Society News

Make a tribute gift to honor someone whose life has been touched by GI research or celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday while supporting the AGA Research Awards Program through the AGA Research Foundation. A tribute gift will make your loved one feel special because it honors their passion, and also help us fund research grants to talented investigators whose work will shape the future of clinical care.

• A gift in memory of a loved one. A memorial gift is a meaningful way to celebrate the legacy of a family member, friend, or colleague.
• 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.

Learn more about ways to recognize and acknowledge someone by visit our website at https://foundation.gastro.org/ways-to-contribute/.

Make a tribute gift to honor someone whose life has been touched by GI research or celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday while supporting the AGA Research Awards Program through the AGA Research Foundation. A tribute gift will make your loved one feel special because it honors their passion, and also help us fund research grants to talented investigators whose work will shape the future of clinical care.

• A gift in memory of a loved one. A memorial gift is a meaningful way to celebrate the legacy of a family member, friend, or colleague.
• 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.

Learn more about ways to recognize and acknowledge someone by visit our website at https://foundation.gastro.org/ways-to-contribute/.

Make a tribute gift to honor someone whose life has been touched by GI research or celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday while supporting the AGA Research Awards Program through the AGA Research Foundation. A tribute gift will make your loved one feel special because it honors their passion, and also help us fund research grants to talented investigators whose work will shape the future of clinical care.

• A gift in memory of a loved one. A memorial gift is a meaningful way to celebrate the legacy of a family member, friend, or colleague.
• 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.

Learn more about ways to recognize and acknowledge someone by visit our website at https://foundation.gastro.org/ways-to-contribute/.

The world’s premier meeting for gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy, and gastrointestinal surgery professionals will be a fully virtual event, May 21-23, 2021. We invite you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to exchange knowledge with colleagues from all over the world and explore the latest advances in the field – all from the convenience of your home. Plus, your registration grants you access to everything offered at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) this year (no additional ticketed sessions). Learn more and register at ddw.org.

The world’s premier meeting for gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy, and gastrointestinal surgery professionals will be a fully virtual event, May 21-23, 2021. We invite you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to exchange knowledge with colleagues from all over the world and explore the latest advances in the field – all from the convenience of your home. Plus, your registration grants you access to everything offered at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) this year (no additional ticketed sessions). Learn more and register at ddw.org.

The world’s premier meeting for gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy, and gastrointestinal surgery professionals will be a fully virtual event, May 21-23, 2021. We invite you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to exchange knowledge with colleagues from all over the world and explore the latest advances in the field – all from the convenience of your home. Plus, your registration grants you access to everything offered at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) this year (no additional ticketed sessions). Learn more and register at ddw.org.

The AGA Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee wants your input on the next set of guidelines to be developed. By completing an online form, you can submit recommendations for guideline topics that will be developed within the next two years. The deadline to submit your ideas is Monday, May 3.

It’s as easy as three steps to submit a guideline idea

• Check out the guidelines that AGA has already developed or are in progress.
• Complete the survey below. You can submit more than one guideline topic by filling out the form multiple times.
• Stay tuned for follow up questions in case the committee needs more information on your recommendations.

The AGA Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee will review guideline topics in May, prioritizing and ranking topics based on the following criteria: prevalence of disease, resource utilization, variation in care, other existing guidelines, new data/changes in diagnosis or treatment, and potential for measure/quality development. Once vetted, four or more new guidelines will be recommended for development throughout the year. Complete the online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/AGAtopicsubmission

The AGA Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee wants your input on the next set of guidelines to be developed. By completing an online form, you can submit recommendations for guideline topics that will be developed within the next two years. The deadline to submit your ideas is Monday, May 3.

It’s as easy as three steps to submit a guideline idea

• Check out the guidelines that AGA has already developed or are in progress.
• Complete the survey below. You can submit more than one guideline topic by filling out the form multiple times.
• Stay tuned for follow up questions in case the committee needs more information on your recommendations.

The AGA Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee will review guideline topics in May, prioritizing and ranking topics based on the following criteria: prevalence of disease, resource utilization, variation in care, other existing guidelines, new data/changes in diagnosis or treatment, and potential for measure/quality development. Once vetted, four or more new guidelines will be recommended for development throughout the year. Complete the online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/AGAtopicsubmission

The AGA Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee wants your input on the next set of guidelines to be developed. By completing an online form, you can submit recommendations for guideline topics that will be developed within the next two years. The deadline to submit your ideas is Monday, May 3.

It’s as easy as three steps to submit a guideline idea

• Check out the guidelines that AGA has already developed or are in progress.
• Complete the survey below. You can submit more than one guideline topic by filling out the form multiple times.
• Stay tuned for follow up questions in case the committee needs more information on your recommendations.

The AGA Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee will review guideline topics in May, prioritizing and ranking topics based on the following criteria: prevalence of disease, resource utilization, variation in care, other existing guidelines, new data/changes in diagnosis or treatment, and potential for measure/quality development. Once vetted, four or more new guidelines will be recommended for development throughout the year. Complete the online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/AGAtopicsubmission

Applications are now open for the 2022 AGA Fellowship cohort. AGA is proud to formally recognize its exemplary members whose accomplishments and contributions demonstrate a deep commitment to gastroenterology through the AGA Fellows Program. Those in clinical practice, education or research (basic or clinical) are encouraged to apply today.

Longstanding members who apply and meet the program criteria are granted the distinguished honor of AGA Fellowship and receive the following:

• The privilege of using the designation “AGAF” in professional activities. 
• An official certificate and pin denoting your status. 
• International acknowledgment at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW).
• A listing on the AGA website alongside esteemed peers.  
• A pre-written, fill-in press release and a digital badge to inform others of your accomplishment.

Apply for consideration and gain recognition worldwide for your commitment to the field. The deadline is Aug. 24.

Applications are now open for the 2022 AGA Fellowship cohort. AGA is proud to formally recognize its exemplary members whose accomplishments and contributions demonstrate a deep commitment to gastroenterology through the AGA Fellows Program. Those in clinical practice, education or research (basic or clinical) are encouraged to apply today.

