The Women’s Forum at the ATS 2026 International Conference is introducing a new twist on a conference staple. For the first time, the Forum, which celebrates women in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine, will feature a talk-show format, creating a lively, conversational space where attendees can learn from panelists at different stages of their careers. The discussion will focus on leadership, mentorship, innovation, and balance, offering practical perspectives on personal and professional growth.

This year’s Women’s Forum will be held from 11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m. on Monday, May 18, in Regency Ballroom S (convention level) of the Hyatt Regency Orlando. Pre-registration is required, and seating is limited to preserve an engaging, interactive environment. The Forum is open to all participants, including women, allies, and advocates from all disciplines and career stages, and is designed to foster a supportive and inclusive environment. Lunch will be provided to all attendees.

The panelists in Orlando will be Alexandra Noël, PhD, MSc, BSc; Annie Pardo, PhD; Kathleen Oare Lindell, PhD, RN, ATSF; Mary B. Rice, MD, MPH; and M. Patricia Rivera, MD, ATSF. Collectively, the panelists bring decades of experience across research, clinical care, and leadership, ensuring a dynamic and wide-ranging discussion.

“The celebration of specific achievements of women can inspire the next generation of respiratory scientists and clinicians,” said Dr. Noël. “From my personal experience, learning from the stories of other women, who have been pioneers or have paved a smoother way for those following (including me), helped me better understand and adopt leadership strategies that can lead to successful careers.”

As part of the new format, panelists will review and select questions submitted by attendees for expanded discussions. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions in advance to help shape the discussion.

As an associate professor and director of the Inhalation Research Facility at Louisiana State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Noël’s research focuses on the pulmonary effects of environmental pollutants. She’s also chair of the ATS Membership Committee (2025–2026) and a member of the NIH Advisory Committee on Research on Women’s Health. She looks forward to discussing work-life balance, mental health, and pathways into leadership, topics she views as critical to sustaining long-term careers.

“Advancing gender equality requires ongoing effort at all levels: institutional, national, and international, to create sustainable change and inspire future generations of women leaders,” Dr. Noël said.

Dr. Pardo is a distinguished Professor Emeritus at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. As a pioneer in biomedical research on fibrotic lung diseases and aging, she was the first non-U.S. woman to receive the ATS Recognition Award for Scientific Achievement and is a recipient of both Mexico’s National University Award and National Science Award.

Dr. Lindell is an associate professor and the Mary Swain Endowed Chair in Palliative Care Health at the Medical University of South Carolina. Her focus is twofold: advancing palliative care scholarship at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing and improving care for patients with serious respiratory illness. She is the developer of A Program of SUPPORT™ for patients with Pulmonary Fibrosis and serves on the ATS Board of Directors.

“It’s more important than ever to use our voices to stand up for science and to advocate for evidence-based care for our patients and their caregivers,” Dr. Lindell said. “One way is to donate your time and expertise to the ATS to participate in the many opportunities that are available, especially by getting involved in your assembly.”

As the Mark and Catherine Winkler Associate Professor of Environmental Respiratory Health and Director of the Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment (C-CHANGE) at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Dr. Rice’s research examines the impact of air pollution and climate change on respiratory health. She is the assembly chair of the ATS Assembly on Environmental, Occupational, and Population Health, leads multiple NIH-funded programs, and previously served on the EPA’s Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee.

“By attending this forum over the years, beginning with my first ATS conference, I have received many memorable and practical insights from women leaders — on time management, self-advocacy, and personal wellness — that have meaningfully shaped my own career,” said Dr. Rice. “I am particularly interested in discussing strategies for building a career around a clear vision of impact — defining purpose while managing competing demands on our time and sustaining well-being, engagement, work-life integration, and long-term fulfillment.”

Finally, in addition to sharing her insights with the rest of the panel, Dr. Rivera will be honored as this year’s Elizabeth A. Rich, MD, Award recipient. Since 2000, the Membership Committee has presented the Elizabeth A. Rich Award on behalf of Elizabeth A. Rich, MD, a respected ATS member, a mentor, and peer who died tragically at the age of 46. The award honors Dr. Rich’s dedication and contributions to the field of lung disease research and her position as a female role model and mentor.

Dr. Rivera is a professor of medicine and oncology, the C. Jane Davis & C. Robert Davis Distinguished Professor in Pulmonary Medicine, chief of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, and an associate director at Wilmot Cancer Center in the University of Rochester Medical Center. Her clinical expertise includes screening, diagnosing, and staging lung cancer, as well as managing treatment complications. Through NCI-funded research, she studies the delivery, quality, and outcomes of lung cancer screening and examines interventions to increase screening rates. Throughout her career, Dr. Rivera has held numerous leadership positions in professional societies, including 2023-24 president of the American Thoracic Society.

Don’t miss this annual opportunity to recognize and applaud the women leading change in science, medicine, and global health!

The ATS thanks United Therapeutics and Genentech for their generous support of the Women’s Forum.