Anne Coates, MD
What is your current position/role?
I'm a pediatric pulmonologist at the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital in Portland, ME where I'm an Associate Professor of Pediatrics (Tufts University School of Medicine).
What is your educational background and/or training?
I attended Princeton University for undergrad before returning to my beloved home state of Vermont, where I then attended the Larner College of Medicine (formerly known as the University of Vermont). From there, I did my pediatric residency at the University of Massachusetts and then my pediatric pulmonary fellowship at the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford.
What is your main area of interest professionally?
Aerodigestive disorders, asthma, BPD, advocacy and medical education.
How did you become involved in ATS, and what keeps you coming back to the annual ATS International Conference?
When I first joined ATS as a pediatric pulmonary fellow in 2011, I felt like it was a pivotal first step in my relationship with this prestigious organization. It was one that I both viewed as a privilege to gain in education and an opportunity to grow in scholarly activity. My role has evolved over the last fourteen years where my participation not only benefits my own growth and development as a clinician, advocate and leader but I am also able to extend those skills to my colleagues through my various committee work and serve as role model and mentor for residents, fellows and faculty junior to me. I have been inspired by so many fantastic people along the way whether that was as a clinician, educator, advocate, leader or mentor and I believe it is critical that I share those skills with the next generation. Attending the annual ATS International Conference provides a format to accomplish all of those things! In addition, becoming an ATS fellow this year was quite honestly a cherished continuation of my place within the organization. It is a distinction that I wear with pride! I treat it as a duty to uphold the mission of ATS to be the best steward in this field that I may be.
Any advice to give students, young clinicians, early career physician scientists or researchers who work in the field of pulmonary disease, critical illness, and sleep disorders?
These are unique, challenging times to practice medicine, particularly in our chosen field. Let us stand strongly and firmly together in support of science and advocacy that are in the best interest of our patients, families and communities.
Plus, be good to yourself.
