President's Message - January 2025
As we start a New Year filled with opportunities to advance respiratory health worldwide, I am excited to share our plans for the ATS 2025 International Conference. This flagship event will take place May 16–21, 2025, in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California, bringing together an unparalleled community of clinicians, researchers, educators, and advocates dedicated to helping the world breathe.
The International Conference is more than a meeting; it is where the most pressing issues in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine are addressed with the energy and expertise of a truly global community. With cutting-edge scientific programming, engaging speakers, and unparalleled opportunities to connect with peers, ATS 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Attendees will once again find a dynamic program that includes more than 6,000 original research abstracts presented by leading experts and a robust Exhibit Hall, showcasing the latest innovations in medical technology and patient care.
In addition to professional development, the conference offers unique moments to network with peers from around the world. These connections are often the start of collaborations that advance our shared mission to improve respiratory health on a global scale.
An Opening Ceremony to Inspire
The conference will officially kick off with the Opening Ceremony on Saturday, May 17, featuring keynote speaker Kimberly D. Manning, MD, MACP. Dr. Manning is a physician, educator, and storyteller whose influence extends well beyond medicine. Recognized nationally for her innovative approach to medical education and mentorship, Dr. Manning is an advocate for equity and excellence in health care.
Her powerful message, blending personal insight and professional expertise, will challenge us to create a more inclusive future in respiratory health and to inspire and nurture the future generation of physicians and scientists in our field. Her address promises to be a highlight of the conference, setting the tone for the week ahead.
This free event is open to all registered attendees. The ATS thanks Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for their support of this not-to-be-missed event.
Spotlight on Resilience at the Plenary Session
On Tuesday, May 20, we will gather for the Plenary Session, one of the most anticipated events of the conference. This year, we are honored to welcome Len Geiger, a double lung transplant recipient and advocate for rare disease awareness, as our speaker.
Mr. Geiger’s journey as a patient with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and his subsequent lung transplant in 2002 have driven his mission to educate and inspire others. As a national voice for organ donation and patient engagement, he’ll share his story of resilience, hope, and the power of collaboration between patients and the medical community.
This session will also feature important Society business, including the ratification of the 2025-2026 slate of leaders, recognition of award recipients, and remarks from outgoing ATS President Irina Petrache, MD, ATSF, and incoming ATS President Raed A. Dweik, MD, MBA, ATSF.
Whether you are a clinician, researcher, or advocate, this session will leave you energized to meet the challenges facing respiratory medicine. The ATS thanks GSK for their support of this session.
A Community of Respect
As we gather in San Francisco, let’s remember the importance of fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all attendees. The ATS is committed to maintaining a positive atmosphere and expects all participants to adhere to the Code of Conduct.
In the unlikely event that you witness or experience a violation, please report it in full confidence at that link, with the knowledge that you are supported by the International Conference team, ATS staff, and leadership.
Together, we will explore groundbreaking science, hear from inspiring speakers, and continue our vital work to improve respiratory health worldwide. Whether ATS 2025 will be your first International Conference or you’re a seasoned veteran of this premier event for the global respiratory community, I encourage you to register today.
See you in San Francisco!
Warm regards,
Irina Petrache, MD, ATSF
President
American Thoracic Society