American Thoracic Society

The American Thoracic Society (ATS) is an international professional and scientific society that focuses on respiratory and critical care medicine. Established in 1905, the Society currently has approximately 12,500 members in the United States and around the world. The ATS membership is dedicated to preventing and fighting respiratory disease through research, education, patient care, and advocacy. The Society’s long-range goal is to decrease morbidity and mortality from respiratory disorders and life threatening acute illnesses. In keeping with these goals, the American Thoracic Society also serves as the medical section of the American Lung Association and interacts with both national and international organizations that have similar goals. One of the Society’s primary activities is its annual International Scientific Conference, an international forum for physicians and scientists who work in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Sessions are held on such topics as pneumonia, asthma, critical care, tuberculosis, pediatric pulmonology, sleep apnea, environmental and occupational lung disease, nursing studies, cell biology, lung structure and function, and AIDS. The ATS also is committed to advocating for key state and federal health issues. Through its ATS Advocacy Network, the Society works to educate Congress and federal agencies about tobacco control, health care policy, environmental policy, medical reimbursement issues, research funding, and other public policy issues. The ATS has also earned full accreditation by the Accreditation Council on Continuing Medical Education for direct sponsorship of educational activities as well as joint sponsorships with ATS chapters and local Lung Associations. In addition, the ATS publishes two journals including the “American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine” (AJRCCM) and the “American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology” (AJRCMB). The AJRCCM focuses on human biology and disease as well as animal and in vitro studies that contribute to the understanding of pathophysiology and treatment of pulmonary disease. The AJRCMB publishes papers that report significant and original observations in the area of pulmonary biology.