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Five Reasons to Update Your Will
You have a will, so you can rest easy, right? Not necessarily. If your will is outdated, it can cause more harm than good.
Even though it can provide for some contingencies, an old will can’t cover every change that may have occurred since it was first drawn. Professionals advise that you review your will every few years and more often if situations such as the following five have occurred since you last updated your will.
1. Family Changes
If you’ve had any changes in your family situation, you will probably need to update your will. Events such as marriage, divorce, death, birth, adoption, or a falling out with a loved one may affect how your estate will be distributed, who should act as guardian for your dependents, and who should be named as executor of your estate.
2. Relocating to a New State
The laws among the states vary. Moving to a new state or purchasing property in another state can affect your estate plan and how property in that state will be taxed and distributed.
3. Tax Law Changes
Federal and state legislatures are continually tinkering with federal estate and state inheritance tax laws. An old will may fail to take advantage of strategies that will minimize estate taxes.
4. You Want to Support a Favorite Cause
If you have developed a connection to a cause, you may want to benefit a particular charity with a gift in your estate. Contact us for sample language you can share with your attorney to include a gift to us in your will.
5. Changes in Your Estate’s Value
When you made your will, your assets may have been relatively modest. Now the value may be larger and your will no longer reflects how you would like your estate divided.
You will help spark future discoveries in GI. Visit our website at https://gastro.planmylegacy.org or contact us at [email protected].
You have a will, so you can rest easy, right? Not necessarily. If your will is outdated, it can cause more harm than good.
Even though it can provide for some contingencies, an old will can’t cover every change that may have occurred since it was first drawn. Professionals advise that you review your will every few years and more often if situations such as the following five have occurred since you last updated your will.
1. Family Changes
If you’ve had any changes in your family situation, you will probably need to update your will. Events such as marriage, divorce, death, birth, adoption, or a falling out with a loved one may affect how your estate will be distributed, who should act as guardian for your dependents, and who should be named as executor of your estate.
2. Relocating to a New State
The laws among the states vary. Moving to a new state or purchasing property in another state can affect your estate plan and how property in that state will be taxed and distributed.
3. Tax Law Changes
Federal and state legislatures are continually tinkering with federal estate and state inheritance tax laws. An old will may fail to take advantage of strategies that will minimize estate taxes.
4. You Want to Support a Favorite Cause
If you have developed a connection to a cause, you may want to benefit a particular charity with a gift in your estate. Contact us for sample language you can share with your attorney to include a gift to us in your will.
5. Changes in Your Estate’s Value
When you made your will, your assets may have been relatively modest. Now the value may be larger and your will no longer reflects how you would like your estate divided.
You will help spark future discoveries in GI. Visit our website at https://gastro.planmylegacy.org or contact us at [email protected].
You have a will, so you can rest easy, right? Not necessarily. If your will is outdated, it can cause more harm than good.
Even though it can provide for some contingencies, an old will can’t cover every change that may have occurred since it was first drawn. Professionals advise that you review your will every few years and more often if situations such as the following five have occurred since you last updated your will.
1. Family Changes
If you’ve had any changes in your family situation, you will probably need to update your will. Events such as marriage, divorce, death, birth, adoption, or a falling out with a loved one may affect how your estate will be distributed, who should act as guardian for your dependents, and who should be named as executor of your estate.
2. Relocating to a New State
The laws among the states vary. Moving to a new state or purchasing property in another state can affect your estate plan and how property in that state will be taxed and distributed.
3. Tax Law Changes
Federal and state legislatures are continually tinkering with federal estate and state inheritance tax laws. An old will may fail to take advantage of strategies that will minimize estate taxes.
4. You Want to Support a Favorite Cause
If you have developed a connection to a cause, you may want to benefit a particular charity with a gift in your estate. Contact us for sample language you can share with your attorney to include a gift to us in your will.
5. Changes in Your Estate’s Value
When you made your will, your assets may have been relatively modest. Now the value may be larger and your will no longer reflects how you would like your estate divided.
You will help spark future discoveries in GI. Visit our website at https://gastro.planmylegacy.org or contact us at [email protected].
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is Here!
Happy Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Awareness Month! Today, CRC is the third-most common cancer in men and women in the United States. But there’s good news: We know that screening saves lives. That’s why
We have a variety of resources for both physicians and patients to navigate the CRC screening process.
Clinical Guidance
AGA’s clinical guidelines and clinical practice updates provide evidence-based recommendations to guide your clinical practice decisions. Visit AGA’s new toolkit on CRC for the latest guidance on topics including colonoscopy follow-up, liquid biopsy, appropriate and tailored polypectomy, and more.
Patient Resources
AGA’s GI Patient Center can help your patients understand the need for CRC screening, colorectal cancer symptoms and risks, available screening tests, and the importance of preparing for a colonoscopy. Visit patient.gastro.org to access patient education materials.
Join the Conversation
We’ll be sharing resources and encouraging screenings on social media all month long. Join us as we remind everyone that 45 is the new 50.
Happy Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Awareness Month! Today, CRC is the third-most common cancer in men and women in the United States. But there’s good news: We know that screening saves lives. That’s why
We have a variety of resources for both physicians and patients to navigate the CRC screening process.
Clinical Guidance
AGA’s clinical guidelines and clinical practice updates provide evidence-based recommendations to guide your clinical practice decisions. Visit AGA’s new toolkit on CRC for the latest guidance on topics including colonoscopy follow-up, liquid biopsy, appropriate and tailored polypectomy, and more.
Patient Resources
AGA’s GI Patient Center can help your patients understand the need for CRC screening, colorectal cancer symptoms and risks, available screening tests, and the importance of preparing for a colonoscopy. Visit patient.gastro.org to access patient education materials.
Join the Conversation
We’ll be sharing resources and encouraging screenings on social media all month long. Join us as we remind everyone that 45 is the new 50.
Happy Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Awareness Month! Today, CRC is the third-most common cancer in men and women in the United States. But there’s good news: We know that screening saves lives. That’s why
We have a variety of resources for both physicians and patients to navigate the CRC screening process.
Clinical Guidance
AGA’s clinical guidelines and clinical practice updates provide evidence-based recommendations to guide your clinical practice decisions. Visit AGA’s new toolkit on CRC for the latest guidance on topics including colonoscopy follow-up, liquid biopsy, appropriate and tailored polypectomy, and more.
Patient Resources
AGA’s GI Patient Center can help your patients understand the need for CRC screening, colorectal cancer symptoms and risks, available screening tests, and the importance of preparing for a colonoscopy. Visit patient.gastro.org to access patient education materials.
Join the Conversation
We’ll be sharing resources and encouraging screenings on social media all month long. Join us as we remind everyone that 45 is the new 50.
AGA Research Foundation Memorial and Honorary Gifts: A Special Tribute
Did you know you can honor a family member, friend, or colleague whose life has been touched by GI research through a gift to the AGA Research Foundation?
- Giving now or later. Any charitable gift can be made in honor or memory of someone.
- A gift today. An outright gift will help fund the AGA Research Awards Program. Your gift will assist in furthering basic digestive disease research which can ultimately advance research into all digestive diseases. The financial benefits include an income tax deduction and possible elimination of capital gains tax. A cash gift of $5,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Supporter Circle.
- A gift through your will or living trust. You can include a bequest in your will or living trust stating that a specific asset, certain dollar amount, or more commonly a percentage of your estate will pass to the AGA Research Foundation in honor of your loved one. A gift in your will of $50,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society, which recognizes the foundation’s most generous individual donors.
- Named commentary section funds. You can support a commentary section in a specific AGA journal to honor or memorialize a loved one. This can be established with a gift of $100,000 over the course of 5 years or through an estate gift. The AGA Institute Publications Committee will work with you to provide name recognition for the commentary section in a specific AGA journal for 5 years. All content and editing will be conducted by the editorial board of the journal.
Your Next Step
An honorary gift is a wonderful way to acknowledge someone’s vision for the future. To learn more about ways to recognize your honoree, visit our website at www.foundation.gastro.org.
Did you know you can honor a family member, friend, or colleague whose life has been touched by GI research through a gift to the AGA Research Foundation?
- Giving now or later. Any charitable gift can be made in honor or memory of someone.
- A gift today. An outright gift will help fund the AGA Research Awards Program. Your gift will assist in furthering basic digestive disease research which can ultimately advance research into all digestive diseases. The financial benefits include an income tax deduction and possible elimination of capital gains tax. A cash gift of $5,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Supporter Circle.
