ATS Assemblies & Sections

May 6, 2026ATS 2026 PR Assembly: Roadmap & Session Highlights, A Guide to the ATS 2026 PR Assembly Sessionshttps://craftprd1.blob.core.windows.net/documents/membership/assemblies/pr/ATS-PR-Assembly-Roadmap-2026-Slides.pdfAlan L. Hamilton, PhD, ATS PR Program Committee Chair (Incoming) Dmitry Rozenberg, MD, PhD, ATS PR Web Committee Co-Chair00:00 — Introduction & Podcast Opening00:15 — Overview of ATS 2026 PR Assembly Program01:15 — Saturday & Sunday Sessions Highlights02:58 — Monday Programming & Membership Meeting04:33 — Tuesday Sessions & Closing Remarks

March 2, 2026In this episode, we explore a topic essential to every ATS member and their patients: Basic Science and Lab Research Sustainability. Hosted by Miles D. Hagner, MD, of the ATS Early Career Professionals Working Group (Assembly on Allergy, Immunology, and Inflammation), this discussion brings together experts Dr. Emma Thornell and Emily Colpack to examine how laboratory research can reduce environmental impact without compromising scientific rigor.Emma Thornell, PhD, is a research assistant professor at the University of Iowa, where she studies the intersection of lung disease and environmental exposures. Emily Colpack, MPA, serves as Sustainability Lead and My Green Labs Coordinator at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Both lead initiatives aimed at improving the sustainability of laboratory research.Topics covered include optimizing ultra‑low temperature freezers and fume hoods, coordinating shared operations such as autoclaves, and appropriate use of biohazardous waste areas. Ultimately, the panel offers several practical strategies, with an emphasis on lab education, for making scientific research more sustainable—without slowing the pace of discovery.00:00:00 – 00:00:15 Podcast Introduction & Opening Music00:00:15 – 00:00:42 Welcome & Guest Introductions00:00:42 – 00:01:13 Dr. Emma Thornell’s Background & Research00:01:13 – 00:01:58 Emily Colpack’s Role in Sustainability & Green Labs00:01:58 – 00:02:59 What Sustainability Means in Scientific Research00:02:59 – 00:04:15 Environmental Impact of Lab Work (Energy, Water, Emissions)00:04:15 – 00:05:55 How Labs Measure Their Environmental Footprint00:05:55 – 00:07:48 Biggest Energy Drains in the Lab (Freezers, Hoods, Autoclaves)00:07:48 – 00:10:55 Practical Ways to Reduce Lab Energy Use00:10:55 – 00:43:26 Improving Sustainability: Programs, Culture Change & Real-World ImpactHost:Miles D. Hagner, MDPulmonary/Critical Care Medicine FacultyUniversity of Iowa Hospitals and ClinicsGuests:Emily Colpack, MPAUniversity of Alabama BirminghamEmma Thornell, PhDUniversity of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

We’re joined by the chairs of the ATS Pulmonary Circulation Assembly, Drs. Soban Umar and Harry Karmouty-Quintana, to highlight all the PC sessions at the upcoming conference in Orlando. Hosts: Khushboo Goel, MDAssistant Professor of MedicineCedars-Sinai Medical Center  Kathryn del Valle, MDAssistant Professor of MedicineMayo Clinic, Rochester  Guests: Soban Umar, MD PhD Professor, Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity of California, Los Angeles   Harry Karmouty-Quintana, PhDAssociate ProfessorDirector, UTHealth Houston Pulmonary Center of ExcellenceUniversity of Texas, Houston McGovern Medical School 00:00 – 00:15 | Podcast Introduction & Welcome00:15 – 00:35 | Episode Focus: ATS 2026 Preview00:35 – 01:12 | Meet the Guests01:12 – 02:03 | Program Committee Overview02:03 – 03:11 | ATS 2026 Theme: Lung Microenvironment03:11 – 04:01 | Highlighted Scientific Sessions04:01 – 06:03 | Session Types & Program Structure06:03 – 08:05 | Featured Sessions & Collaborations08:05 – 10:18 | Postgraduate Courses & Expert Sessions10:18 – 23:04 | ATS Tips, Networking & Closing