Longstanding members who apply and meet the program criteria are granted the distinguished honor of AGA Fellowship and receive the following:

• The privilege of using the designation “AGAF” in professional activities. 
• An official certificate and pin denoting your status. 
• International acknowledgment at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW).
• A listing on the AGA website alongside esteemed peers.  
• A pre-written, fill-in press release and a digital badge to inform others of your accomplishment.

Apply for consideration and gain recognition worldwide for your commitment to the field. The deadline is Aug. 24.

Applications are now open for the 2022 AGA Fellowship cohort. AGA is proud to formally recognize its exemplary members whose accomplishments and contributions demonstrate a deep commitment to gastroenterology through the AGA Fellows Program. Those in clinical practice, education or research (basic or clinical) are encouraged to apply today.

Longstanding members who apply and meet the program criteria are granted the distinguished honor of AGA Fellowship and receive the following:

• The privilege of using the designation “AGAF” in professional activities. 
• An official certificate and pin denoting your status. 
• International acknowledgment at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW).
• A listing on the AGA website alongside esteemed peers.  
• A pre-written, fill-in press release and a digital badge to inform others of your accomplishment.

Apply for consideration and gain recognition worldwide for your commitment to the field. The deadline is Aug. 24.

Palliative and end-of-life care

Communicating serious news over video

Critical care consultation using telemedicine is increasingly prevalent. Having serious conversations regarding end-of life care over video can be extremely challenging. Here are some suggestions and sample phrases to make palliative-focused conversations more successful

Prior to initiating the conversation, communicate with the bedside team. Ensure they want you to discuss palliative options and make an outline of discussion topics together. Identify and include all important decision-makers. Family may need to be connected over a digital meeting platform such as Zoom^© or WEBex^© and arrange for interpreter services if needed.

Prepare the virtual meeting place ahead of time. Test the connection, and make sure the audiovisual quality is clear. Have the camera centrally positioned, and ensure adequate lighting to easily see facial expressions. Remove distracting background furniture, and clear your space of confidential material. Have a quiet area planned to avoid interruptions (J Gen Intern Med. 2020 Oct 27:1-4. doi: 10.1007/s11606-020-06278-z. Online ahead of print).

Open the conversation with introductions, and explore perceptions with open-ended questions: “So I know where to begin, tell me about your understanding of what has been happening?” Get a sense of the patient’s previous function, quality of life, and their values as an individual. Maintain good eye contact throughout. When ready to give an update, use simple language and avoid details: “Unfortunately, your condition is worse. You have not been responding to treatments as hoped. Your lungs are needing much more support, and I’m worried they are not going to get better.”Anticipate emotions, and provide empathetic responses: “I wish we had better news. This must be overwhelming for you” (Back, et al. Ann Int Med. 2020;172[11]:759). Finally, offer a recommendation. Most patients and families are interested in your advice and want guidance. Use the patient’s previously stated values to support your recommendation.

Andrew Badke, MD

Steering Committee Member

Respiratory care

COVID-19 pandemic bringing protocols to the forefront

COVID-19 has health care organizations threatened like never before. Staffing requirements, equipment necessities, and personnel training happen in a whirlwind.¹ Information could change daily/hourly, and the need to protocolize guidelines became more evident each day.

While protocols have existed long before COVID-19, many institutions and organizations responded to the ever-changing pandemic by creating clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to help not only their experienced staff members but also the non-traditional ICU caregivers thrust onto the front lines.3 Organizations worked on PPE protocols, respiratory care management, and ECMO guidelines to name a few.^2,3 Protocols with algorithms and CPGs have been shown to reduce patient harm and improve standardization and communication.

A CPG is a general principle that guides the management of care, in which specific questions are posed, a literature review is completed, and the quality of the research evaluated. The questions are answered using the strength of the available research. CPG decision points are then based on the evidence or on the consensus of experts, resulting in a protocol that are descriptions of detailed behaviors to be followed in specific situations. These behaviors are provided in a list format or a flow diagram. Using a universal language for protocols with algorithms has aided many hospitals ensure effective care for patients and has even helped develop multidisciplinary relationships not present prior to the pandemic (onepagericu.com).

DeDe Gardner, RRT, DrPh, FCCP

Donna Tanner, RRT-ACCS, MBA, FCCP

Steering Committee Members



1. epub JAMA 2/2021.

2. WHO, Guidelines 1/2021.

3. CHEST, Clinical Resources.

4. Curr Treat Options Ped 2015,1:347


 

Sleep medicine

Time to move the dial: Sleep and burnout in health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Although the interaction between sleep, mood disorders, and burnout is well established, many of us are still sleep-deprived. A cross-sectional study of over 800 health care workers during the pandemic stay-at-home orders in March 2020 reported that those working in-person had shorter sleep times and worse mood, while those with longer sleep times had improved mood (Conroy DA, et al. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;17[2]:185). Even prior to COVID-19, many trainees were facing issues with sleep deprivation and burnout (Sharp M, et al. Chest. 2021;159[2]:733).

One year into the pandemic, we continue to face a unique set of hardships, exacerbating underlying sleep disorders such as insomnia, feelings of burnout, and mental health problems. An international team led by Dr. Joel Goh calculated the cost of burnout and its economic impact on the nation’s health care system and estimated this at $4.6 billion per year (Han S, et al. Ann Intern Med. 2019;170[11]:784). National medical organizations, including the National Academy of Medicine and the American Medical Association, have also placed greater emphasis on clinician well-being and resilience. Practical frameworks for creating wellness during the pandemic exist; however. senior-level executive champions are critical for implementation (Adibe B, et al. N Engl J Med Catalyst. Jun 2020). While the long-term impact remains unknown, the current state of sleep and mental health problems and the cost of burnout should be a warning to health systems and institutions to implement remedial interventions now.(“Taking action against burnout: A systems approach to professional well-being,” National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, October 2019.
 

Nancy H. Stewart, DO, MS, Steering Committee Member

Thoracic oncology

Impact of COVID-19 on lung cancer screening

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and COVID-19 is making this worse. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite evidence of improved mortality, the uptake of lung cancer screening (LCS) was quite low with only 4% of those eligible having undergone screening in 2015 (Jemal A, et al. JAMA Oncol. 2017;3[9]:1278).

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, health care resources were re-allocated to critically ill patients and areas, and nonurgent care was postponed. Therefore, LCS programs were halted (Mazzone PJ, et al. Chest. 2020;158[1]:406). This led to concerns that fewer patients would undergo screening and more patients would experience delays in cancer diagnosis.