- A gift through your will or living trust. You can include a bequest in your will or living trust stating that a specific asset, certain dollar amount, or more commonly a percentage of your estate will pass to the AGA Research Foundation in honor of your loved one. A gift in your will of $50,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society, which recognizes the foundation’s most generous individual donors.
- Named commentary section funds. You can support a commentary section in a specific AGA journal to honor or memorialize a loved one. This can be established with a gift of $100,000 over the course of 5 years or through an estate gift. The AGA Institute Publications Committee will work with you to provide name recognition for the commentary section in a specific AGA journal for 5 years. All content and editing will be conducted by the editorial board of the journal.
Your Next Step
An honorary gift is a wonderful way to acknowledge someone’s vision for the future. To learn more about ways to recognize your honoree, visit our website at www.foundation.gastro.org.
Did you know you can honor a family member, friend, or colleague whose life has been touched by GI research through a gift to the AGA Research Foundation?
- Giving now or later. Any charitable gift can be made in honor or memory of someone.
- A gift today. An outright gift will help fund the AGA Research Awards Program. Your gift will assist in furthering basic digestive disease research which can ultimately advance research into all digestive diseases. The financial benefits include an income tax deduction and possible elimination of capital gains tax. A cash gift of $5,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Supporter Circle.
- A gift through your will or living trust. You can include a bequest in your will or living trust stating that a specific asset, certain dollar amount, or more commonly a percentage of your estate will pass to the AGA Research Foundation in honor of your loved one. A gift in your will of $50,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society, which recognizes the foundation’s most generous individual donors.
- Named commentary section funds. You can support a commentary section in a specific AGA journal to honor or memorialize a loved one. This can be established with a gift of $100,000 over the course of 5 years or through an estate gift. The AGA Institute Publications Committee will work with you to provide name recognition for the commentary section in a specific AGA journal for 5 years. All content and editing will be conducted by the editorial board of the journal.
Your Next Step
An honorary gift is a wonderful way to acknowledge someone’s vision for the future. To learn more about ways to recognize your honoree, visit our website at www.foundation.gastro.org.
AGA Legacy Society Members Sustain GI Research
Research creates successful practices. Patients benefit from GI research daily in practices. Scientists are working hard to develop new treatments and therapies, and to discover cures to advance the field and better patient care. But they can’t do this without research funding.
AGA Legacy Society members have answered this call for support. They recognize the value that research has had in their profession, both in academic medicine and in private practice, and are showing their appreciation by giving back.
“I donated to the AGA Research Foundation to ensure the vitality of our specialty, and to fund the research of future generations of gastroenterologists,” said Michael Camilleri, MD, AGAF, of Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and an AGA Legacy Society member who currently serves as AGA Research Foundation Chair. “Funding from organizations like the AGA Research Foundation is crucial for young scientists and gastroenterologists to launch their careers. At the start of my career, I received two AGA research awards. As a grateful recipient of such funding, I felt it was my turn to support the mission of the organization that I regard as my academic home away from home institution.”
AGA members who make gifts at the AGA Legacy Society level any time before Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2025 will receive an invitation to the AGA Research Foundation Benefactor’s Event in San Diego, California. Interested in learning more about the AGA Legacy Society membership? Contact [email protected] or visit https://foundation.gastro.org/our-donors/aga-legacy-society/ for more information about the AGA Legacy Society.
Research creates successful practices. Patients benefit from GI research daily in practices. Scientists are working hard to develop new treatments and therapies, and to discover cures to advance the field and better patient care. But they can’t do this without research funding.
AGA Legacy Society members have answered this call for support. They recognize the value that research has had in their profession, both in academic medicine and in private practice, and are showing their appreciation by giving back.
“I donated to the AGA Research Foundation to ensure the vitality of our specialty, and to fund the research of future generations of gastroenterologists,” said Michael Camilleri, MD, AGAF, of Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and an AGA Legacy Society member who currently serves as AGA Research Foundation Chair. “Funding from organizations like the AGA Research Foundation is crucial for young scientists and gastroenterologists to launch their careers. At the start of my career, I received two AGA research awards. As a grateful recipient of such funding, I felt it was my turn to support the mission of the organization that I regard as my academic home away from home institution.”
AGA members who make gifts at the AGA Legacy Society level any time before Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2025 will receive an invitation to the AGA Research Foundation Benefactor’s Event in San Diego, California. Interested in learning more about the AGA Legacy Society membership? Contact [email protected] or visit https://foundation.gastro.org/our-donors/aga-legacy-society/ for more information about the AGA Legacy Society.
Research creates successful practices. Patients benefit from GI research daily in practices. Scientists are working hard to develop new treatments and therapies, and to discover cures to advance the field and better patient care. But they can’t do this without research funding.
AGA Legacy Society members have answered this call for support. They recognize the value that research has had in their profession, both in academic medicine and in private practice, and are showing their appreciation by giving back.
“I donated to the AGA Research Foundation to ensure the vitality of our specialty, and to fund the research of future generations of gastroenterologists,” said Michael Camilleri, MD, AGAF, of Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and an AGA Legacy Society member who currently serves as AGA Research Foundation Chair. “Funding from organizations like the AGA Research Foundation is crucial for young scientists and gastroenterologists to launch their careers. At the start of my career, I received two AGA research awards. As a grateful recipient of such funding, I felt it was my turn to support the mission of the organization that I regard as my academic home away from home institution.”
AGA members who make gifts at the AGA Legacy Society level any time before Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2025 will receive an invitation to the AGA Research Foundation Benefactor’s Event in San Diego, California. Interested in learning more about the AGA Legacy Society membership? Contact [email protected] or visit https://foundation.gastro.org/our-donors/aga-legacy-society/ for more information about the AGA Legacy Society.
An Exciting Time to Be a Gastroenterologist
Happy New Year, everyone! As we enter 2025, I’ve been reflecting on just how much has changed in the field of gastroenterology since I completed my fellowship a decade ago.
After developing and disseminating highly effective treatments for hepatitis C, the field of hepatology has shifted rapidly toward identifying and managing other significant causes of liver disease, particularly alcohol-associated liver disease and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). New disease nomenclatures have been developed that have changed the way we describe common diseases – most notably, NALFD is now MASLD and FGID are now DGBI.
There have been marked advances in obesity management, including not only innovations in endobariatric therapies such as intragastric balloons and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, but also the introduction of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists, which offer new hope in effectively tackling the obesity epidemic. Our growing understanding of the microbiome’s role in health has opened new avenues for treating GI diseases and introduced the potential for more personalized treatment approaches based on individual microbiome profiles. New inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pharmacotherapeutics have been developed at a dizzying pace – our IBD patients have so many more treatment options today than they did just a decade ago, making treatment decisions much more complex.
Finally, we are just beginning to unleash the potential of artificial intelligence, which is likely to transform the field of medicine and GI clinical practice over the next decade. To be sure, it is an exciting time to be a gastroenterologist, and I can’t wait to see to what the next decade of innovation and discovery will bring.
From the recent AASLD meeting, we bring you exciting new data demonstrating the effectiveness of GLP-1 agonists (specifically, semaglutide) in treating MASH. In January’s Member Spotlight column, we introduce you to Drs. Mindy, Amy, and Kristen Engevik, who share their fascinating career journeys as GI researchers (and sisters!). In our quarterly Perspectives column, Dr. Brijesh Patel and Dr. Gomez Cifuentes share their experiences counseling patients regarding lifestyle modifications for gastroesophageal reflux disease and what strategies have proven to be the most effective adjuncts to pharmacotherapy. We hope you enjoy this and all the exciting content in our January issue.
Megan A. Adams, MD, JD, MSc
Editor in Chief
Happy New Year, everyone! As we enter 2025, I’ve been reflecting on just how much has changed in the field of gastroenterology since I completed my fellowship a decade ago.
After developing and disseminating highly effective treatments for hepatitis C, the field of hepatology has shifted rapidly toward identifying and managing other significant causes of liver disease, particularly alcohol-associated liver disease and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). New disease nomenclatures have been developed that have changed the way we describe common diseases – most notably, NALFD is now MASLD and FGID are now DGBI.