March 11, 2026How to Develop Your ATS Document Proposal - An introduction to the documents development process Assembly - Clinical Problems Host:Dr. Kerri A. Johannson, MD, MPH, FRCPC, ATSFAssociate ProfessorDepartments of Medicine & Community Health SciencesSnyder Institute for Chronic DiseasesResearch Director, Interstitial Lung Disease ProgramUniversity of Calgary, Calgary AB Canada Guests: Jolene Fisher, MD, MSc, FRCPCRespirology and Interstitial Lung DiseaseClinician Investigator, University Health NetworkAssistant Professor, Department of Medicine, University of TorontoResearch Director, Toronto General Hospital Interstitial Lung Disease Program Kevin Wilson, MDATS Chief of Guidelines and Documents ATS Documents Editor Professor of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine Notes for the viewer: Here is a link to a video presentation by one of our guests on the steps to applying for an ATS document - https://vimeo.com/1089163046?share=copy [vimeo.com]00:00:00 – Introduction & podcast overview00:02:02 – What the ATS podcast is about / host intro00:03:06 – Overview of ATS document types00:06:12 – Differences: clinical guidelines vs statements00:09:18 – Examples of documents from the assembly00:12:24 – How to propose a document (first steps)00:15:30 – Building a strong proposal & team structure00:18:36 – Methodology requirements & guideline process00:21:42 – Submission, review, and scoring process00:24:48 – Final decisions, tips, and process updates

March 10, 2026Description: In this episode of our Foundations of PH series, Dr. Ryan Tedford joins us to discuss the evolving hemodynamic definitions of pulmonary hypertension and its clinical implications. We also review right heart catheterization techniques, provocative hemodynamic testing, and pearls for right heart catheterization interpretation. Hosts: Khushboo Goel, MDAssistant Professor of MedicineCedars-Sinai Medical Center Katherine Cox-Flaherty, MDAssistant Professor of Medical EducationUniversity of VirginiaInova Fairfax Guest: Ryan Tedford, MDProfessor of Medicine/CardiologyChair, Heart Failure Program  Medical Director, Cardiac Transplantation ProgramMedical University of South Carolina00:00 — Podcast Introduction & Hosts00:22 — Episode Overview: Hemodynamic Definitions of Pulmonary Hypertension01:00 — Guest Introduction: Dr. Ryan Tedford01:25 — Career Path into Pulmonary Vascular Disease02:48 — Why Hemodynamic Assessment Is Essential in PH04:22 — Clinical Case Presentation: Suspected PH in Systemic Sclerosis06:00 — Right Heart Catheterization: Indications, Risks & Contraindications08:38 — Interpreting Hemodynamics & Classifying Pulmonary Hypertension10:37 — Updated Hemodynamic Definitions from Recent Guidelines15:45 — Advanced Right Heart Cath Techniques: Vasoreactivity, Fluid Challenge & Shunt Evaluation

In this episode we will review tracheostomies in the critically ill. We will describe the patient selection, procedure, possible complications, and follow up care. Host: Matthew Stutz, MD, MScBMI, Cook County Health, Assistant Professor Rush University, Chicago, Illinois Guest: Elliot Backer, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth00:00:00 — Podcast Introduction & Disclosures00:00:21 — Topic Overview & Guest Introduction (Tracheostomy in Critical Illness)00:01:00 — Guest Background & Clinical Experience00:01:51 — Case Presentation & Indications for Tracheostomy00:06:42 — Timing, Evidence, and Techniques of Tracheostomy00:19:59 — Patient Selection & Risk Stratification for Percutaneous Tracheostomy00:20:37 — Imaging & Ultrasound to Reduce Bleeding Risk00:22:05 — Early Post-Tracheostomy Complications: Bleeding & Dislodgement00:26:20 — Tracheo-Innominate Fistula: Recognition & Emergency Management00:35:20 — Post-ICU Outcomes, Prognosis, and Multidisciplinary Tracheostomy Care

Tune into our next episode of the Foundations of PH series with PH expert Dr. Raymond Benza who walks us through the approach, importance, and treatment implications of risk stratification for patients with pulmonary hypertension.Host: Kathryn del Valle MD, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MNGuest: Raymond Benza MD, Chief of Cardiology at Eastern Virginia Medical School and Academic Chair of Cardiology with Sentara Health00:00 — Podcast Introduction & Foundations of PH Series00:15 — Host Introduction and Episode Focus00:34 — Guest Introduction: Dr. Raymond Benza00:58 — Career Path and Early Exposure to Pulmonary Hypertension02:15 — Evolution of PH Care and the Rationale for Risk Stratification03:57 — Why Risk Stratification Matters for Patients and Treatment Decisions06:24 — Clinical, Functional, Laboratory, and Imaging Tools for Risk Assessment09:55 — Validated Risk Scores and Use at Baseline vs Follow-Up14:58 — Risk Stratification Across PH Groups and Model Limitations18:39 — Case-Based Discussion: High-Risk PAH Patient Evaluation, Hemodynamics, and Treatment Strategy

