FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joshua O. Benditt, MD, Awarded the American Thoracic Society’s 2026 Outstanding Clinician Award for Promoting Respiratory Health
ATS 2026, Orlando, Fla. (May 18, 2026) – The American Thoracic Society is proud to announce that Joshua O. Benditt, MD, has received the 2026 Outstanding Clinician Award. This award celebrates his outstanding work at the University of Washington.
Dr. Benditt and other award recipients were recognized for their achievements at the ATS 2026 International Conference taking place on Orlando, Fla., Friday through Wednesday. The awards recognize outstanding respiratory health contributions, from research and diagnosis to education and advocacy.
Dr. Benditt – a specialist in pulmonology, respiratory disease care, and critical care – received the Outstanding Clinician Award for substantial contributions to the clinical care of patients with lung disease on a local or national level.
A nominee must be a pulmonary, critical care or sleep clinician who spends 75 percent or more of their time providing direct patient care. Nominees must be recognized by patients and families as a caring and dedicated health care provider, and by their peers as having made substantial contributions to the clinical care of patients with respiratory disease.
This year’s ATS awards have placed a special emphasis on efforts designed to eliminate health disparities, and award winners are a diverse group inclusive of all genders, ethnicities and disciplines.
To learn more about the 2026 Respiratory Health Awards, visit our website.
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About the American Thoracic Society:
Founded in 1905, the American Thoracic Society is the world's leading medical society dedicated to accelerating the advancement of global respiratory health through multidisciplinary collaboration, education, and advocacy. Core activities of the Society’s more than 22,000 members are focused on leading scientific discoveries, advancing professional development, impacting global health, and transforming patient care. Key areas of member focus include developing clinical practice guidelines, hosting the annual International Conference, publishing four peer-reviewed journals, advocating for improved respiratory health globally, and developing an array of patient education and career development resources.
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