ATS Fellow FAQ
What is an ATS Fellow?
It is a mark of distinction for ATS members who have demonstrated dedication to the Society and made significant contributions to the fields of pulmonary, critical care, and/or sleep medicine locally, nationally, or internationally.
What will the ATS Fellow designation be called?
Members who are selected to be ATS Fellows may add ‘ATSF’ after their name.
For example, John A. Smith, MD, ATSF or Sue Adams, PhD, ATSF
Is there an annual renewal?
No, if you are selected to be an ATS Fellow you may use ‘ATSF’ after your name as long as you are an active ATS member.
Who is eligible to apply?
Anyone who is a current ATS member and has been a member for five or more years. The ATS Fellow designation is open to all disciplines including but not limited to nurses, pharmacists, physicians, scientists, medical affairs, and all other health professionals.
My membership lapsed; can I still apply?
If you renew your membership, you may then apply if you have been a member for a total of five or more consecutive years.
How do I apply?
Complete the online ATS Fellow application. You will be asked to indicate your contributions/activities with the ATS and in the fields of pulmonary, critical care and/or sleep medicine; write a personal statement. Your CV may be included in the event that the reviewers need to verify an item in the application.
The application asks for me to “list your role or contributions to the ATS'; what does this mean?
You can now list the various roles through which you contributed to the ATS. In this area of the application, you should be able to detail your journey within the ATS. Whether you were a member of a committee, a peer reviewer on one of our journals, or held a leadership role within the ATS, the drop down menus in this section should allow you to define your roles, and where you contributed to the mission of the ATS. And if you cannot find your specific role or contribution, please use the Other field.
I don’t remember all my committee activities; can ATS help me?
Contact us at MemberValue@Thoracic.org and we will provide you with that information.
What are the key elements of the personal statement?
The personal statement should highlight important contributions to the ATS and to your field at large, and to emphasize your journey with the ATS, and why the ATS Fellow designation is important to you as an individual.
Is there an application fee?
There is a nonrefundable application fee of $75.00. You can reapply at no cost for up to two years.
If I’m not eligible to apply this year, can I apply next year?
You may apply to become an ATS Fellow each year, as long as you meet the prerequisite of five consecutive years of full membership.
When can I apply?
The application period opens on May 1, 2026, and the deadline is Sept. 15, 2026.
How will ATS Fellows be recognized?
They will be recognized at the International Conference in May as well as in ATS publications and on the ATS web site. They will also receive a certificate, a letter and an ATS Fellow pin.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Contact us at MemberValue@Thoracic.org and we will get back to you usually within two business days.