The International Health Committee plays a crucial role in furthering the American Thoracic Society's (ATS) commitment to improving health outcomes for individuals worldwide affected by pulmonary diseases, sleep disorders, and critical illnesses. Tasked with shaping the global vision of the ATS, the committee advises the Board on policies, guidelines, and initiatives aimed at fostering lung health across the globe and enhancing care for critically ill patients and those with sleep disorders everywhere.
This committee serves as the ATS's bridge to professional health organizations beyond the United States, ensuring effective collaboration and coordination. It is responsible for supervising the Society's participation in programs and partnerships that are co-sponsored or endorsed by the ATS, especially those initiated or managed by international peer organizations.
A key function of the Committee is to oversee the MECOR (Methods in Epidemiologic, Clinical, and Operations Research) Steering Program, which is instrumental in building research capacity in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Through this program, the Committee supports the development of local research infrastructure and expertise, thereby contributing significantly to global health improvements.
The Committee reviews, revises, and implements an annual plan aligned with the Society’s Strategic Directions for Global Health. This plan details the activities and programs designed to realize the ATS's global health objectives, outlining a clear path forward for impactful engagement and contribution to health advancements worldwide.