoying medicine and those around you. I just cannot wait.”