There have been marked advances in obesity management, including not only innovations in endobariatric therapies such as intragastric balloons and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, but also the introduction of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists, which offer new hope in effectively tackling the obesity epidemic. Our growing understanding of the microbiome’s role in health has opened new avenues for treating GI diseases and introduced the potential for more personalized treatment approaches based on individual microbiome profiles. New inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pharmacotherapeutics have been developed at a dizzying pace – our IBD patients have so many more treatment options today than they did just a decade ago, making treatment decisions much more complex.
Finally, we are just beginning to unleash the potential of artificial intelligence, which is likely to transform the field of medicine and GI clinical practice over the next decade. To be sure, it is an exciting time to be a gastroenterologist, and I can’t wait to see to what the next decade of innovation and discovery will bring.
From the recent AASLD meeting, we bring you exciting new data demonstrating the effectiveness of GLP-1 agonists (specifically, semaglutide) in treating MASH. In January’s Member Spotlight column, we introduce you to Drs. Mindy, Amy, and Kristen Engevik, who share their fascinating career journeys as GI researchers (and sisters!). In our quarterly Perspectives column, Dr. Brijesh Patel and Dr. Gomez Cifuentes share their experiences counseling patients regarding lifestyle modifications for gastroesophageal reflux disease and what strategies have proven to be the most effective adjuncts to pharmacotherapy. We hope you enjoy this and all the exciting content in our January issue.
Megan A. Adams, MD, JD, MSc
Editor in Chief
Happy New Year, everyone! As we enter 2025, I’ve been reflecting on just how much has changed in the field of gastroenterology since I completed my fellowship a decade ago.
After developing and disseminating highly effective treatments for hepatitis C, the field of hepatology has shifted rapidly toward identifying and managing other significant causes of liver disease, particularly alcohol-associated liver disease and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). New disease nomenclatures have been developed that have changed the way we describe common diseases – most notably, NALFD is now MASLD and FGID are now DGBI.
There have been marked advances in obesity management, including not only innovations in endobariatric therapies such as intragastric balloons and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, but also the introduction of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists, which offer new hope in effectively tackling the obesity epidemic. Our growing understanding of the microbiome’s role in health has opened new avenues for treating GI diseases and introduced the potential for more personalized treatment approaches based on individual microbiome profiles. New inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pharmacotherapeutics have been developed at a dizzying pace – our IBD patients have so many more treatment options today than they did just a decade ago, making treatment decisions much more complex.
Finally, we are just beginning to unleash the potential of artificial intelligence, which is likely to transform the field of medicine and GI clinical practice over the next decade. To be sure, it is an exciting time to be a gastroenterologist, and I can’t wait to see to what the next decade of innovation and discovery will bring.
From the recent AASLD meeting, we bring you exciting new data demonstrating the effectiveness of GLP-1 agonists (specifically, semaglutide) in treating MASH. In January’s Member Spotlight column, we introduce you to Drs. Mindy, Amy, and Kristen Engevik, who share their fascinating career journeys as GI researchers (and sisters!). In our quarterly Perspectives column, Dr. Brijesh Patel and Dr. Gomez Cifuentes share their experiences counseling patients regarding lifestyle modifications for gastroesophageal reflux disease and what strategies have proven to be the most effective adjuncts to pharmacotherapy. We hope you enjoy this and all the exciting content in our January issue.
Megan A. Adams, MD, JD, MSc
Editor in Chief
Mitigating risk of asthma emergencies during respiratory season
Respiratory illness, cold weather, and fluctuating temperatures can all exacerbate asthma symptoms, leading to potentially serious health complications. Understanding how to mitigate these risks is crucial for maintaining respiratory health and ensuring a safe and healthy season.
As schools across the US have just ended their fall semester, students of all ages will spend their time off away from school. Respiratory season is among us, and children with asthma are at risk for severe asthma exacerbation from viruses that may lead to hospitalization. Since students will soon return for their spring semester, it is important to be reminded of asthma care during respiratory season.
Ten percent of school-aged children in the US have a diagnosis of asthma, with a higher prevalence in lower socioeconomic populations. In a classroom of 30 students, three students carry an asthma diagnosis. Of these children, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports 60% will experience asthma exacerbations. These exacerbations not only cause patients with asthma to have a total of 13.8 million absences annually but also lead to approximately 767,000 emergency department visits and 74,000 hospitalizations on an annual basis.1
As we consider these statistics, safe asthma care during respiratory season requires preparation and a proactive approach. Partnering with families and school personnel will increase the likelihood that students will have a safe return for their next semester.
Patients with asthma are at higher risk for complications from respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and streptococcal pneumonia viruses. While RSV vaccination is not widely available yet, vaccination is recommended as early as possible for influenza and COVID-19, as well as consideration for streptococcal pneumonia for patients with severe asthma. Vaccination for all family members should also be considered by the health care team. The health care team should regularly check in with families of patients with asthma to ensure they are educated about the importance of vaccinations and opportunities for immunization.2
Most children with asthma submit their asthma action plan to their school at the beginning of the year. It is important for families to be reminded that if there is a change to their asthma action plan, the updated plan should be discussed and reviewed with school personnel who are responsible for medication administration. Health care providers often will partner with schools and families to create a 504 plan. Many families may not be familiar with this plan and how to request one. Within the state of Illinois, for example, some school districts require 504 plans and others do not. It is derived from Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act and is a contract outlining a child’s asthma care while at school. Families should be reminded that these 504 plans need to be updated at least once a school year.3
Asthma guidelines recommend all children with asthma have access to quick relief medications.4 While this guideline exists, we are reminded by families that their child oftentimes has difficulty obtaining their medication while at school. Despite stock albuterol programs considered by the NIH as being a safe, practical, and potentially lifesaving option for children with asthma, schools across the country are slow to adopt this practice.1 Families often express financial concern about accessing these medications, mainly due to insurance quantity limitations for either single maintenance and reliever therapy intervention or short-acting β2-agonist therapy.
While self-carry is an option in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, parents report poor memory and reliability of their child to administer their medication appropriately. Parents report their children have a poor understanding of time and may administer medication too frequently, or they lack the necessary dexterity to properly administer an inhaler. The correct use of inhalation devices and adherence to prescribed therapy are key aspects in achieving better clinical control and improved quality of life. Parents express fear associated with children having access but poor direct supervision when using their quick relief medication.5 Families need a minimum of two quick relief inhalers (one for home and one for school)—or even three in a co-parenting situation.
Stock albuterol programs mitigate the risk of quick relief medication accessibility. Families may have been required to leave a quick relief inhaler with the school nurse when school started last fall. Despite medication being available from a stock program or supplied from a family, medication expiration dates should be monitored to ensure the medication is available when needed.1 It is important to remind families to track the expiration of medication and request a refill from their asthma provider for replacement at school if a stock albuterol program is not available.
Mitigating the risk of asthma emergencies during respiratory season requires a proactive approach. By partnering with families and schools through vaccination, updating asthma action plans, creating 504 plans, and working to ensure quick relief medication is available, providers and families can work together to decrease the risk of asthma emergencies during respiratory season. Taking these steps can lead to a safer and healthier respiratory season for all.
Emily Simmons, MSN, APN, CPNP-PC, and Alexandra Kacena, MSN, APN, CPNP-PC, are advanced practice provider colleagues at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Division of Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine. Partnering with one of the attending pulmonologists, they provide evidence-based, state-of-the-art care to high-risk patients with severe asthma, both within the hospital and in a mobile asthma clinic setting.
References:
1. Lowe AA, Gerald JK, Clemens CJ, Stern DA, Gerald LB. Managing respiratory emergencies at school: a county-wide stock inhaler program. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2021;148(2):420-427.e5. Preprint. Posted online February 10, 2021. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.01.028
2. 5 Reasons Why Children With Asthma Need Important Vaccines for the Back-to-School Season. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. https://community.aafa.org/blog/5-reasons-why-children-with-asthma-need-important-vaccines-before-heading-back-to-school
3. Dudvarski Ilic A, Zugic V, Zvezdin B, et al. Influence of inhaler technique on asthma and COPD control: a multicenter experience. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2016;11:2509-2517. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S114576
4. Volerman A, Lowe AA, Pappalardo AA, etc. Ensuring access to albuterol in schools: from policy to implementation. An official ATS/AANMA/ALA/NASN policy statement. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2021;204(5):508-522. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202106-1550ST
5. Volerman A, Kim TY, Sridharan G, et al. A mixed-methods study examining inhaler carry and use among children at school. J Asthma. 2020;57(10):1071-1082. Preprint. Posted online July 16, 2019. doi: 10.1080/02770903.2019.1640729
6. Toups MM, Press VG, Volerman A. National analysis of state health policies on students’ right to self-carry and self-administer asthma inhalers at school. J Sch Health. 2018;88(10):776-784. doi: 10.1111/josh.12681
7. 504 Plans for Asthma. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. https://aafa.org/asthma/living-with-asthma/504-plans-for-asthma/
Respiratory illness, cold weather, and fluctuating temperatures can all exacerbate asthma symptoms, leading to potentially serious health complications. Understanding how to mitigate these risks is crucial for maintaining respiratory health and ensuring a safe and healthy season.
