The CHEST community gathers for just a few days at each annual meeting, but that short time together builds and strengthens bonds that sustain members throughout the entire year.
At CHEST 2025, October 19 to 22, in Chicago, attendees will find opportunities through CHEST Networks, Sections, and Interest Groups to meet and mingle, collaborate on initiatives, and support each other’s personal and professional growth.
CHEST Interest Groups
CHEST has three Interest Groups that connect members with shared identities. These groups promote inclusive and equitable environments within chest medicine—for not only peers but also patients—by elevating diverse perspectives, developing educational resources, and engaging outside partners.
“If you’re interested in providing competent, fair and welcoming, compassionate care to your [pulmonary and critical care medicine] community, then it is important that we understand the different colors that the community has,” said Mauricio Danckers, MD, FCCP, Chair of the LGBTQ+ at CHEST Interest Group Steering Committee.
CHEST 2025 attendees will be able to learn more about each Interest Group during the Cultures and Communities Reception, on Monday, October 20. Other events, including two luncheons, will offer additional networking opportunities.
The LGBTQ+ at CHEST Interest Group was present for the first time at last year’s annual meeting in Boston and has kept the momentum going with regular written pieces by LGBTQ+ members and allies. Research collaborations are now in the works, and the Interest Group recently hosted a webinar about LGBTQ+ inclusion during uncertain times. At CHEST 2025, group members will continue those conversations.
“The last year has come with a lot of challenges that the LGBTQ+ community is not unfamiliar with,” Dr. Danckers said. “Our presence in the meeting and our activities show the community that, although we have always faced challenges, we continue to thrive and make changes that continuously improve the health of the LGBTQ+ community.”
While in Chicago, the Women in Chest Medicine Interest Group will support women’s career development, promote awareness of disparities, and highlight presentations on the impact of sex and gender in health care. Speed mentoring will return for the third year in a row, and the annual luncheon will present a lecture on tips for navigating through challenging times.
“Given the challenges we’re facing in the present day in health care—concerns for our patients’ access to care, concerns for ongoing research and research funding—I think the lecture at our luncheon will be an important topic for everybody to hear, whether you are in academic medicine, in private practice, or working in industry,” said Steering Committee Chair Margaret Pisani, MD, MPH, FCCP.
During CHEST 2025, the Respiratory Care Interest Group will continue its efforts to cultivate a multidisciplinary home for respiratory therapists, medical directors for respiratory therapy programs, and others in the field. A luncheon will feature several speakers and include time to interact and ask questions.
“The idea is to really build collaboration between physicians and therapists, to work on areas of common interest, and to provide education, particularly for the physicians who have to work in an advisory role for a lot of hospitals,” said Steering Committee Chair Kevin O’Neil, MD, MHA, FCCP.
Attendees can reserve spots at Interest Group luncheons for free, but it must be done as part of the overall meeting registration process.
CHEST Networks
The CHEST Networks will offer even more chances to establish personal connections and expand professional circles during CHEST 2025. Each of the Networks will showcase the latest opportunities to get involved in one of seven curriculum areas—Airways Disorders, Chest Infections and Disaster Response, Critical Care, Diffuse Lung Disease and Lung Transplant, Pulmonary Vascular and Cardiovascular, Sleep Medicine, and Thoracic Oncology and Chest Procedures.
The Network Mixer, on Monday, October 20, will allow attendees to learn about each Network and meet with leaders. Dedicated Open Forums for each Network, held concurrently on Tuesday, October 21, will outline current and future initiatives and celebrate outstanding contributors. And each of the 22 Sections—specialty subgroups within the Networks’ broader curriculum areas—will present at Experience CHEST in the Exhibit Hall.
No matter where attendees go during the meeting, they will find a supportive community waiting to embrace them.
“Nobody who goes leaves with a sense of emptiness. They always leave with a sense of richness in their careers and motivation to continue to improve the health of our patients,” Dr. Danckers said. “Even though environments can feel divisive, I think the meeting helps bring us all together and prioritizes what is important.”
Community events at CHEST 2025
Women in Chest Medicine Interest Group Luncheon
Monday, October 20
12 pm – 1:30 pm CT
Join the Women in Chest Medicine Interest Group Steering Committee for the annual Women in Chest Medicine Luncheon. This year’s event will focus on well-being and burnout and will provide attendees with ample time to learn, discuss, and network.
Network Mixer
Monday, October 20
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm CT
The Network Mixer is open to all attendees. Whether you’re a member of a Network or want to learn more about these groups, come to the Network Mixer. This is a great opportunity to network with other attendees and meet Network leaders. There will be hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and a chance to mix and mingle.
Cultures and Communities Reception
Monday, October 20
6 pm – 7 pm CT
The Cultures and Communities Reception celebrates the diversity of the CHEST community. This unique event offers an opportunity for attendees to hear from the leaders of the CHEST Interest Groups, the Health Equity Task Force, and the inaugural Equitable Community Health Impact Grant recipient. Attendees will also have the chance to meet the Interest Group Steering Committee members and learn more about how to join an Interest Group.
Network Open Forums
Tuesday, October 21
11:15 am – 12:15 pm CT
Each of the seven Networks will have an Open Forum which will highlight accomplishments from their Network and Sections during the past year. Each Network will showcase the recipients of the Rising Star Awards, which recognize the contributions of early career clinicians practicing in their respective area under CHEST’s Network structure. Some of the Open Forums will also include a featured speaker.
Respiratory Care Interest Group Luncheon
Tuesday, October 21
12:15 pm – 1:45 pm CT
The Respiratory Care Interest Group Steering Committee is proud to host its second annual Respiratory Care Luncheon. This event is an opportunity to hear from leaders in the field of respiratory care, network with colleagues, and meet new members of the CHEST community.
Section Presentations at Experience CHEST
Various times, details to come
Each Section will have a 15-minute unopposed presentation in the Exhibit Hall. It’s a great opportunity to hear from up-and-coming leaders of CHEST on hot topics in the chest medicine profession. These presentations are located at Experience CHEST in the Exhibit Hall.
Join Us at CHEST 2025
Connect in person with influential clinicians from around the world—and attend top-tier educational sessions focusing on the most relevant clinical topics. CHEST 2025 will have it all, including optional add-on sessions to customize your learning. Reserve your spot by October 5 to save $100 with advance registration pricing.
