The ATS 2017 International Conference offers stellar education programming, but equally important: it provides outstanding networking opportunities.
Early Career Professionals
The ATS is committed to helping graduate and medical students, medical residents, clinical and postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty pursue successful careers. ATS 2017 venues and activities are designed to be rewarding and educational for all early career professionals.
The Networking Exchange takes place Saturday, May 20, following the Opening Ceremony. Plan to mingle with colleagues, mentors, and peers from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Marriott Marquis Washington.
The Center for Career Development is a professional networking and career development forum for early career professionals. The CCD will have information about the Early Career Researchers Group, Career Development Workshops, and Faculty Development Workshops.
During the conference, the CCD will feature informal sessions with experts offering advice about career development.
The CCD also will provide networking opportunities, including the Trainee Educators ATS Camaraderie Hour (TEACH) Medical Education Fellow Mixer, on Sunday, May 21. A complimentary breakfast will be served at 7 a.m. each day. Each afternoon, a Professional Networking Hour will take place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Clinicians Center
The Clinicians Center enhances the International Conference Experience for all clinicians by providing a comfortable setting to relax, network, and learn.
Located in Hall D (Middle Building, Level 2) of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the Clinicians Center will be open Sunday, May 21, to Tuesday, May 23, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Wednesday, May 24, the center will be open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Every morning from 7 to 9 a.m., breakfast will be available.
The Clinicians Center will kick off its activities with a reception for nurses from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 21. On Monday, May 22, from 4 to 5 p.m., there will be a reception for the 2017 Outstanding Clinician Award recipient, Jack H. Hasson, MD.
Educational programs include Monday, May 22, sessions on organizing a pediatric bronchoscopy program and another on coding and billing. On Tuesday, May 23, there will be a session on physician attitudes and practices with COPD inhalation devices.
From Sunday through Tuesday, demonstrations in a learning laboratory adjacent to the center will cover a range of topics: “Tracheostomy Troubleshooting,” “Mechanical Ventilation Case Studies,” “Difficult Airways Management,” “EBUS Transbronchial Needle Aspiration,” “Advanced Topics in Pediatric Bronchoscopy,” “Early Mobility in the ICU,” and “Home Care Technologies.”
Ninth Annual ATS Foundation Research Program Benefit
The ATS Foundation Research Program Benefit is the premier networking reception at ATS 2017. This year’s event will take place the evening of Saturday, May 20, when David Center, MD, will receive the ATS Foundation Breathing for Life Award, the highest honor given by the ATS Foundation in recognition of philanthropy, scientific achievement, and commitment to mentorship. Tickets are available online.
The ATS Foundation would like to thank the following supporters of the Ninth Annual ATS Foundation Research Program Benefit:
Sapphire Level—$100,000
Genentech
Gold Level—$25,000
AstraZeneca LP
Silver Level—$10,000
FREEMAN
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Insmed Incorporated
Teva Respiratory
Bronze Level—$5,000
Merck
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
ATS Foundation Donor Appreciation Suite
Conference attendees who contribute $250 or more between June 2016 and May 2017 are invited to the ATS Foundation Donor Appreciation Suite to relax, enjoy complimentary coffee and snacks, Internet access, printers, the use of Microsoft Office software, and special meeting rooms, free of charge.
The suite will be open in Hall D (Middle Building, Level 2) of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from Saturday, May 20, through Wednesday, May 24. It also is open to Early Career Leaders (in-training members who make gifts of any size). Loyalty Circle members who have contributed to the Foundation every year and International Conference attendees for special opportunities to get to know more about the Foundation.
ATS Foundation Meet & Greet
The Foundation’s annual invitation-only Meet & Greet is scheduled for 1:15 p.m., Monday, May 22, at the Donor Appreciation Suite. Foundation donors, as well as past and present Research Program awardees and their mentors, are the invited guests of the reception, which features wine and hors d’oeuvres.
Assembly and Section Meetings
Everyone is invited to attend the 14 ATS Assembly Annual Membership Meetings on May 21 and 22. The Assembly on Behavioral Science and Health Services Research and the Assembly on Pediatrics will meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Sunday, May 21. The other 12 assemblies will meet from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, May 16. The meetings will be held in various locations. Check the Final Program for locations.
During these meetings, attendees will receive an update on the Assemblies’ activities, share their input with leadership, and learn the results of leadership elections. All Assembly members and others interested are invited to attend.
Three ATS Sections will meet during the conference. The Section on Genetics and Genomics will meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Sunday, May 21, at the Renaissance Washington Downtown. The Section on Medical Education and the Section on Terrorism and Inhalation Disasters meet from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 23, at the Renaissance Hotel.
Science and Innovation Center
The Science & Innovation Center is a forum for scientists and researchers to meet, network, learn, and relax.
The SIC, in Hall D (Middle Building, Level 2) of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 20; from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 21-23; and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 24, offering informal networking and a rest area to visitors. Breakfast will be served at 7 a.m. each day and light refreshments at noon.
If you need to catch up on basics of a topic before attending a symposium, you can attend an SIC 101 series presentation. The schedule is:
- Sunday, May 21, 7:15 to 8 a.m.: 3D Lung Organoids 101, presented by Bridgette Gomperts, MD.
- Monday, May 22, 7:15 to 8 a.m.: Genomics 101, presented by Bianaca Himes, MD; 11:15 a.m. to noon, a second topic will be presented.
Four special events will be presented at the SIC:
- Sunday, May 21, 1:15 to 3 p.m.: Rising Stars of Research will feature basic and translational science researchers at the assistant professor or early associate professor levels making 15-minute presentations on their work, with time for Q&A.
- Tuesday, May 23, 7:15 to 8 a.m.: Early Career Professionals Coffee Corner will allow mentors and mentees to meet; 11:15 a.m. to noon: Complementing NIH Funding: Philanthropic Organizations and DoD will feature Katherine L. Tuggle, PhD, discussing how to seek funding from a wide range of sources; 1:15 to 3 p.m.: The SIC Abstract Awards will recognize the best scientific abstracts submitted to ATS 2017 by early career professionals.
International Participants Center
All international attendees are invited to visit the International Participants Center on Level 3 in Hall D of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, May 21, through Tuesday, May 23.
The Center is designed to enhance the conference experience for participants from outside North America, as well as provide opportunities for them to learn about ATS international activities. Plan to attend a discussion on grant writing for investigators from low- and middle-income countries from noon to 1 p.m., Monday, May 22. The session is open to MECOR program graduates.
This year’s International Trainee/MECOR Scholarship awardees will be recognized from 4:15 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 23. The event is open to all international attendees, current and former International Trainee/MECOR award recipients, and their colleagues.
ATS Diversity and Women’s Forums
These annual forums offer opportunities to meet colleagues with similar backgrounds, share experiences, and recognize outstanding professional achievement. The Diversity Forum, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, May 21, will feature Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, MD, director, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, as the speaker. The Minority Trainee Development Scholarships will also be presented during the forum
On Monday, May 22, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., the Women’s Forum will recognize the achievements of women in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine and research. Redonda Miller, MD, MBA, president of The Johns Hopkins Hospital, will be the speaker. The 2017 Elizabeth A. Rich, MD Award will be presented to a female ATS member who has made significant achievements in her field, demonstrated leadership, and been a mentor to junior colleagues.
Both forums are free and include a plated lunch; however, registration is required.