Using population-based modeling, researchers in England estimated the COVID-19 pandemic will result in decreased lung cancer survival and a subsequent increase in avoidable cancer deaths (Maringe C, et al. Lancet Oncol. 2020;21[8]:1023). And in fact, investigators in Spain found fewer new lung cancer diagnoses during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the same time-period pre-pandemic, and those that were diagnosed were later stage disease (Reyes R, et al. IASCL World Conference. 2020. A3700).

As we learn more about COVID-19 and communities become vaccinated, it becomes critical to both resume LCS programs and improve participation. While the pandemic has hampered efforts to screening patients, it has also facilitated the uptake of new technologies such as telemedicine. In March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services relaxed the rules for telehealth, and now covers shared decisions making (SDM) virtual visits for LCS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, “Telehealth Services.” ICN MLN901705, March 2020). This new tool, amongst others, could increase access to LCS, facilitate more widespread adoption of screening, and ultimately improve lung cancer outcomes.

Max Wayne, MD, and Jose Cardenas-Garcia, MD

Steering Committee Members

Palliative and end-of-life care

Communicating serious news over video

Critical care consultation using telemedicine is increasingly prevalent. Having serious conversations regarding end-of life care over video can be extremely challenging. Here are some suggestions and sample phrases to make palliative-focused conversations more successful

Prior to initiating the conversation, communicate with the bedside team. Ensure they want you to discuss palliative options and make an outline of discussion topics together. Identify and include all important decision-makers. Family may need to be connected over a digital meeting platform such as Zoom^© or WEBex^© and arrange for interpreter services if needed.

Prepare the virtual meeting place ahead of time. Test the connection, and make sure the audiovisual quality is clear. Have the camera centrally positioned, and ensure adequate lighting to easily see facial expressions. Remove distracting background furniture, and clear your space of confidential material. Have a quiet area planned to avoid interruptions (J Gen Intern Med. 2020 Oct 27:1-4. doi: 10.1007/s11606-020-06278-z. Online ahead of print).

Open the conversation with introductions, and explore perceptions with open-ended questions: “So I know where to begin, tell me about your understanding of what has been happening?” Get a sense of the patient’s previous function, quality of life, and their values as an individual. Maintain good eye contact throughout. When ready to give an update, use simple language and avoid details: “Unfortunately, your condition is worse. You have not been responding to treatments as hoped. Your lungs are needing much more support, and I’m worried they are not going to get better.”Anticipate emotions, and provide empathetic responses: “I wish we had better news. This must be overwhelming for you” (Back, et al. Ann Int Med. 2020;172[11]:759). Finally, offer a recommendation. Most patients and families are interested in your advice and want guidance. Use the patient’s previously stated values to support your recommendation.

Andrew Badke, MD

Steering Committee Member

Respiratory care

COVID-19 pandemic bringing protocols to the forefront

COVID-19 has health care organizations threatened like never before. Staffing requirements, equipment necessities, and personnel training happen in a whirlwind.¹ Information could change daily/hourly, and the need to protocolize guidelines became more evident each day.

While protocols have existed long before COVID-19, many institutions and organizations responded to the ever-changing pandemic by creating clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to help not only their experienced staff members but also the non-traditional ICU caregivers thrust onto the front lines.3 Organizations worked on PPE protocols, respiratory care management, and ECMO guidelines to name a few.^2,3 Protocols with algorithms and CPGs have been shown to reduce patient harm and improve standardization and communication.

A CPG is a general principle that guides the management of care, in which specific questions are posed, a literature review is completed, and the quality of the research evaluated. The questions are answered using the strength of the available research. CPG decision points are then based on the evidence or on the consensus of experts, resulting in a protocol that are descriptions of detailed behaviors to be followed in specific situations. These behaviors are provided in a list format or a flow diagram. Using a universal language for protocols with algorithms has aided many hospitals ensure effective care for patients and has even helped develop multidisciplinary relationships not present prior to the pandemic (onepagericu.com).

DeDe Gardner, RRT, DrPh, FCCP

Donna Tanner, RRT-ACCS, MBA, FCCP

Steering Committee Members



1. epub JAMA 2/2021.

2. WHO, Guidelines 1/2021.

3. CHEST, Clinical Resources.

4. Curr Treat Options Ped 2015,1:347


 

Sleep medicine

Time to move the dial: Sleep and burnout in health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Although the interaction between sleep, mood disorders, and burnout is well established, many of us are still sleep-deprived. A cross-sectional study of over 800 health care workers during the pandemic stay-at-home orders in March 2020 reported that those working in-person had shorter sleep times and worse mood, while those with longer sleep times had improved mood (Conroy DA, et al. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;17[2]:185). Even prior to COVID-19, many trainees were facing issues with sleep deprivation and burnout (Sharp M, et al. Chest. 2021;159[2]:733).

One year into the pandemic, we continue to face a unique set of hardships, exacerbating underlying sleep disorders such as insomnia, feelings of burnout, and mental health problems. An international team led by Dr. Joel Goh calculated the cost of burnout and its economic impact on the nation’s health care system and estimated this at $4.6 billion per year (Han S, et al. Ann Intern Med. 2019;170[11]:784). National medical organizations, including the National Academy of Medicine and the American Medical Association, have also placed greater emphasis on clinician well-being and resilience. Practical frameworks for creating wellness during the pandemic exist; however. senior-level executive champions are critical for implementation (Adibe B, et al. N Engl J Med Catalyst. Jun 2020). While the long-term impact remains unknown, the current state of sleep and mental health problems and the cost of burnout should be a warning to health systems and institutions to implement remedial interventions now.(“Taking action against burnout: A systems approach to professional well-being,” National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, October 2019.
 

Nancy H. Stewart, DO, MS, Steering Committee Member

Thoracic oncology

Impact of COVID-19 on lung cancer screening

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and COVID-19 is making this worse. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite evidence of improved mortality, the uptake of lung cancer screening (LCS) was quite low with only 4% of those eligible having undergone screening in 2015 (Jemal A, et al. JAMA Oncol. 2017;3[9]:1278).

