The ATS International Conference is known for providing the latest research in clinical, basic, and translational science in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. This year’s conference, taking place May 19-24, will be hosted in Washington, DC. This unique location provides an array of exclusive programming opportunities.

“We are capitalizing on our presence in Washington, DC, to have sessions centered around advocacy, health equity, and disparities, along with air quality and lung health,” International Conference Committee co-Chair Debra Boyer, MD, MHPE, said. “We wanted to leverage the government officials and agencies in DC to participate and be actively involved in the conference.”

This year’s theme for the basic science core curriculum will be focused on analyzing mechanisms that integrate responses to environmental exposures. The historic setting will provide the opportunity to incorporate policy discussions into scientific conversations.

“I think understanding what’s going on from a basic science and clinical standpoint is essential, but this year’s programming will also inform attendees how they can be advocates locally, regionally, and nationally to improve lung health for adults and children. Giving them the tools to do this is important,” Dr. Boyer said.

“Understanding what’s going on from a basic science and clinical standpoint is essential, but this year’s programming will also inform attendees how they can be advocates locally, regionally, and nationally to improve lung health for adults and children.”

International Conference Committee co-Chair Debra Boyer, MD, MHPE

The conference will also feature a Keynote Series presentation focused on health equity and disparities for marginalized groups in the United States and abroad. This forum, along with a number of other sessions focused on health equity, will provide an exciting opportunity for discussion around this high-impact issue among an audience with an array of global perspectives. 

“The conference will open with a keynote address focused on how we as professionals can work as advocates with governments to move policy forward that addresses social injustices and biases as it relates to health care, professional opportunities, and research funding,” ICC co-Chair Andrew Halayko, PhD, ATSF, said.

Another Keynote Series session will gather a panel of experts to discuss gun safety. Once again, the location of this year’s conference provides an ideal setting to deliberate on this issue from multiple angles, said conference planners.

With nearly 40 percent of attendees traveling to the conference from outside the United States, international health topics will continue to be a point of emphasis in the curriculum. Insights into the long-term sequelae of infectious diseases beyond COVID-19 and best practices for interventions related to the diagnosis and management of chronic respiratory disease in low- and middle-income countries will be among the many featured global health topics prominently featured this year. 

“We have worked closely with the ATS International Health Committee to ensure that topics of international interest that highlight global health issues and advances are the focus of multiple sessions,” Dr. Halayko said.

As in years past, the conference will showcase a wide array of programming featuring informative scientific sessions, a lively Poster Hall, a vibrant Exhibit Hall, engaging industry sessions, specialty events, and unique networking opportunities. Some events, such as the Respiratory Innovation Summit or courses for early career professionals, may require separate registration.

To keep up with the latest updates in programming for this year’s conference, registrants can view the Program at a Glance on the conference website.