The seven CHEST Networks will highlight the accomplishments of early career members by handing out the Network Rising Star Awards at CHEST 2025. These awards recognize individual contributions in clinical care, education, research, or other scholarly activity and celebrate clinicians who have shown growth and potential within the Networks and CHEST.
Hear from the Rising Stars in their own words, below, and congratulate them during the concurrent Network Open Forums, Tuesday, October 21, from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm at the McCormick Place Convention Center.
Airways Disorders Network
Sarah P. Cohen, MD
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine
Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
“The Airways Disorders Network (and Pediatric Chest Medicine Section in particular) has allowed me to take a leadership role in a national organization in a way that I would not have thought possible at this early stage in my career. CHEST has provided me with an academic home and allowed me to network with physicians across the country that I may not otherwise have had the chance to meet. I look forward to continuing to work within the organization to strengthen the pediatric presence and taking full advantage of the many career development opportunities that CHEST offers.”
Airways Disorders Network Open Forum
Tuesday, October 21
11:15 am to 12:15 pm
Lakeside Center, Room 350
Chest Infections and Disaster Response Network
Richa Nahar, MD
Assistant Professor and Faculty, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University and Northwell Health
“Being part of CHEST has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career in pulmonary medicine. Starting my journey at CHEST as a fellow-in-training on the Training and Transitions Committee, I gained a valuable opportunity to expand my professional network and support the advancement of knowledge and education in medicine. As a member of the Chest Infections and Disaster Response Network, I am surrounded by mentors who not only guide me clinically and professionally but also encourage me to grow and to dream beyond the day-to-day. CHEST has provided a platform to learn, contribute, and develop into the physician I aim to become. CHEST is more than an organization to me; it’s a family that energizes my passion, lifts me when I doubt myself, and inspires me to excel in the field of medicine.”
Chest Infections and Disaster Response Network Open Forum
Tuesday, October 21
11:15 am to 12:15 pm
Lakeside Center, Room 352
Critical Care Network
Samuel Garcia, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
“The CHEST Networks have been instrumental in shaping both my professional development and my sense of community within the field of medicine. I first became involved as a trainee and quickly realized how impactful the Networks could be, not only for education and collaboration but also for mentorship and leadership opportunities. Through the Networks, I have connected with exceptional colleagues and mentors who have helped me to grow as a clinician, educator, and researcher. I am deeply grateful for the mentorship, collaboration, and friendships I’ve gained through CHEST, and I look forward to continuing to give back to this community that has given me so much.”
Critical Care Network Open Forum
Tuesday, October 21
11:15 am to 12:15 pm
Lakeside Center, Room 450A
Diffuse Lung Disease and Lung Transplant Network
Fatima Zeba, MD
Assistant Professor of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine
Yale School of Medicine
“My journey at CHEST began as a resident eager to share her work, engage with peers from diverse backgrounds, and draw inspiration from the stories of leaders. Even as a trainee, I felt a sense of belonging at the institution and connected deeply with its culture. Although I am still in the early stages of my career, being a part of CHEST has enriched me professionally and personally. Above all, I treasure the wonderful people and exceptional educators I have met here who broadened my horizons, helped me realize my goals, and become a well-rounded pulmonary critical care physician.”
Diffuse Lung Disease and Lung Transplant Network Open Forum
Tuesday, October 21
11:15 am to 12:15 pm
Lakeside Center, Room 353A
Pulmonary Vascular and Cardiovascular Network
Nicholas Villalobos, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
UT Houston McGovern Medical School and Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center
“CHEST has provided me with a space for professional development and, through its Networks, collaboration with colleagues and sharing both experiences and aspirations to grow and push limits within the field of pulmonary and critical care medicine. I’ve been paired with teammates and mentors who have not only helped me define my practice but the way I approach career fulfillment. The community and experiences within CHEST have helped me forge friendships and connections that dive into personal life and family.”
Pulmonary Vascular and Cardiovascular Network Open Forum
Tuesday, October 21
11:15 am to 12:15 pm
Lakeside Center, Room 353B
Sleep Medicine Network
Lena Xiao, MD, MSc, FRCPC
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of British Columbia
“CHEST has played an integral role in my training and early career. I was encouraged to join the Home-Based Mechanical Ventilation and Neuromuscular Section as a fellow-in-training in 2022, and I continue to be actively involved as a member of the Section. Thanks to CHEST, I’ve had the chance to share my research through oral and poster presentations at annual conferences, learn how to develop and submit conference symposia, and participate as a faculty in conference simulation sessions. But more than anything, it’s been great to connect with a community of people who share similar interests and goals. I’ve learned so much from mentors and friends in the CHEST community, and I’m excited to give back by supporting future trainees.”
Sleep Medicine Network Open Forum
Tuesday, October 21
11:15 am to 12:15 pm
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center 353C
Thoracic Oncology and Chest Procedures Network
Jennifer D. Duke, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine and Thoracic Surgery
Vanderbilt University
“As an early career interventional pulmonologist, the Networks and CHEST have provided me with mentorship, collaboration, and a sense of belonging within a community that shares my passion for innovation. They’ve been instrumental in shaping my path as I develop a research career in lung cancer ablation. Looking ahead, I’m excited to deepen these connections, contribute to advancing patient care through research and education, and help foster the same supportive environment for future colleagues that has been so impactful for me.”
Thoracic Oncology and Chest Procedures Network Open Forum
Tuesday, October 21
11:15 am to 12:15 pm
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center 351
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.