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, health care resources were re-allocated to critically ill patients and areas, and nonurgent care was postponed. Therefore, LCS programs were halted (Mazzone PJ, et al. Chest. 2020;158[1]:406). This led to concerns that fewer patients would undergo screening and more patients would experience delays in cancer diagnosis.

Using population-based modeling, researchers in England estimated the COVID-19 pandemic will result in decreased lung cancer survival and a subsequent increase in avoidable cancer deaths (Maringe C, et al. Lancet Oncol. 2020;21[8]:1023). And in fact, investigators in Spain found fewer new lung cancer diagnoses during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the same time-period pre-pandemic, and those that were diagnosed were later stage disease (Reyes R, et al. IASCL World Conference. 2020. A3700).

As we learn more about COVID-19 and communities become vaccinated, it becomes critical to both resume LCS programs and improve participation. While the pandemic has hampered efforts to screening patients, it has also facilitated the uptake of new technologies such as telemedicine. In March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services relaxed the rules for telehealth, and now covers shared decisions making (SDM) virtual visits for LCS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, “Telehealth Services.” ICN MLN901705, March 2020). This new tool, amongst others, could increase access to LCS, facilitate more widespread adoption of screening, and ultimately improve lung cancer outcomes.

Max Wayne, MD, and Jose Cardenas-Garcia, MD

Steering Committee Members

Palliative and end-of-life care

Communicating serious news over video

Critical care consultation using telemedicine is increasingly prevalent. Having serious conversations regarding end-of life care over video can be extremely challenging. Here are some suggestions and sample phrases to make palliative-focused conversations more successful

Prior to initiating the conversation, communicate with the bedside team. Ensure they want you to discuss palliative options and make an outline of discussion topics together. Identify and include all important decision-makers. Family may need to be connected over a digital meeting platform such as Zoom^© or WEBex^© and arrange for interpreter services if needed.

Prepare the virtual meeting place ahead of time. Test the connection, and make sure the audiovisual quality is clear. Have the camera centrally positioned, and ensure adequate lighting to easily see facial expressions. Remove distracting background furniture, and clear your space of confidential material. Have a quiet area planned to avoid interruptions (J Gen Intern Med. 2020 Oct 27:1-4. doi: 10.1007/s11606-020-06278-z. Online ahead of print).

Open the conversation with introductions, and explore perceptions with open-ended questions: “So I know where to begin, tell me about your understanding of what has been happening?” Get a sense of the patient’s previous function, quality of life, and their values as an individual. Maintain good eye contact throughout. When ready to give an update, use simple language and avoid details: “Unfortunately, your condition is worse. You have not been responding to treatments as hoped. Your lungs are needing much more support, and I’m worried they are not going to get better.”Anticipate emotions, and provide empathetic responses: “I wish we had better news. This must be overwhelming for you” (Back, et al. Ann Int Med. 2020;172[11]:759). Finally, offer a recommendation. Most patients and families are interested in your advice and want guidance. Use the patient’s previously stated values to support your recommendation.

Andrew Badke, MD

Steering Committee Member

Respiratory care

COVID-19 pandemic bringing protocols to the forefront

COVID-19 has health care organizations threatened like never before. Staffing requirements, equipment necessities, and personnel training happen in a whirlwind.¹ Information could change daily/hourly, and the need to protocolize guidelines became more evident each day.

While protocols have existed long before COVID-19, many institutions and organizations responded to the ever-changing pandemic by creating clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to help not only their experienced staff members but also the non-traditional ICU caregivers thrust onto the front lines.3 Organizations worked on PPE protocols, respiratory care management, and ECMO guidelines to name a few.^2,3 Protocols with algorithms and CPGs have been shown to reduce patient harm and improve standardization and communication.

A CPG is a general principle that guides the management of care, in which specific questions are posed, a literature review is completed, and the quality of the research evaluated. The questions are answered using the strength of the available research. CPG decision points are then based on the evidence or on the consensus of experts, resulting in a protocol that are descriptions of detailed behaviors to be followed in specific situations. These behaviors are provided in a list format or a flow diagram. Using a universal language for protocols with algorithms has aided many hospitals ensure effective care for patients and has even helped develop multidisciplinary relationships not present prior to the pandemic (onepagericu.com).

DeDe Gardner, RRT, DrPh, FCCP

Donna Tanner, RRT-ACCS, MBA, FCCP

Steering Committee Members



1. epub JAMA 2/2021.

2. WHO, Guidelines 1/2021.

3. CHEST, Clinical Resources.

4. Curr Treat Options Ped 2015,1:347


 

Sleep medicine

Time to move the dial: Sleep and burnout in health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Although the interaction between sleep, mood disorders, and burnout is well established, many of us are still sleep-deprived. A cross-sectional study of over 800 health care workers during the pandemic stay-at-home orders in March 2020 reported that those working in-person had shorter sleep times and worse mood, while those with longer sleep times had improved mood (Conroy DA, et al. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;17[2]:185). Even prior to COVID-19, many trainees were facing issues with sleep deprivation and burnout (Sharp M, et al. Chest. 2021;159[2]:733).

One year into the pandemic, we continue to face a unique set of hardships, exacerbating underlying sleep disorders such as insomnia, feelings of burnout, and mental health problems. An international team led by Dr. Joel Goh calculated the cost of burnout and its economic impact on the nation’s health care system and estimated this at $4.6 billion per year (Han S, et al. Ann Intern Med. 2019;170[11]:784). National medical organizations, including the National Academy of Medicine and the American Medical Association, have also placed greater emphasis on clinician well-being and resilience. Practical frameworks for creating wellness during the pandemic exist; however. senior-level executive champions are critical for implementation (Adibe B, et al. N Engl J Med Catalyst. Jun 2020). While the long-term impact remains unknown, the current state of sleep and mental health problems and the cost of burnout should be a warning to health systems and institutions to implement remedial interventions now.(“Taking action against burnout: A systems approach to professional well-being,” National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, October 2019.
 

Nancy H. Stewart, DO, MS, Steering Committee Member

Thoracic oncology

Impact of COVID-19 on lung cancer screening

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and COVID-19 is making this worse. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite evidence of improved mortality, the uptake of lung cancer screening (LCS) was quite low with only 4% of those eligible having undergone screening in 2015 (Jemal A, et al. JAMA Oncol. 2017;3[9]:1278).