As schools across the US have just ended their fall semester, students of all ages will spend their time off away from school. Respiratory season is among us, and children with asthma are at risk for severe asthma exacerbation from viruses that may lead to hospitalization. Since students will soon return for their spring semester, it is important to be reminded of asthma care during respiratory season.
Ten percent of school-aged children in the US have a diagnosis of asthma, with a higher prevalence in lower socioeconomic populations. In a classroom of 30 students, three students carry an asthma diagnosis. Of these children, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports 60% will experience asthma exacerbations. These exacerbations not only cause patients with asthma to have a total of 13.8 million absences annually but also lead to approximately 767,000 emergency department visits and 74,000 hospitalizations on an annual basis.1
As we consider these statistics, safe asthma care during respiratory season requires preparation and a proactive approach. Partnering with families and school personnel will increase the likelihood that students will have a safe return for their next semester.
Patients with asthma are at higher risk for complications from respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and streptococcal pneumonia viruses. While RSV vaccination is not widely available yet, vaccination is recommended as early as possible for influenza and COVID-19, as well as consideration for streptococcal pneumonia for patients with severe asthma. Vaccination for all family members should also be considered by the health care team. The health care team should regularly check in with families of patients with asthma to ensure they are educated about the importance of vaccinations and opportunities for immunization.2
Most children with asthma submit their asthma action plan to their school at the beginning of the year. It is important for families to be reminded that if there is a change to their asthma action plan, the updated plan should be discussed and reviewed with school personnel who are responsible for medication administration. Health care providers often will partner with schools and families to create a 504 plan. Many families may not be familiar with this plan and how to request one. Within the state of Illinois, for example, some school districts require 504 plans and others do not. It is derived from Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act and is a contract outlining a child’s asthma care while at school. Families should be reminded that these 504 plans need to be updated at least once a school year.3
Asthma guidelines recommend all children with asthma have access to quick relief medications.4 While this guideline exists, we are reminded by families that their child oftentimes has difficulty obtaining their medication while at school. Despite stock albuterol programs considered by the NIH as being a safe, practical, and potentially lifesaving option for children with asthma, schools across the country are slow to adopt this practice.1 Families often express financial concern about accessing these medications, mainly due to insurance quantity limitations for either single maintenance and reliever therapy intervention or short-acting β2-agonist therapy.
While self-carry is an option in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, parents report poor memory and reliability of their child to administer their medication appropriately. Parents report their children have a poor understanding of time and may administer medication too frequently, or they lack the necessary dexterity to properly administer an inhaler. The correct use of inhalation devices and adherence to prescribed therapy are key aspects in achieving better clinical control and improved quality of life. Parents express fear associated with children having access but poor direct supervision when using their quick relief medication.5 Families need a minimum of two quick relief inhalers (one for home and one for school)—or even three in a co-parenting situation.
Stock albuterol programs mitigate the risk of quick relief medication accessibility. Families may have been required to leave a quick relief inhaler with the school nurse when school started last fall. Despite medication being available from a stock program or supplied from a family, medication expiration dates should be monitored to ensure the medication is available when needed.1 It is important to remind families to track the expiration of medication and request a refill from their asthma provider for replacement at school if a stock albuterol program is not available.
Mitigating the risk of asthma emergencies during respiratory season requires a proactive approach. By partnering with families and schools through vaccination, updating asthma action plans, creating 504 plans, and working to ensure quick relief medication is available, providers and families can work together to decrease the risk of asthma emergencies during respiratory season. Taking these steps can lead to a safer and healthier respiratory season for all.
Emily Simmons, MSN, APN, CPNP-PC, and Alexandra Kacena, MSN, APN, CPNP-PC, are advanced practice provider colleagues at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Division of Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine. Partnering with one of the attending pulmonologists, they provide evidence-based, state-of-the-art care to high-risk patients with severe asthma, both within the hospital and in a mobile asthma clinic setting.
References:
1. Lowe AA, Gerald JK, Clemens CJ, Stern DA, Gerald LB. Managing respiratory emergencies at school: a county-wide stock inhaler program. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2021;148(2):420-427.e5. Preprint. Posted online February 10, 2021. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.01.028
2. 5 Reasons Why Children With Asthma Need Important Vaccines for the Back-to-School Season. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. https://community.aafa.org/blog/5-reasons-why-children-with-asthma-need-important-vaccines-before-heading-back-to-school
3. Dudvarski Ilic A, Zugic V, Zvezdin B, et al. Influence of inhaler technique on asthma and COPD control: a multicenter experience. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2016;11:2509-2517. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S114576
4. Volerman A, Lowe AA, Pappalardo AA, etc. Ensuring access to albuterol in schools: from policy to implementation. An official ATS/AANMA/ALA/NASN policy statement. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2021;204(5):508-522. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202106-1550ST
5. Volerman A, Kim TY, Sridharan G, et al. A mixed-methods study examining inhaler carry and use among children at school. J Asthma. 2020;57(10):1071-1082. Preprint. Posted online July 16, 2019. doi: 10.1080/02770903.2019.1640729
6. Toups MM, Press VG, Volerman A. National analysis of state health policies on students’ right to self-carry and self-administer asthma inhalers at school. J Sch Health. 2018;88(10):776-784. doi: 10.1111/josh.12681
7. 504 Plans for Asthma. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. https://aafa.org/asthma/living-with-asthma/504-plans-for-asthma/
Respiratory illness, cold weather, and fluctuating temperatures can all exacerbate asthma symptoms, leading to potentially serious health complications. Understanding how to mitigate these risks is crucial for maintaining respiratory health and ensuring a safe and healthy season.
As schools across the US have just ended their fall semester, students of all ages will spend their time off away from school. Respiratory season is among us, and children with asthma are at risk for severe asthma exacerbation from viruses that may lead to hospitalization. Since students will soon return for their spring semester, it is important to be reminded of asthma care during respiratory season.
Ten percent of school-aged children in the US have a diagnosis of asthma, with a higher prevalence in lower socioeconomic populations. In a classroom of 30 students, three students carry an asthma diagnosis. Of these children, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports 60% will experience asthma exacerbations. These exacerbations not only cause patients with asthma to have a total of 13.8 million absences annually but also lead to approximately 767,000 emergency department visits and 74,000 hospitalizations on an annual basis.1
As we consider these statistics, safe asthma care during respiratory season requires preparation and a proactive approach. Partnering with families and school personnel will increase the likelihood that students will have a safe return for their next semester.
Patients with asthma are at higher risk for complications from respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and streptococcal pneumonia viruses. While RSV vaccination is not widely available yet, vaccination is recommended as early as possible for influenza and COVID-19, as well as consideration for streptococcal pneumonia for patients with severe asthma. Vaccination for all family members should also be considered by the health care team. The health care team should regularly check in with families of patients with asthma to ensure they are educated about the importance of vaccinations and opportunities for immunization.2
Most children with asthma submit their asthma action plan to their school at the beginning of the year. It is important for families to be reminded that if there is a change to their asthma action plan, the updated plan should be discussed and reviewed with school personnel who are responsible for medication administration. Health care providers often will partner with schools and families to create a 504 plan. Many families may not be familiar with this plan and how to request one. Within the state of Illinois, for example, some school districts require 504 plans and others do not. It is derived from Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act and is a contract outlining a child’s asthma care while at school. Families should be reminded that these 504 plans need to be updated at least once a school year.3
Asthma guidelines recommend all children with asthma have access to quick relief medications.4 While this guideline exists, we are reminded by families that their child oftentimes has difficulty obtaining their medication while at school. Despite stock albuterol programs considered by the NIH as being a safe, practical, and potentially lifesaving option for children with asthma, schools across the country are slow to adopt this practice.1 Families often express financial concern about accessing these medications, mainly due to insurance quantity limitations for either single maintenance and reliever therapy intervention or short-acting β2-agonist therapy.
