Every year, nearly half of all ATS International Conference attendees arrive from outside the U.S.

With nearly half of all ATS International Conference attendees coming from outside the U.S., this gathering truly represents the international perspective. And for international participants like Daniel Obaseki, MD, MPH, the conference provides a venue to gain knowledge about research best practices, collaborate with experts, seek guidance from mentors, and develop leadership skills. 

“The conference has provided me an unparalleled opportunity to interact with some of the most outstanding experts in respiratory medicine in the world,” says Dr. Obaseki, of Obafemi Awolowo University in Osun State, Nigeria, and a principal investigator of the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease Study in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. “This has further been enhanced by the Methods in Epidemiologic, Clinical, and Operations Research travel grant, which has provided many, including me, with the assistance we need to attend the conferences and meet with colleagues from the rest of the world.”

Dr. Obaseki, who has attended the conference for the past four years, adds that the ATS has also continued to make a strategic contribution through its support of the up and coming research leaders in African countries.

This year, international participants will find many avenues to gather and share global perspectives, including the International Participants Center, the Global Community, and British Meeting Point.

The International Participants Center is designed to enhance the conference experience, allow attendees to become more knowledgeable about ATS international activities, and provide a meeting and relaxing space. The center, located in Room 16 B (Mezzanine Level) of the San Diego Convention Center, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through Tuesday.

While at the center, visit with ATS international activities staff from the Washington, D.C., Office, make use of amenities such as computer stations to access email and the Internet, and enjoy complimentary snacks, coffee, and soda.

All are encouraged to attend the reception for international participants from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the center. During the event, International Trainee/Methods in Epidemiologic, Clinical, and Operations Research Scholarship Awardees will be honored.

The Global Community in the Exhibit Hall hosts 17 pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine societies from around the world. Participants will exchange information and ideas about programming and activities. In addition to the exhibitors, the Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science Ltd. will display a poster on their activities and events.

At the British Meeting Point, also in the Exhibit Hall in Booth 3129, attendees can enjoy a warm and uniquely British welcome. Now in its 15th year at the conference, the British Meeting Point is hosted by the British Thoracic Society and the UK respiratory community. Enjoy tea and biscuits, relax, and meet colleagues and friends.