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, health care resources were re-allocated to critically ill patients and areas, and nonurgent care was postponed. Therefore, LCS programs were halted (Mazzone PJ, et al. Chest. 2020;158[1]:406). This led to concerns that fewer patients would undergo screening and more patients would experience delays in cancer diagnosis.

Using population-based modeling, researchers in England estimated the COVID-19 pandemic will result in decreased lung cancer survival and a subsequent increase in avoidable cancer deaths (Maringe C, et al. Lancet Oncol. 2020;21[8]:1023). And in fact, investigators in Spain found fewer new lung cancer diagnoses during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the same time-period pre-pandemic, and those that were diagnosed were later stage disease (Reyes R, et al. IASCL World Conference. 2020. A3700).

As we learn more about COVID-19 and communities become vaccinated, it becomes critical to both resume LCS programs and improve participation. While the pandemic has hampered efforts to screening patients, it has also facilitated the uptake of new technologies such as telemedicine. In March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services relaxed the rules for telehealth, and now covers shared decisions making (SDM) virtual visits for LCS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, “Telehealth Services.” ICN MLN901705, March 2020). This new tool, amongst others, could increase access to LCS, facilitate more widespread adoption of screening, and ultimately improve lung cancer outcomes.

Max Wayne, MD, and Jose Cardenas-Garcia, MD

Steering Committee Members

The relationship between asthma and cardiovascular disease: An examination of the Framingham offspring study. By Dr M. Pollevick, et al.

Projecting long-term health and economic burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the United States. By Dr. Z. Zafari, et al.



How I do it: Dosing fluids in early septic shock. By Dr. D. Chaudhuri, et al.



Essential components of an interstitial lung disease clinic: Results from a Delphi survey and patient focus group analysis. By Dr. B. A. Graney, et al.



Change: Leadership essentials for chest medicine professionals. By Dr. J. Stoller, et al.



Race correction and spirometry: Why history matters. By Dr. L. Braun.

The relationship between asthma and cardiovascular disease: An examination of the Framingham offspring study. By Dr M. Pollevick, et al.

Projecting long-term health and economic burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the United States. By Dr. Z. Zafari, et al.



How I do it: Dosing fluids in early septic shock. By Dr. D. Chaudhuri, et al.



Essential components of an interstitial lung disease clinic: Results from a Delphi survey and patient focus group analysis. By Dr. B. A. Graney, et al.



Change: Leadership essentials for chest medicine professionals. By Dr. J. Stoller, et al.



Race correction and spirometry: Why history matters. By Dr. L. Braun.

The relationship between asthma and cardiovascular disease: An examination of the Framingham offspring study. By Dr M. Pollevick, et al.

Projecting long-term health and economic burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the United States. By Dr. Z. Zafari, et al.



How I do it: Dosing fluids in early septic shock. By Dr. D. Chaudhuri, et al.



Essential components of an interstitial lung disease clinic: Results from a Delphi survey and patient focus group analysis. By Dr. B. A. Graney, et al.



Change: Leadership essentials for chest medicine professionals. By Dr. J. Stoller, et al.



Race correction and spirometry: Why history matters. By Dr. L. Braun.

With the confidence that comes from 25 years of strong guidance and inspired leadership, the CHEST Foundation is ready to step into a new role as conversation starters, access granters, and change makers. The Foundation will spend this anniversary year celebrating the past and sharing the bold future ahead with our community.

Leaders of the past

Founded on the promise of delivering grants and branching into education and outreach, the Foundation’s accomplishments are endless:

• Creating engaging tobacco cessation and educational programming.
• Launching the “Beyond Our Walls” campaign to support CHEST’s Simulation Center.
• Partnering with the Popovich family to secure a substantial ILD endowment.
• Providing COVID-19 microgrants aimed at community outreach.
• Launching a Listening Tours campaign to address health disparities.
• Producing a complimentary oxygen toolkit for patients across the United States.

Trailblazers of the future

The CHEST Foundation is rising to a new level of philanthropic work by – creating premier patient education tools, aggressively tackling health disparities in marginalized communities, awarding millions in community grants, and partnering with physicians to offer better resources to patients.

While we remember the journey here, it’s now time to blaze into the future. We hope you’ll join us by learning more about our anniversary, attending our virtual events, and getting involved with the Foundation.

Visit chestfoundation.org/25th-anniversary to learn more.



Title: Share Our Story on Social Media

Paragraph: Follow the hashtag #CHESTFoundation25 on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. We’ll be asking questions every month and would love to hear from you!


 

With the confidence that comes from 25 years of strong guidance and inspired leadership, the CHEST Foundation is ready to step into a new role as conversation starters, access granters, and change makers. The Foundation will spend this anniversary year celebrating the past and sharing the bold future ahead with our community.

Leaders of the past

Founded on the promise of delivering grants and branching into education and outreach, the Foundation’s accomplishments are endless:

• Creating engaging tobacco cessation and educational programming.
• Launching the “Beyond Our Walls” campaign to support CHEST’s Simulation Center.
• Partnering with the Popovich family to secure a substantial ILD endowment.
• Providing COVID-19 microgrants aimed at community outreach.
• Launching a Listening Tours campaign to address health disparities.
• Producing a complimentary oxygen toolkit for patients across the United States.

Trailblazers of the future

The CHEST Foundation is rising to a new level of philanthropic work by – creating premier patient education tools, aggressively tackling health disparities in marginalized communities, awarding millions in community grants, and partnering with physicians to offer better resources to patients.

While we remember the journey here, it’s now time to blaze into the future. We hope you’ll join us by learning more about our anniversary, attending our virtual events, and getting involved with the Foundation.

Visit chestfoundation.org/25th-anniversary to learn more.



Title: Share Our Story on Social Media

Paragraph: Follow the hashtag #CHESTFoundation25 on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. We’ll be asking questions every month and would love to hear from you!


 

With the confidence that comes from 25 years of strong guidance and inspired leadership, the CHEST Foundation is ready to step into a new role as conversation starters, access granters, and change makers. The Foundation will spend this anniversary year celebrating the past and sharing the bold future ahead with our community.