The podcast was a brief overview of mechanisms that facilitate lung repair during ARDS to resume normal lung function. These included cells and their secreted products such as, Tregs, Macrophages, and Neutrophils, pro-resolving lipid mediators, and cytokines (IL-10, Tgf-b), along with active processes, such as efferocytosis and changes in immunometabolism. We discussed defining ARDS, factors that contribute to lung resolution, and ended with potential therapeutic options for actively promoting repair along with dampening the inflammatory response. Moderators: Filiz T. Korkmaz, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of IowaHong Yong Peh, PhD, Research Assistant Professor, National University of Singapore Discussants: Bruce D. Levy, M.D., M.Sc.(Hon.), Hersey Professor of the Theory and Practice of Physic, Harvard Medical School, Executive Vice-Chair, Mass General Brigham, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s HospitalKymberly Gowdy, PhD, Associate Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Benjamin Singer, MD, Vice Chair for Research, Department of Medicine, Lawrence Hicks Professor of Pulmonary Medicine, Associate Professor, Medicine (Pulmonary and Critical Care), Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics00:00 — Introduction & Topic Overview01:30 — Defining ARDS: Clinical vs Mechanistic Perspectives05:30 — Resolution vs Recovery vs Repair08:30 — Pro-Inflammatory Mediators & Neutrophil Biology13:30 — Pro-Resolving Pathways & Specialized Lipid Mediators19:55 — Regulatory T Cells, IL-10, and Efferocytosis22:30 — Macrophage Plasticity and the Limits of the M1/M2 Paradigm27:30 — Pro-Inflammation and Pro-Resolution Occur in Parallel33:30 — Aging, Immune Dysfunction, and Impaired Resolution39:30 — Knowledge Gaps and Future Therapeutic Directions in ARDS

In this episode, we share the wisdom of Dr. Lauren Kearney, a BSHSR member, in her strategies for success in community engaged research and making the most of ATS membership.00:00 – Podcast Opening & Guest Introduction00:33 – Dr. Kearney's Award & Early-Career Transition02:03 – Research Focus: Equity, Community Engagement, Smoking Cessation04:08 – Mentorship Influence & Diverse Training Experiences06:06 – Entering Community-Engaged Research: Mentors & Skills08:01 – Value of ATS Membership: Sponsorship & Access to Leaders10:01 – Navigating ATS as a Trainee & Becoming Involved12:07 – Practical Advice for Planning ATS Meeting Engagement14:14 – Overcoming Nervousness & Preparing an Elevator Pitch17:10 – Peer Community, Continued Growth, & Closing Remarks

In this episode of the Elevator Pitch, brought to you by the ATS Critical Care Assembly, we talk to Dr. Kevin Buell about his work using machine learning to predict optimal oxygenation targets for critically ill patients. Host: Divya Shankar, MD, Boston University Guest: Kevin Buell, MBBS, University of Chicago 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:31 Meet Dr. Kevin Buell01:37 Dr. Buell's Research Interests02:08 Elevator Pitch: Oxygen Targets Study03:08 Study Methodology and Results05:08 Limitations and Machine Learning07:08 Model Validation and Application16:19 Future of Machine Learning in Medicine17:48 Conclusion and Takeaways19:13 Closing Remarks