While self-carry is an option in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, parents report poor memory and reliability of their child to administer their medication appropriately. Parents report their children have a poor understanding of time and may administer medication too frequently, or they lack the necessary dexterity to properly administer an inhaler. The correct use of inhalation devices and adherence to prescribed therapy are key aspects in achieving better clinical control and improved quality of life. Parents express fear associated with children having access but poor direct supervision when using their quick relief medication.5 Families need a minimum of two quick relief inhalers (one for home and one for school)—or even three in a co-parenting situation.
Stock albuterol programs mitigate the risk of quick relief medication accessibility. Families may have been required to leave a quick relief inhaler with the school nurse when school started last fall. Despite medication being available from a stock program or supplied from a family, medication expiration dates should be monitored to ensure the medication is available when needed.1 It is important to remind families to track the expiration of medication and request a refill from their asthma provider for replacement at school if a stock albuterol program is not available.
Mitigating the risk of asthma emergencies during respiratory season requires a proactive approach. By partnering with families and schools through vaccination, updating asthma action plans, creating 504 plans, and working to ensure quick relief medication is available, providers and families can work together to decrease the risk of asthma emergencies during respiratory season. Taking these steps can lead to a safer and healthier respiratory season for all.
Emily Simmons, MSN, APN, CPNP-PC, and Alexandra Kacena, MSN, APN, CPNP-PC, are advanced practice provider colleagues at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Division of Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine. Partnering with one of the attending pulmonologists, they provide evidence-based, state-of-the-art care to high-risk patients with severe asthma, both within the hospital and in a mobile asthma clinic setting.
References:
1. Lowe AA, Gerald JK, Clemens CJ, Stern DA, Gerald LB. Managing respiratory emergencies at school: a county-wide stock inhaler program. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2021;148(2):420-427.e5. Preprint. Posted online February 10, 2021. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.01.028
2. 5 Reasons Why Children With Asthma Need Important Vaccines for the Back-to-School Season. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. https://community.aafa.org/blog/5-reasons-why-children-with-asthma-need-important-vaccines-before-heading-back-to-school
3. Dudvarski Ilic A, Zugic V, Zvezdin B, et al. Influence of inhaler technique on asthma and COPD control: a multicenter experience. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2016;11:2509-2517. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S114576
4. Volerman A, Lowe AA, Pappalardo AA, etc. Ensuring access to albuterol in schools: from policy to implementation. An official ATS/AANMA/ALA/NASN policy statement. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2021;204(5):508-522. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202106-1550ST
5. Volerman A, Kim TY, Sridharan G, et al. A mixed-methods study examining inhaler carry and use among children at school. J Asthma. 2020;57(10):1071-1082. Preprint. Posted online July 16, 2019. doi: 10.1080/02770903.2019.1640729
6. Toups MM, Press VG, Volerman A. National analysis of state health policies on students’ right to self-carry and self-administer asthma inhalers at school. J Sch Health. 2018;88(10):776-784. doi: 10.1111/josh.12681
7. 504 Plans for Asthma. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. https://aafa.org/asthma/living-with-asthma/504-plans-for-asthma/
Top reads from the CHEST journal portfolio
Top reads from the CHEST journal portfolio
Journal CHEST®
Nocturnal Cardiac Arrhythmias in Heart Failure With Obstructive and Central Sleep Apnea
By Christian M. Horvath, MD, and colleagues
Horvath et al’s ancillary analysis to the ADVENT-HF trial highlights a significant association between sleep apnea (OSA and CSA) and increased nocturnal cardiac arrhythmias in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). While ADVENT-HF showed no impact of adaptive servo-ventilation on survival and hospitalization, this subanalysis reveals a higher prevalence of arrhythmias, such as excessive supraventricular ectopic activity and atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF), in these patients. Notably, OSA severity was linked to increased atrial ectopy, though not to persistent arrhythmias like AF, contrasting with prior studies, notably from the Sleep Heart Health Study (Mehra et al, AJRCCM. 2006;173(8)). This suggests a complex interplay between OSA/CSA and AF, perhaps mediated by factors such as sympathetic tone and cardiac remodeling. Clinically, these findings underscore the value of targeted sleep apnea screening in patients with HFrEF and suggest the need for individualized arrhythmia risk profiles. Future research should investigate how additional factors mediate sleep apnea’s arrhythmic impact.
– Commentary by Shyam Subramanian, MD, FCCP, Member of the CHEST Physician Editorial Board
CHEST® Critical Care
Improving Spontaneous Breathing Trials With a Respiratory Therapist-Driven Protocol
By Christopher A. Linke, RN, MHI, CSSBB, and colleagues
Use of respiratory therapist (RT)-driven spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) protocols are known to improve patient outcomes related to extubation from mechanical ventilation. The authors of this study asked whether an RT-driven SBT protocol could be consistently implemented and sustained to improve outcomes. This single-site quality improvement (QI) project aimed to standardize and re-establish an RT-driven protocol for screening patients for SBT readiness and administering SBTs to appropriate patients in an academic ICU. One hundred twenty-eight patients representing 759 safety screen weaning assessment opportunities were included over a baseline sample and three plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles. A key takeaway from this QI project is that consistent use of an RT-driven SBT protocol results in improved use and documentation of an SBT safety screening and completion of an SBT earlier in the day. Despite multiple obstacles, including staffing and communication challenges and poor understanding of terminology, standardization of an RT-driven SBT protocol is achievable.
– Commentary by Mary Jo Farmer, MD, PhD, FCCP, Member of the CHEST Physician Editorial Board
CHEST® Pulmonary
Navigational Bronchoscopy vs CT Scan-Guided Transthoracic Needle Biopsy for the Diagnosis of Indeterminate Lung Nodules
By Robert J. Lentz, MD, and colleagues
, which will evaluate navigational bronchoscopy (NB) and CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (CT-TTNB) for diagnosing indeterminate pulmonary nodules. Although the results are not yet available, this group’s work highlights an emphasis to develop multicenter randomized controlled trials with multidisciplinary teams and clinical impactful data with a primary outcome of diagnostic accuracy (diagnostic results that remain accurate through 12 months of clinical follow-up). If NB proves to be a noninferior alternative to CT-TTNB, then it may be a safer option with a lower complication rate (particularly for pneumothorax). We look forward to the final results from the trial, and future studies incorporating newer technologies, including robotic bronchoscopy, will be a welcome adjunct as well.
– Commentary by Saadia A. Faiz, MD, FCCP, Member of the CHEST Physician Editorial Board
Journal CHEST®
Nocturnal Cardiac Arrhythmias in Heart Failure With Obstructive and Central Sleep Apnea
By Christian M. Horvath, MD, and colleagues
Horvath et al’s ancillary analysis to the ADVENT-HF trial highlights a significant association between sleep apnea (OSA and CSA) and increased nocturnal cardiac arrhythmias in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). While ADVENT-HF showed no impact of adaptive servo-ventilation on survival and hospitalization, this subanalysis reveals a higher prevalence of arrhythmias, such as excessive supraventricular ectopic activity and atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF), in these patients. Notably, OSA severity was linked to increased atrial ectopy, though not to persistent arrhythmias like AF, contrasting with prior studies, notably from the Sleep Heart Health Study (Mehra et al, AJRCCM. 2006;173(8)). This suggests a complex interplay between OSA/CSA and AF, perhaps mediated by factors such as sympathetic tone and cardiac remodeling. Clinically, these findings underscore the value of targeted sleep apnea screening in patients with HFrEF and suggest the need for individualized arrhythmia risk profiles. Future research should investigate how additional factors mediate sleep apnea’s arrhythmic impact.
– Commentary by Shyam Subramanian, MD, FCCP, Member of the CHEST Physician Editorial Board
CHEST® Critical Care
Improving Spontaneous Breathing Trials With a Respiratory Therapist-Driven Protocol
By Christopher A. Linke, RN, MHI, CSSBB, and colleagues
Use of respiratory therapist (RT)-driven spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) protocols are known to improve patient outcomes related to extubation from mechanical ventilation. The authors of this study asked whether an RT-driven SBT protocol could be consistently implemented and sustained to improve outcomes. This single-site quality improvement (QI) project aimed to standardize and re-establish an RT-driven protocol for screening patients for SBT readiness and administering SBTs to appropriate patients in an academic ICU. One hundred twenty-eight patients representing 759 safety screen weaning assessment opportunities were included over a baseline sample and three plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles. A key takeaway from this QI project is that consistent use of an RT-driven SBT protocol results in improved use and documentation of an SBT safety screening and completion of an SBT earlier in the day. Despite multiple obstacles, including staffing and communication challenges and poor understanding of terminology, standardization of an RT-driven SBT protocol is achievable.