Leaders of the past

Founded on the promise of delivering grants and branching into education and outreach, the Foundation’s accomplishments are endless:

• Creating engaging tobacco cessation and educational programming.
• Launching the “Beyond Our Walls” campaign to support CHEST’s Simulation Center.
• Partnering with the Popovich family to secure a substantial ILD endowment.
• Providing COVID-19 microgrants aimed at community outreach.
• Launching a Listening Tours campaign to address health disparities.
• Producing a complimentary oxygen toolkit for patients across the United States.

Trailblazers of the future

The CHEST Foundation is rising to a new level of philanthropic work by – creating premier patient education tools, aggressively tackling health disparities in marginalized communities, awarding millions in community grants, and partnering with physicians to offer better resources to patients.

While we remember the journey here, it’s now time to blaze into the future. We hope you’ll join us by learning more about our anniversary, attending our virtual events, and getting involved with the Foundation.

Visit chestfoundation.org/25th-anniversary to learn more.



Title: Share Our Story on Social Media

Paragraph: Follow the hashtag #CHESTFoundation25 on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. We’ll be asking questions every month and would love to hear from you!


 

Thinking about best option for attending CHEST 2021 – in-person or online? There are advantages to both.

Courtesy Orange County Convention Center

For attendees who can’t travel because of restrictions, you will have access to all the learning that will take place from Oct 17-20 at CHEST 2021. You can view the sessions through live streaming and access them on demand. CHEST is building an even better delivery platform based on the highly successful online conference last year. Compete in the Players Hub and take part in simulations. We watched last year as participants shared images on social media, showing how they joined the conference. If online is the best option for you, CHEST 2021 will deliver all the learning whenever you can attend.

Joining us in Orlando provides you the opportunity to network with your colleagues, discuss and learn informally, stop by the poster presentations, and visit with exhibitors to hear what’s new to help you in your clinical practice.
 

Conference center and hotels

CHEST 2021 will be held at the Orange County Convention Center, which has 1.1 million square feet of meeting and exhibition space. This means ample room for social distancing and the ability to adhere to CDC safety protocols. We anticipate there will be changes in guidelines as vaccinations roll out across the country, but CHEST is planning based on procedures currently in place. And we are taking full advantage of all the square footage with wider pathways in the exhibit hall. The Orange County Convention Center is surrounded by hotels, four of them connecting directly to the convention center. Hilton Orlando will serve as the official conference hotel.

Visiting local attractions

You don’t go to Orlando without having a few destinations in mind. If you are planning to visit Disney World, Universal Studio, or SeaWorld, reservations are required. Each park has implemented a reservation system requiring guests and pass members to secure a specific day for their visit in advance. All ticket holders – including single day visitors, multi-day ticket holders, group ticket holders, complimentary ticket holders, seasonal and annual pass members and Fun Card holders – are required to make a reservation at each park before they visit. This is to limit the total number of people in the parks at one time. Same-day reservations may be possible but should not be counted on if visiting the parks is high on your list of things to do.

When it comes to dining and shopping, International Drive – which encompasses the Orange County Convention Center – has a diverse selection of restaurants and entertainment options, ensuring something for everyone. Whether it’s eating at the AAA Four Diamond restaurants at Rosen Shingle Creek or going casual and enjoying the authentically prepared and internationally inspired foods at the Wheelhouse in ICON Park, you’ll find something that satisfies.

Looking for something different? Try an airboat ride across the wetlands of central Florida. See alligators, turtles, birds, and more in their natural environment. Trips include day tours and night adventures. Or take a guided cruise through three of the seven lakes and two narrow canals on the tranquil Winter Park chain.

And, if a few hours in the sunshine chasing a little white ball are to your liking, just down the road from the convention center is a newly redesigned championship golf course by Arnold Palmer Design Company, the Shingle Creek Golf Club. Bring your clubs or rent them at the course.

Grab your friends and colleagues for some fun and try out a few of these places. Maybe even invite the family to join you before or after the conference, and enjoy the getaway.

Thinking about best option for attending CHEST 2021 – in-person or online? There are advantages to both.

Courtesy Orange County Convention Center

For attendees who can’t travel because of restrictions, you will have access to all the learning that will take place from Oct 17-20 at CHEST 2021. You can view the sessions through live streaming and access them on demand. CHEST is building an even better delivery platform based on the highly successful online conference last year. Compete in the Players Hub and take part in simulations. We watched last year as participants shared images on social media, showing how they joined the conference. If online is the best option for you, CHEST 2021 will deliver all the learning whenever you can attend.

Joining us in Orlando provides you the opportunity to network with your colleagues, discuss and learn informally, stop by the poster presentations, and visit with exhibitors to hear what’s new to help you in your clinical practice.
 

Conference center and hotels

CHEST 2021 will be held at the Orange County Convention Center, which has 1.1 million square feet of meeting and exhibition space. This means ample room for social distancing and the ability to adhere to CDC safety protocols. We anticipate there will be changes in guidelines as vaccinations roll out across the country, but CHEST is planning based on procedures currently in place. And we are taking full advantage of all the square footage with wider pathways in the exhibit hall. The Orange County Convention Center is surrounded by hotels, four of them connecting directly to the convention center. Hilton Orlando will serve as the official conference hotel.

Visiting local attractions

You don’t go to Orlando without having a few destinations in mind. If you are planning to visit Disney World, Universal Studio, or SeaWorld, reservations are required. Each park has implemented a reservation system requiring guests and pass members to secure a specific day for their visit in advance. All ticket holders – including single day visitors, multi-day ticket holders, group ticket holders, complimentary ticket holders, seasonal and annual pass members and Fun Card holders – are required to make a reservation at each park before they visit. This is to limit the total number of people in the parks at one time. Same-day reservations may be possible but should not be counted on if visiting the parks is high on your list of things to do.

When it comes to dining and shopping, International Drive – which encompasses the Orange County Convention Center – has a diverse selection of restaurants and entertainment options, ensuring something for everyone. Whether it’s eating at the AAA Four Diamond restaurants at Rosen Shingle Creek or going casual and enjoying the authentically prepared and internationally inspired foods at the Wheelhouse in ICON Park, you’ll find something that satisfies.

Looking for something different? Try an airboat ride across the wetlands of central Florida. See alligators, turtles, birds, and more in their natural environment. Trips include day tours and night adventures. Or take a guided cruise through three of the seven lakes and two narrow canals on the tranquil Winter Park chain.