This is the second episode of our Advocacy Series — a collection of podcasts dedicated to exploring key issues in pediatric pulmonology.In this episode, Robyn Cohen, MD, MPH, and Will Feldman, MD, DPhil, MPH, share their experiences in policy-related advocacy, focusing on inhaler policy, including topics related to Flovent (Fluticasone). They discuss recent developments, challenges, and barriers in inhaler policy, as well as practical tips and strategies for engaging in policy work.00:00 – Podcast Opening, Hosts, Topic Setup & Guest Introductions02:40 – Early Experiences, Origins of Inhaler Advocacy & Media Attention05:00 – Pediatric vs Adult Perspectives, Policy Challenges & Initial Industry/Regulatory Issues10:00 – Ongoing Aftermath of Inhaler Discontinuations, Community Impact & System Barriers15:00 – Market Forces, Dry-Powder Alternatives, Patents & Device Innovation Limitations19:57 - Patent Protection, New Products, and Market Incentives22:01 - Environmental Concerns, Formularies, and Clinician Constraints24:03 - Recommended Resources and Understanding Patents/PBMs26:09 - Advocacy Challenges, Publishing Op-Eds, and Media Engagement29:04 - Policy Barriers, Authorized Generics, and Institutional Advocacy SupportAdditional Resources:Dr. Feldman’s Testimony regarding  pharmaceutical patents before the Senate Judiciary Committee:https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/committee-activity/hearings/ensuring-affordable-and-accessible-medications-examining-competition-in-the-prescription-drug-marketA version of Dr. Feldman’s written testimony:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40197405/Letter in Peds Pulmonology describing the experience of inhaler advocacy:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40105398/Cohen RT, Christy Sadreameli S, Coates AC, Nelson BA, O'Sullivan BP; Members of the Advocacy Subcommittee of the American Thoracic Society Pediatrics Assembly and the New England Pediatric Pulmonary Consortium. Ensuring Inhaler Access for Children: A Case Study in Advocacy by Pediatric Pulmonologists. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2025 Mar;60(3):e71055. doi: 10.1002/ppul.71055. PMID: 40105398.Op-Ed from Drs. Christy Sadreameli and Dr. Robyn Cohen:https://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2024-04-18/asthma-inhaler-chaos-leaves-us-doctors-and-the-children-we-treat-out-of-breath

This episode marks the launch of our Advocacy Series, a collection of podcasts dedicated to exploring key issues in Pediatric Pulmonology. In this episode, Dr. Abby Nerlinger and Dr. Anita Shah discuss how to build an effective advocacy portfolio and provide practical guidance for academic advocacy promotion. GuestDr. Abby Nerlinger, MD MPHPediatric Hospitalist Nemours Children’s Hospital, Wilmington, DEGuestDr. Anita Shah, DO MMS MPHPediatric HospitalistCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OHHost Dr. Anne Coates, MDPediatric Pulmonologist. Maine Health, Portland, MEHost Dr. S. Christy Sadreameli, MD MHSPediatric PulmonologistJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MDHost Dr. Matt Wong, DO MPHPediatric Pulmonologist. Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA00:00 — Podcast & Host Introductions00:22 — Episode Focus: Advocacy Portfolios & Academic Promotion00:41 — Guest Introductions: Dr. Abby Nirlinger & Dr. Anita Shah01:29 — Backgrounds, Training & Advocacy Roles of Guests05:11 — Paths Into Advocacy (Shah & Nirlinger)09:19 — Integrating Advocacy Into Academic Work15:06 — Origins & Structure of the Advocacy Portfolio18:57 — Building Evidence & Community Engagement in Advocacy21:31 — Aligning Advocacy With Institutions, Funding & Protected Time30:29 — Advocacy Impact: Health Outcomes, Skills, Burnout & Public Messaging

Nov 21, 2025Tune into Practical PH’s inaugural episode of the Foundations of PH series with PH expert Dr. Namita Sood who takes us through a systematic approach of accurately diagnosing pulmonary hypertension.    00:00 — Podcast Welcome & Series Overview01:05 – Guest Introduction & Journey Into PH03:23 – Patient Case Introduction & Key History06:20 – Physical Exam Findings & Early Risk Assessment09:04 – Essential Diagnostic Approach11:40 – Workup Results & ILD Interpretation15:01 – Next Steps: ILD Care & Right-Heart Cath17:01 – Group 3 PH Evaluation & Management20:08 – Treatment Options & Inhaled Treprostinil22:46 – Key Takeaways & Closing

Dr. Joanne McKell, MD interviews Dr. Erika Moseson, MD, MA physician and podcaster, about her road to environmental advocacy despite a heavy clinical and administrative workload, a pandemic, and a young family.  Dr. Moseson is the creator and host of Air Health, Our Health, a host of the ATS podcast Out of the Blue, and member of the ATS Environmental Health Policy committee.*Produced by the EOPH Assembly(00:00) - Introduction to the EOPH Assembly Podcast (01:08) - Dr. Erica Moseson’s Journey into Medicine (03:13) - Balancing Family, Career, and Advocacy (07:00) - Physician Well-Being and Purposeful Advocacy (10:10) - From Local Activism to the “Air Health, Our Health” Platform (19:55) - From Plasma Waves to Practical Solutions (20:20) - Building “Twitchy Airways Club” and the Ethics of Sharing (21:27) - Engaging Patients Through Podcasts and Videos (24:29) - Advocacy Starts at Home: Making Local Impact Count (31:09) - Teaching Climate and Health in Medical Education Host: Joanne McKell, MD, Case Western Reserve University School of MedicineGuest: Erika Mosesón, MD, MA, Pulmonary Section Chair at Legacy Emanuel Health Medical Center