– Commentary by Mary Jo Farmer, MD, PhD, FCCP, Member of the CHEST Physician Editorial Board
CHEST® Pulmonary
Navigational Bronchoscopy vs CT Scan-Guided Transthoracic Needle Biopsy for the Diagnosis of Indeterminate Lung Nodules
By Robert J. Lentz, MD, and colleagues
, which will evaluate navigational bronchoscopy (NB) and CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (CT-TTNB) for diagnosing indeterminate pulmonary nodules. Although the results are not yet available, this group’s work highlights an emphasis to develop multicenter randomized controlled trials with multidisciplinary teams and clinical impactful data with a primary outcome of diagnostic accuracy (diagnostic results that remain accurate through 12 months of clinical follow-up). If NB proves to be a noninferior alternative to CT-TTNB, then it may be a safer option with a lower complication rate (particularly for pneumothorax). We look forward to the final results from the trial, and future studies incorporating newer technologies, including robotic bronchoscopy, will be a welcome adjunct as well.
– Commentary by Saadia A. Faiz, MD, FCCP, Member of the CHEST Physician Editorial Board
Journal CHEST®
Nocturnal Cardiac Arrhythmias in Heart Failure With Obstructive and Central Sleep Apnea
By Christian M. Horvath, MD, and colleagues
Horvath et al’s ancillary analysis to the ADVENT-HF trial highlights a significant association between sleep apnea (OSA and CSA) and increased nocturnal cardiac arrhythmias in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). While ADVENT-HF showed no impact of adaptive servo-ventilation on survival and hospitalization, this subanalysis reveals a higher prevalence of arrhythmias, such as excessive supraventricular ectopic activity and atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF), in these patients. Notably, OSA severity was linked to increased atrial ectopy, though not to persistent arrhythmias like AF, contrasting with prior studies, notably from the Sleep Heart Health Study (Mehra et al, AJRCCM. 2006;173(8)). This suggests a complex interplay between OSA/CSA and AF, perhaps mediated by factors such as sympathetic tone and cardiac remodeling. Clinically, these findings underscore the value of targeted sleep apnea screening in patients with HFrEF and suggest the need for individualized arrhythmia risk profiles. Future research should investigate how additional factors mediate sleep apnea’s arrhythmic impact.
– Commentary by Shyam Subramanian, MD, FCCP, Member of the CHEST Physician Editorial Board
CHEST® Critical Care
Improving Spontaneous Breathing Trials With a Respiratory Therapist-Driven Protocol
By Christopher A. Linke, RN, MHI, CSSBB, and colleagues
Use of respiratory therapist (RT)-driven spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) protocols are known to improve patient outcomes related to extubation from mechanical ventilation. The authors of this study asked whether an RT-driven SBT protocol could be consistently implemented and sustained to improve outcomes. This single-site quality improvement (QI) project aimed to standardize and re-establish an RT-driven protocol for screening patients for SBT readiness and administering SBTs to appropriate patients in an academic ICU. One hundred twenty-eight patients representing 759 safety screen weaning assessment opportunities were included over a baseline sample and three plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles. A key takeaway from this QI project is that consistent use of an RT-driven SBT protocol results in improved use and documentation of an SBT safety screening and completion of an SBT earlier in the day. Despite multiple obstacles, including staffing and communication challenges and poor understanding of terminology, standardization of an RT-driven SBT protocol is achievable.
– Commentary by Mary Jo Farmer, MD, PhD, FCCP, Member of the CHEST Physician Editorial Board
CHEST® Pulmonary
Navigational Bronchoscopy vs CT Scan-Guided Transthoracic Needle Biopsy for the Diagnosis of Indeterminate Lung Nodules
By Robert J. Lentz, MD, and colleagues
, which will evaluate navigational bronchoscopy (NB) and CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (CT-TTNB) for diagnosing indeterminate pulmonary nodules. Although the results are not yet available, this group’s work highlights an emphasis to develop multicenter randomized controlled trials with multidisciplinary teams and clinical impactful data with a primary outcome of diagnostic accuracy (diagnostic results that remain accurate through 12 months of clinical follow-up). If NB proves to be a noninferior alternative to CT-TTNB, then it may be a safer option with a lower complication rate (particularly for pneumothorax). We look forward to the final results from the trial, and future studies incorporating newer technologies, including robotic bronchoscopy, will be a welcome adjunct as well.
– Commentary by Saadia A. Faiz, MD, FCCP, Member of the CHEST Physician Editorial Board
Top reads from the CHEST journal portfolio
Top reads from the CHEST journal portfolio
Council of Networks: Reflecting on the success of 2024
I have had the privilege of being the Chair of the Council of Networks this past year, and the engagement of the Chairs, Vice-Chairs, and steering committee members has contributed to a very successful CHEST 2024. Highlights from the meeting include the depth and breadth of 22 Experience CHEST sessions, which were held in the Exhibit Hall and gave trainees and early career faculty the opportunity to submit and present concise teaching on a topic. This year, many of these presentations were devoted to topics of diversity and inclusion.
Our program this year also honored Network Rising Stars at the Network Open Forums. These individuals were early career members who were nominated for their active engagement within CHEST and the Networks. The Networks also hosted a fun and engaging mixer, where members came together and had the opportunity to meet Network leadership, catch up with old friends, and sample a variety of Boston cuisine. I personally had the opportunity to meet several junior faculty who were excited to become involved in the Networks.
One of the initiatives we are working on is developing a robust mentoring program for fellows who are involved in the Networks and Sections. The pieces were put in place over the summer, and we will be gauging success of the program in the spring.
For those of you who have yet to join a Network, we would love for you to be involved. To see the current leadership of each Network, check out their pages on chesnet.org. You can log in to your CHEST account and join as many Networks as you want.
I have had the privilege of being the Chair of the Council of Networks this past year, and the engagement of the Chairs, Vice-Chairs, and steering committee members has contributed to a very successful CHEST 2024. Highlights from the meeting include the depth and breadth of 22 Experience CHEST sessions, which were held in the Exhibit Hall and gave trainees and early career faculty the opportunity to submit and present concise teaching on a topic. This year, many of these presentations were devoted to topics of diversity and inclusion.
Our program this year also honored Network Rising Stars at the Network Open Forums. These individuals were early career members who were nominated for their active engagement within CHEST and the Networks. The Networks also hosted a fun and engaging mixer, where members came together and had the opportunity to meet Network leadership, catch up with old friends, and sample a variety of Boston cuisine. I personally had the opportunity to meet several junior faculty who were excited to become involved in the Networks.
One of the initiatives we are working on is developing a robust mentoring program for fellows who are involved in the Networks and Sections. The pieces were put in place over the summer, and we will be gauging success of the program in the spring.
For those of you who have yet to join a Network, we would love for you to be involved. To see the current leadership of each Network, check out their pages on chesnet.org. You can log in to your CHEST account and join as many Networks as you want.
I have had the privilege of being the Chair of the Council of Networks this past year, and the engagement of the Chairs, Vice-Chairs, and steering committee members has contributed to a very successful CHEST 2024. Highlights from the meeting include the depth and breadth of 22 Experience CHEST sessions, which were held in the Exhibit Hall and gave trainees and early career faculty the opportunity to submit and present concise teaching on a topic. This year, many of these presentations were devoted to topics of diversity and inclusion.
Our program this year also honored Network Rising Stars at the Network Open Forums. These individuals were early career members who were nominated for their active engagement within CHEST and the Networks. The Networks also hosted a fun and engaging mixer, where members came together and had the opportunity to meet Network leadership, catch up with old friends, and sample a variety of Boston cuisine. I personally had the opportunity to meet several junior faculty who were excited to become involved in the Networks.
One of the initiatives we are working on is developing a robust mentoring program for fellows who are involved in the Networks and Sections. The pieces were put in place over the summer, and we will be gauging success of the program in the spring.
For those of you who have yet to join a Network, we would love for you to be involved. To see the current leadership of each Network, check out their pages on chesnet.org. You can log in to your CHEST account and join as many Networks as you want.