And, if a few hours in the sunshine chasing a little white ball are to your liking, just down the road from the convention center is a newly redesigned championship golf course by Arnold Palmer Design Company, the Shingle Creek Golf Club. Bring your clubs or rent them at the course.

Grab your friends and colleagues for some fun and try out a few of these places. Maybe even invite the family to join you before or after the conference, and enjoy the getaway.

Thinking about best option for attending CHEST 2021 – in-person or online? There are advantages to both.

Courtesy Orange County Convention Center

For attendees who can’t travel because of restrictions, you will have access to all the learning that will take place from Oct 17-20 at CHEST 2021. You can view the sessions through live streaming and access them on demand. CHEST is building an even better delivery platform based on the highly successful online conference last year. Compete in the Players Hub and take part in simulations. We watched last year as participants shared images on social media, showing how they joined the conference. If online is the best option for you, CHEST 2021 will deliver all the learning whenever you can attend.

Joining us in Orlando provides you the opportunity to network with your colleagues, discuss and learn informally, stop by the poster presentations, and visit with exhibitors to hear what’s new to help you in your clinical practice.
 

Conference center and hotels

CHEST 2021 will be held at the Orange County Convention Center, which has 1.1 million square feet of meeting and exhibition space. This means ample room for social distancing and the ability to adhere to CDC safety protocols. We anticipate there will be changes in guidelines as vaccinations roll out across the country, but CHEST is planning based on procedures currently in place. And we are taking full advantage of all the square footage with wider pathways in the exhibit hall. The Orange County Convention Center is surrounded by hotels, four of them connecting directly to the convention center. Hilton Orlando will serve as the official conference hotel.

Visiting local attractions

You don’t go to Orlando without having a few destinations in mind. If you are planning to visit Disney World, Universal Studio, or SeaWorld, reservations are required. Each park has implemented a reservation system requiring guests and pass members to secure a specific day for their visit in advance. All ticket holders – including single day visitors, multi-day ticket holders, group ticket holders, complimentary ticket holders, seasonal and annual pass members and Fun Card holders – are required to make a reservation at each park before they visit. This is to limit the total number of people in the parks at one time. Same-day reservations may be possible but should not be counted on if visiting the parks is high on your list of things to do.

When it comes to dining and shopping, International Drive – which encompasses the Orange County Convention Center – has a diverse selection of restaurants and entertainment options, ensuring something for everyone. Whether it’s eating at the AAA Four Diamond restaurants at Rosen Shingle Creek or going casual and enjoying the authentically prepared and internationally inspired foods at the Wheelhouse in ICON Park, you’ll find something that satisfies.

Looking for something different? Try an airboat ride across the wetlands of central Florida. See alligators, turtles, birds, and more in their natural environment. Trips include day tours and night adventures. Or take a guided cruise through three of the seven lakes and two narrow canals on the tranquil Winter Park chain.

And, if a few hours in the sunshine chasing a little white ball are to your liking, just down the road from the convention center is a newly redesigned championship golf course by Arnold Palmer Design Company, the Shingle Creek Golf Club. Bring your clubs or rent them at the course.

Grab your friends and colleagues for some fun and try out a few of these places. Maybe even invite the family to join you before or after the conference, and enjoy the getaway.

Adherence to Asthma Biologics: Implications for Patient Selection, Step Therapy and Outcomes. By Dr. Rank, et al.

Long-term Benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD Patients: A 2-Year Follow-up Study. By Dr. A. Yohannes, et al.



Impact of Corticosteroids in COVID-19 Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. By Dr. E. Cano, et al.



Leadership Essentials for the Chest Physician: Models, Attributes, and Styles. By Dr. J. K. Stoller.



Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism and Bleeding Among Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. By Dr. D. Jiménez, et al.



Disparities in Sleep Health and Potential Intervention Models: A Focused Review. By Dr. S. Sharma, et al.

Adherence to Asthma Biologics: Implications for Patient Selection, Step Therapy and Outcomes. By Dr. Rank, et al.

Long-term Benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD Patients: A 2-Year Follow-up Study. By Dr. A. Yohannes, et al.



Impact of Corticosteroids in COVID-19 Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. By Dr. E. Cano, et al.



Leadership Essentials for the Chest Physician: Models, Attributes, and Styles. By Dr. J. K. Stoller.



Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism and Bleeding Among Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. By Dr. D. Jiménez, et al.



Disparities in Sleep Health and Potential Intervention Models: A Focused Review. By Dr. S. Sharma, et al.

Adherence to Asthma Biologics: Implications for Patient Selection, Step Therapy and Outcomes. By Dr. Rank, et al.

Long-term Benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD Patients: A 2-Year Follow-up Study. By Dr. A. Yohannes, et al.



Impact of Corticosteroids in COVID-19 Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. By Dr. E. Cano, et al.



Leadership Essentials for the Chest Physician: Models, Attributes, and Styles. By Dr. J. K. Stoller.



Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism and Bleeding Among Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. By Dr. D. Jiménez, et al.



Disparities in Sleep Health and Potential Intervention Models: A Focused Review. By Dr. S. Sharma, et al.

CHEST is excited to announce that CHEST 2021 will be held in Orlando, Florida, from October 17-21 at the Orange County Convention Center. CHEST 2021 will be offered as both an in-person and online experience. Since travel restrictions remain unknown, CHEST is working to ensure that everyone has access to the same top-tier learning – wherever they are.

“Learning together as a community is an important aspect of the CHEST annual meeting. Whether we are face-to-face or online, the knowledge gained from expert presenters, simulations and games, and talking with one another can’t be duplicated elsewhere. In whatever way you can attend, join us at CHEST 2021 to discuss the critically relevant topics affecting our patients and chest medicine,” said CHEST President Steve Simpson, MD, FCCP.

It is also essential that those who cannot travel can still avail themselves of the engaging and interactive learning offered at the CHEST conference. Everyone – whether online or in-person – will be able to experience the meeting in real-time, including expert faculty presentations, simulated learning experiences, gaming, and more.
 

What to expect

Through bite-sized, immersive learning, experts in the field will cover the latest updates in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. CHEST 2021 offers you the opportunity to learn from a diverse set of knowledgeable educators representing different viewpoints and experiences.