In this episode, Dr. Joanne McKell, MD sits down with Dr. Mary Rice, MD, MPH Chair of the Environmental, Occupational, and Population Health (EOPH) Assembly of the American Thoracic Society. Dr. Rice shares her journey into environmental health, her goals as Chair, and how her clinical work in pulmonary medicine informs her research on air pollution and climate change.*Produced by the EOPH Assembly00:01:20 | Early Influences & Environmental Awareness00:02:30 | From Consulting to Medicine00:03:30 | The Path to Pulmonary Medicine00:04:50 | Joining and Leading Within ATS00:06:10 | Inside the Role of an Assembly Chair00:07:50 | Goals for the Year Ahead00:09:10 | The Power of Framing in Science Communication00:10:50 | Balancing Clinical Practice and Leadership00:12:30 | Optimism, Perseverance, and Closing ReflectionsHost: Joanne L. McKell, MD, Case Western Reserve University School of MedicineGuest: Mary B. Rice, MD, MPH, Harvard Medical School, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health

An in-depth exploration of the evolving understanding of inflammation in COPD, focusing on the differences between type 1/3 and type 2 inflammatory pathways and their clinical relevance. Experts will discuss current gaps in COPD management and the potential of precision medicine to improve outcomes for patients with persistent symptoms or frequent exacerbations. The program will also review recent clinical trial data on type 2 biologics, strategies for identifying appropriate candidates through biomarkers and comorbidities, and key areas for future research, including long-term outcomes, treatment tapering, and therapy optimization.* Produced by the AII Assembly Host:• Sara Assaf, MD - Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep at the University of New MexicoGuests• Nick Hanania, MD, MS - Director, Airways Clinical Research Center, Brown Foundation, Professor of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine • Stephanie Christenson, MD MAS - Associate Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, & Sleep, UCSF• Surya P Bhatt MD, MSPH - Professor of Medicine, Endowed Professor of Airways Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham• Klaus Rabe, MD, PhD, FERS - Professor of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Kiel🔹 00:00:00 | Introduction (0–4 min)🔹 00:04:04 | Setting the Stage: Why Type 2 Inflammation Matters in COPD🔹 00:08:07 | The Science Behind COPD and Type 2 Pathways🔹 00:12:08 | How Inflammation Shapes Disease Progression🔹 00:16:11 | Current and Emerging Treatments for COPD🔹 00:24:20 | Biomarkers and Precision Medicine🔹 00:32:25 | New Frontiers and Ongoing Research🔹 00:52:41 | Wrapping Up and Key Takeaways

Field walking tests are common outcome measures used in pulmonary rehabilitation to measure an individual's exercise capacity. With a growing number of other outcome measures that also assess exercise capacity, should people still continue to use field walking tests? This podcast aims to highlight why field walking tests should still be used and the common pitfalls when executing these tests. 00:00 – Introduction02:10 – Why Field Walking Tests Matter06:25 – The Big Three Tests12:40 – Choosing the Right Test13:20 – Limitations of Current Field Tests13:35 – Emerging Role of Step Tests15:05 – Three Key Takeaways (Dr. Machado)16:45 – Closing Remarks17:30 – Outro**Produced by the PR Assembly

The intersection of pulmonary and palliative medicine is particularly relevant in the care of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). The complex medical, psychological, and physical needs of this population necessitate a collaborative approach, integrating the expertise of both specialties. Approaching care with curiosity rather than judgment fosters interdisciplinary partnership, leading to more comprehensive, patient-centered strategies that enhance outcomes for ILD patients and their caregivers across all dimensions of care.#PulmonaryPalliativeCare#AdvancedLungDisease#InterstitialLungDisease#Partnerships #Collaboration#PalliativeMedicine #ATS #AAHPM #WESCOEfoundation #AdvancedIllnessPlanning #GoalsOfCare #TeamBasedCare #WholePersonCare #BeCuriousNotJudgmental*Produced by the BSHSR Assembly