A visible impact
In 2023, CHEST’s philanthropic approach evolved to align with the organizational mission and elevate the value placed on giving. This was a pivotal transformation allowing CHEST to broaden its scope and deepen its impact, ensuring that every contribution continues to make a meaningful difference. 2024 was the first full year since the transition, and Bob Musacchio, PhD, CEO of CHEST, and Bob De Marco, MD, FCCP, Chair of the CHEST Board of Advisors, sat down to reflect on the year of CHEST philanthropy.
It’s been a full year since the transition to CHEST philanthropy; from your perspective, how has that transition gone so far?
Bob De Marco, MD, FCCP: It’s been a real pleasure to watch the evolution over the past year. The pillars that we defined to support our giving strategy resonated with a lot of past donors and also helped to engage new donors. Through clinical research, community impact, and dedication to education, we know exactly where our focus should be, allowing us to have the strongest impact while ensuring that donors know exactly where their gifts are going.
Bob Musacchio, PhD: Another benefit to the redefined strategy was its clear integration with the CHEST organization. In the past year, CHEST added social responsibility as one of the organizational pillars, which clarified the commitment to both philanthropy and advocacy. By aligning every element of philanthropy with the existing CHEST mission, we are able to expand our reach exponentially.
Let’s talk about an example of impact you’ve seen in the past year.
De Marco: When the original CHEST Foundation merged with CHEST, we established a new priority that continues to drive our mission: bridging gaps, breaking barriers, and improving health care interactions to enhance patient outcomes and overall health. This commitment is reflected in initiatives like Bridging Specialties® and the First 5 Minutes®—both of which you can learn more about on the CHEST website.
We’ve also entered into the second year of our partnership grant with the Association of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Program Directors, which supports a fellow pursuing pulmonary and critical care medicine. This award recognizes the value of a diverse community in advancing medical education in pulmonary and critical care medicine. It provides an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education fellow-in-training with the support, training, and mentorship needed to pursue a career in medical education and eventually serve as a mentor to future trainees.
Musacchio: I’d like to highlight the growth we’ve seen in our Community Impact grants. Following the shift, the impact grants now follow a participatory grantmaking model that empowers local organizations embedded within their communities to solve problems with the unique insights and solutions that only they can provide. This new strategy includes supporting our Community Connections partners, which are highlighted during the annual meeting. In Boston for CHEST 2024, we partnered with three local organizations—Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, We Got Us, and the Tufts Community Health Workers Engaging in Integrated Care and Community Action Programs Inter-City collaboration—as our Community Connections to financially support their causes and to highlight their work throughout our meeting. Through partnership, we can strengthen our impact and empower communities to prioritize and improve respiratory well-being, and I look forward to continuing to grow this program in Chicago for CHEST 2025.
What’s next for CHEST philanthropy? Any closing thoughts for CHEST Physician® readers?
De Marco: The future is limitless for CHEST philanthropy. The more funding we receive, the more we can distribute to deserving projects. This includes expanding support to additional disease states, funding the next wave of travel grants, and giving more to support the research and clinical innovations that will shape the future of chest medicine . What I’d love to see is more CHEST members engaging with CHEST philanthropy. We invite you to connect with us—CHEST’s philanthropy team—to discuss how your continued investment can drive even greater impact or ask any questions you may have about the program. We’d welcome the opportunity to talk with you!
Also, if you’re thinking about giving before the end of the year, please know that every gift, new or increased, will be matched dollar for dollar through December 31.
To each and every one of you: Thank you for being a part of the CHEST community—and for your generosity and dedication.
Musacchio: I echo Dr. De Marco’s sentiment and want to reiterate that whether you’re a seasoned donor or considering your first gift, you can play a vital role in shaping the future of our field. Every gift—large or small—moves us forward and strengthens the community we all value. Thank you, and have a happy and healthy holiday season.
MAKE A GIFT TODAY
In 2023, CHEST’s philanthropic approach evolved to align with the organizational mission and elevate the value placed on giving. This was a pivotal transformation allowing CHEST to broaden its scope and deepen its impact, ensuring that every contribution continues to make a meaningful difference. 2024 was the first full year since the transition, and Bob Musacchio, PhD, CEO of CHEST, and Bob De Marco, MD, FCCP, Chair of the CHEST Board of Advisors, sat down to reflect on the year of CHEST philanthropy.
It’s been a full year since the transition to CHEST philanthropy; from your perspective, how has that transition gone so far?
Bob De Marco, MD, FCCP: It’s been a real pleasure to watch the evolution over the past year. The pillars that we defined to support our giving strategy resonated with a lot of past donors and also helped to engage new donors. Through clinical research, community impact, and dedication to education, we know exactly where our focus should be, allowing us to have the strongest impact while ensuring that donors know exactly where their gifts are going.
Bob Musacchio, PhD: Another benefit to the redefined strategy was its clear integration with the CHEST organization. In the past year, CHEST added social responsibility as one of the organizational pillars, which clarified the commitment to both philanthropy and advocacy. By aligning every element of philanthropy with the existing CHEST mission, we are able to expand our reach exponentially.
Let’s talk about an example of impact you’ve seen in the past year.
De Marco: When the original CHEST Foundation merged with CHEST, we established a new priority that continues to drive our mission: bridging gaps, breaking barriers, and improving health care interactions to enhance patient outcomes and overall health. This commitment is reflected in initiatives like Bridging Specialties® and the First 5 Minutes®—both of which you can learn more about on the CHEST website.
We’ve also entered into the second year of our partnership grant with the Association of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Program Directors, which supports a fellow pursuing pulmonary and critical care medicine. This award recognizes the value of a diverse community in advancing medical education in pulmonary and critical care medicine. It provides an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education fellow-in-training with the support, training, and mentorship needed to pursue a career in medical education and eventually serve as a mentor to future trainees.
Musacchio: I’d like to highlight the growth we’ve seen in our Community Impact grants. Following the shift, the impact grants now follow a participatory grantmaking model that empowers local organizations embedded within their communities to solve problems with the unique insights and solutions that only they can provide. This new strategy includes supporting our Community Connections partners, which are highlighted during the annual meeting. In Boston for CHEST 2024, we partnered with three local organizations—Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, We Got Us, and the Tufts Community Health Workers Engaging in Integrated Care and Community Action Programs Inter-City collaboration—as our Community Connections to financially support their causes and to highlight their work throughout our meeting. Through partnership, we can strengthen our impact and empower communities to prioritize and improve respiratory well-being, and I look forward to continuing to grow this program in Chicago for CHEST 2025.
What’s next for CHEST philanthropy? Any closing thoughts for CHEST Physician® readers?
De Marco: The future is limitless for CHEST philanthropy. The more funding we receive, the more we can distribute to deserving projects. This includes expanding support to additional disease states, funding the next wave of travel grants, and giving more to support the research and clinical innovations that will shape the future of chest medicine . What I’d love to see is more CHEST members engaging with CHEST philanthropy. We invite you to connect with us—CHEST’s philanthropy team—to discuss how your continued investment can drive even greater impact or ask any questions you may have about the program. We’d welcome the opportunity to talk with you!
Also, if you’re thinking about giving before the end of the year, please know that every gift, new or increased, will be matched dollar for dollar through December 31.
To each and every one of you: Thank you for being a part of the CHEST community—and for your generosity and dedication.
Musacchio: I echo Dr. De Marco’s sentiment and want to reiterate that whether you’re a seasoned donor or considering your first gift, you can play a vital role in shaping the future of our field. Every gift—large or small—moves us forward and strengthens the community we all value. Thank you, and have a happy and healthy holiday season.
MAKE A GIFT TODAY
In 2023, CHEST’s philanthropic approach evolved to align with the organizational mission and elevate the value placed on giving. This was a pivotal transformation allowing CHEST to broaden its scope and deepen its impact, ensuring that every contribution continues to make a meaningful difference. 2024 was the first full year since the transition, and Bob Musacchio, PhD, CEO of CHEST, and Bob De Marco, MD, FCCP, Chair of the CHEST Board of Advisors, sat down to reflect on the year of CHEST philanthropy.
It’s been a full year since the transition to CHEST philanthropy; from your perspective, how has that transition gone so far?
Bob De Marco, MD, FCCP: It’s been a real pleasure to watch the evolution over the past year. The pillars that we defined to support our giving strategy resonated with a lot of past donors and also helped to engage new donors. Through clinical research, community impact, and dedication to education, we know exactly where our focus should be, allowing us to have the strongest impact while ensuring that donors know exactly where their gifts are going.