Team-based learning is an indispensable component of the annual meeting. The activities support collaborative discovery and help you build relationships with your peers. Known for its development of simulation courses, at CHEST 2021, you can take part in the latest in “hands-on” learning. In addition, gaming will allow for friendly competition among colleagues, whether playing from home or on-site.
 

Getting involved

Make your mark by submitting your original abstracts and case reports to be presented at CHEST 2021. Because of the past year’s challenges, new discoveries were made in the treatment and approaches to managing chest medicine diseases. This work is important and will inform the way patients receive care in the future.

Showcase COVID-19 research, among other topics you are working on, for a chance to share your findings with colleagues, gain feedback from expert faculty, collaborate with other professionals in the field, and expand your professional portfolio. The deadline to submit is April 28. [link]
 

Keeping safe

It’s been a long time since in-person conferences were possible. CHEST is closely monitoring the status of the pandemic throughout the planning process. The Orange County Convention Center was selected because the venue is large enough to support social distancing. The CHEST team is establishing protocols that limit the number of individuals in a space, promote good traffic flow, require the wearing of masks, and other safety measures. All on-site participants and CHEST support staff will be required to attest to having received a COVID-19 vaccination to attend.

Continue to watch for more information. Registration for CHEST 2021 will open in May. We’ve missed you, and we look forward to seeing you in Orlando, Florida, October 17-20.

CHEST is excited to announce that CHEST 2021 will be held in Orlando, Florida, from October 17-21 at the Orange County Convention Center. CHEST 2021 will be offered as both an in-person and online experience. Since travel restrictions remain unknown, CHEST is working to ensure that everyone has access to the same top-tier learning – wherever they are.

“Learning together as a community is an important aspect of the CHEST annual meeting. Whether we are face-to-face or online, the knowledge gained from expert presenters, simulations and games, and talking with one another can’t be duplicated elsewhere. In whatever way you can attend, join us at CHEST 2021 to discuss the critically relevant topics affecting our patients and chest medicine,” said CHEST President Steve Simpson, MD, FCCP.

It is also essential that those who cannot travel can still avail themselves of the engaging and interactive learning offered at the CHEST conference. Everyone – whether online or in-person – will be able to experience the meeting in real-time, including expert faculty presentations, simulated learning experiences, gaming, and more.
 

What to expect

Through bite-sized, immersive learning, experts in the field will cover the latest updates in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. CHEST 2021 offers you the opportunity to learn from a diverse set of knowledgeable educators representing different viewpoints and experiences.

Team-based learning is an indispensable component of the annual meeting. The activities support collaborative discovery and help you build relationships with your peers. Known for its development of simulation courses, at CHEST 2021, you can take part in the latest in “hands-on” learning. In addition, gaming will allow for friendly competition among colleagues, whether playing from home or on-site.
 

Getting involved

Make your mark by submitting your original abstracts and case reports to be presented at CHEST 2021. Because of the past year’s challenges, new discoveries were made in the treatment and approaches to managing chest medicine diseases. This work is important and will inform the way patients receive care in the future.

Showcase COVID-19 research, among other topics you are working on, for a chance to share your findings with colleagues, gain feedback from expert faculty, collaborate with other professionals in the field, and expand your professional portfolio. The deadline to submit is April 28. [link]
 

Keeping safe

It’s been a long time since in-person conferences were possible. CHEST is closely monitoring the status of the pandemic throughout the planning process. The Orange County Convention Center was selected because the venue is large enough to support social distancing. The CHEST team is establishing protocols that limit the number of individuals in a space, promote good traffic flow, require the wearing of masks, and other safety measures. All on-site participants and CHEST support staff will be required to attest to having received a COVID-19 vaccination to attend.

Continue to watch for more information. Registration for CHEST 2021 will open in May. We’ve missed you, and we look forward to seeing you in Orlando, Florida, October 17-20.

CHEST is excited to announce that CHEST 2021 will be held in Orlando, Florida, from October 17-21 at the Orange County Convention Center. CHEST 2021 will be offered as both an in-person and online experience. Since travel restrictions remain unknown, CHEST is working to ensure that everyone has access to the same top-tier learning – wherever they are.

“Learning together as a community is an important aspect of the CHEST annual meeting. Whether we are face-to-face or online, the knowledge gained from expert presenters, simulations and games, and talking with one another can’t be duplicated elsewhere. In whatever way you can attend, join us at CHEST 2021 to discuss the critically relevant topics affecting our patients and chest medicine,” said CHEST President Steve Simpson, MD, FCCP.

It is also essential that those who cannot travel can still avail themselves of the engaging and interactive learning offered at the CHEST conference. Everyone – whether online or in-person – will be able to experience the meeting in real-time, including expert faculty presentations, simulated learning experiences, gaming, and more.
 

What to expect

Through bite-sized, immersive learning, experts in the field will cover the latest updates in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. CHEST 2021 offers you the opportunity to learn from a diverse set of knowledgeable educators representing different viewpoints and experiences.

Team-based learning is an indispensable component of the annual meeting. The activities support collaborative discovery and help you build relationships with your peers. Known for its development of simulation courses, at CHEST 2021, you can take part in the latest in “hands-on” learning. In addition, gaming will allow for friendly competition among colleagues, whether playing from home or on-site.
 

Getting involved

Make your mark by submitting your original abstracts and case reports to be presented at CHEST 2021. Because of the past year’s challenges, new discoveries were made in the treatment and approaches to managing chest medicine diseases. This work is important and will inform the way patients receive care in the future.

Showcase COVID-19 research, among other topics you are working on, for a chance to share your findings with colleagues, gain feedback from expert faculty, collaborate with other professionals in the field, and expand your professional portfolio. The deadline to submit is April 28. [link]
 

Keeping safe

It’s been a long time since in-person conferences were possible. CHEST is closely monitoring the status of the pandemic throughout the planning process. The Orange County Convention Center was selected because the venue is large enough to support social distancing. The CHEST team is establishing protocols that limit the number of individuals in a space, promote good traffic flow, require the wearing of masks, and other safety measures. All on-site participants and CHEST support staff will be required to attest to having received a COVID-19 vaccination to attend.

Continue to watch for more information. Registration for CHEST 2021 will open in May. We’ve missed you, and we look forward to seeing you in Orlando, Florida, October 17-20.