Bob Musacchio, PhD: Another benefit to the redefined strategy was its clear integration with the CHEST organization. In the past year, CHEST added social responsibility as one of the organizational pillars, which clarified the commitment to both philanthropy and advocacy. By aligning every element of philanthropy with the existing CHEST mission, we are able to expand our reach exponentially.
Let’s talk about an example of impact you’ve seen in the past year.
De Marco: When the original CHEST Foundation merged with CHEST, we established a new priority that continues to drive our mission: bridging gaps, breaking barriers, and improving health care interactions to enhance patient outcomes and overall health. This commitment is reflected in initiatives like Bridging Specialties® and the First 5 Minutes®—both of which you can learn more about on the CHEST website.
We’ve also entered into the second year of our partnership grant with the Association of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Program Directors, which supports a fellow pursuing pulmonary and critical care medicine. This award recognizes the value of a diverse community in advancing medical education in pulmonary and critical care medicine. It provides an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education fellow-in-training with the support, training, and mentorship needed to pursue a career in medical education and eventually serve as a mentor to future trainees.
Musacchio: I’d like to highlight the growth we’ve seen in our Community Impact grants. Following the shift, the impact grants now follow a participatory grantmaking model that empowers local organizations embedded within their communities to solve problems with the unique insights and solutions that only they can provide. This new strategy includes supporting our Community Connections partners, which are highlighted during the annual meeting. In Boston for CHEST 2024, we partnered with three local organizations—Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, We Got Us, and the Tufts Community Health Workers Engaging in Integrated Care and Community Action Programs Inter-City collaboration—as our Community Connections to financially support their causes and to highlight their work throughout our meeting. Through partnership, we can strengthen our impact and empower communities to prioritize and improve respiratory well-being, and I look forward to continuing to grow this program in Chicago for CHEST 2025.
What’s next for CHEST philanthropy? Any closing thoughts for CHEST Physician® readers?
De Marco: The future is limitless for CHEST philanthropy. The more funding we receive, the more we can distribute to deserving projects. This includes expanding support to additional disease states, funding the next wave of travel grants, and giving more to support the research and clinical innovations that will shape the future of chest medicine . What I’d love to see is more CHEST members engaging with CHEST philanthropy. We invite you to connect with us—CHEST’s philanthropy team—to discuss how your continued investment can drive even greater impact or ask any questions you may have about the program. We’d welcome the opportunity to talk with you!
Also, if you’re thinking about giving before the end of the year, please know that every gift, new or increased, will be matched dollar for dollar through December 31.
To each and every one of you: Thank you for being a part of the CHEST community—and for your generosity and dedication.
Musacchio: I echo Dr. De Marco’s sentiment and want to reiterate that whether you’re a seasoned donor or considering your first gift, you can play a vital role in shaping the future of our field. Every gift—large or small—moves us forward and strengthens the community we all value. Thank you, and have a happy and healthy holiday season.
MAKE A GIFT TODAY
White ribbons around CHEST HQ raise awareness for lung cancer screening and early detection
During the month of November, CHEST displayed white ribbons around its headquarters in Glenview, Illinois, to raise awareness for lung cancer screening and early detection.
According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer kills more people yearly than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined, and there are 2.1 million lung cancer cases worldwide.
“Lung Cancer Awareness Month was an opportunity for us to shine the spotlight on a disease that is impacting the lives of so many,” said Robert Musacchio, PhD, CEO of CHEST. “As a society of 22,000 respiratory professionals, we continuously provide the latest resources to our members, including the latest guidelines for lung cancer screening. Leveraging the awareness month, we wanted to spread the message throughout our local community that the best way to combat lung cancer is through early screening and detection.”
To identify and diagnose lung cancer in its earlier stages, it is recommended to seek lung cancer screening with a low-dose tomography scan (also known as low-dose CT or LDCT scan). Individuals who meet the below criteria are considered to be at high risk for developing lung cancer and should be screened:
- 50 to 80 years of age;
- have a 20 pack-year history of smoking (one pack a day for 20 years, two packs a day for 10 years, etc.); or
- currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years.
To secure the ribbons, CHEST worked with an organization called the White Ribbon Project, which promotes awareness about lung cancer by changing public perception of the disease. Started by lung cancer survivor Heidi Onda and her husband, Pierre Onda, MD, the white ribbon initiative has spurred a movement to build community, reframe education, increase awareness, and remove the stigma against lung cancer.
“We are grateful for the advocacy and support of the American College of Chest Physicians in raising awareness for lung cancer,” Ms. Onda said. “We believe as a team of survivors, caregivers, those who have lost loved ones, advocates, the medical and science communities, industry representatives, advocacy organizations, legislators, and cancer centers that we can change the public perception of lung cancer. Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer, no one deserves it, and awareness and early detection of the disease are crucial.”
During the month of November, CHEST displayed white ribbons around its headquarters in Glenview, Illinois, to raise awareness for lung cancer screening and early detection.
According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer kills more people yearly than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined, and there are 2.1 million lung cancer cases worldwide.
“Lung Cancer Awareness Month was an opportunity for us to shine the spotlight on a disease that is impacting the lives of so many,” said Robert Musacchio, PhD, CEO of CHEST. “As a society of 22,000 respiratory professionals, we continuously provide the latest resources to our members, including the latest guidelines for lung cancer screening. Leveraging the awareness month, we wanted to spread the message throughout our local community that the best way to combat lung cancer is through early screening and detection.”
To identify and diagnose lung cancer in its earlier stages, it is recommended to seek lung cancer screening with a low-dose tomography scan (also known as low-dose CT or LDCT scan). Individuals who meet the below criteria are considered to be at high risk for developing lung cancer and should be screened:
- 50 to 80 years of age;
- have a 20 pack-year history of smoking (one pack a day for 20 years, two packs a day for 10 years, etc.); or
- currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years.
To secure the ribbons, CHEST worked with an organization called the White Ribbon Project, which promotes awareness about lung cancer by changing public perception of the disease. Started by lung cancer survivor Heidi Onda and her husband, Pierre Onda, MD, the white ribbon initiative has spurred a movement to build community, reframe education, increase awareness, and remove the stigma against lung cancer.
“We are grateful for the advocacy and support of the American College of Chest Physicians in raising awareness for lung cancer,” Ms. Onda said. “We believe as a team of survivors, caregivers, those who have lost loved ones, advocates, the medical and science communities, industry representatives, advocacy organizations, legislators, and cancer centers that we can change the public perception of lung cancer. Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer, no one deserves it, and awareness and early detection of the disease are crucial.”
During the month of November, CHEST displayed white ribbons around its headquarters in Glenview, Illinois, to raise awareness for lung cancer screening and early detection.
According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer kills more people yearly than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined, and there are 2.1 million lung cancer cases worldwide.
“Lung Cancer Awareness Month was an opportunity for us to shine the spotlight on a disease that is impacting the lives of so many,” said Robert Musacchio, PhD, CEO of CHEST. “As a society of 22,000 respiratory professionals, we continuously provide the latest resources to our members, including the latest guidelines for lung cancer screening. Leveraging the awareness month, we wanted to spread the message throughout our local community that the best way to combat lung cancer is through early screening and detection.”
To identify and diagnose lung cancer in its earlier stages, it is recommended to seek lung cancer screening with a low-dose tomography scan (also known as low-dose CT or LDCT scan). Individuals who meet the below criteria are considered to be at high risk for developing lung cancer and should be screened:
- 50 to 80 years of age;
- have a 20 pack-year history of smoking (one pack a day for 20 years, two packs a day for 10 years, etc.); or
- currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years.
To secure the ribbons, CHEST worked with an organization called the White Ribbon Project, which promotes awareness about lung cancer by changing public perception of the disease. Started by lung cancer survivor Heidi Onda and her husband, Pierre Onda, MD, the white ribbon initiative has spurred a movement to build community, reframe education, increase awareness, and remove the stigma against lung cancer.
“We are grateful for the advocacy and support of the American College of Chest Physicians in raising awareness for lung cancer,” Ms. Onda said. “We believe as a team of survivors, caregivers, those who have lost loved ones, advocates, the medical and science communities, industry representatives, advocacy organizations, legislators, and cancer centers that we can change the public perception of lung cancer. Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer, no one deserves it, and awareness and early detection of the disease are crucial.”