The ATS International Conference features a variety of centers that offer networking and learning opportunities specifically for clinicians, researchers, early career professionals, and international attendees. These centers all provide avenues to build connections that can lead to joint research projects, referrals, jobs, grants, and published papers.
Clinicians Center
The Clinicians Center provides a comfortable setting to relax, network, and learn in Hall D (Middle Building, Level 2) of the Walter E. Washington Convention. It is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday through Tuesday, and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday.
Clinicians Center activities kick off with a reception for nurses from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sunday. The 2017 Outstanding Clinician Award recipient, Jack H. Hasson, MD, will be recognized during a reception from 4 to 5 p.m., Monday.
Educational programs on tap are:
- ATS Coding and Billing Practices—The Basics 1 to 2 p.m., Sunday
- Organizing and Operating a Pediatric Bronchoscopy Program 11:30 a.m.
to 12:30 p.m., Monday - ATS Coding and Billing Practices—Advanced 1 to 2 p.m., Monday
- Results of an ATS Pulmonologist Survey Regarding Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices With Inhalation Devices for COPD 1 to 2 p.m., Tuesday
Educational Session Demonstrations include:
- Tracheostomy Troubleshooting 11:30 a.m. to noon, Sunday
- Mechanical Ventilation: Case Studies Noon to 1 p.m., Sunday
- Difficult Airways Management 1 to 2 p.m., Sunday
- EBUS Transbronchial Needle Aspiration—Improving Your Yield 11:30 a.m. to
12:30 p.m., Monday - Advanced Topics in Pediatric Bronchoscopy 12:30 to 2 p.m., Monday
- Early Mobility in the ICU: Evidence and Demonstrations 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday
- Home Care Technologies 12:30 to 2 p.m., Tuesday
Science and Innovation Center
The Science and Innovation Center provides a forum for scientists and researchers to meet, network, learn, and relax. It is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday through Tuesday, and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday. It is located in Hall D (Middle Building, Level 2) of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Breakfast will be served at 7 a.m. each day, and light refreshments will be provided at noon.
If you need to brush up on the basics of a topic before attending a symposium, you can attend an SIC 101 series presentation. The schedule is:
- 3D Lung Organoids 101: 7:15 to 8 a.m., Sunday
- Genomics 101: 7:15 to 8 a.m., Monday
- Four special events will be presented at the SIC:
- Rising Stars of Research 1:15 to 3 p.m., Sunday, will feature basic and translational science researchers at the assistant professor or early associate professor levels making 15-minute presentations of their work, with time for Q&A.
- Early Career Professionals Coffee Corner 7:15 to 8 a.m., Tuesday, will provide an opportunity for mentors and mentees to meet.
- Complementing NIH Funding: Philanthropic Organizations and Department of Defense 11:15 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, will focus on seeking funding from a range of sources.
- The SIC Abstract Awards 1:15 to 3 p.m., Tuesday, will recognize the best scientific abstracts submitted to ATS 2017 by early career professionals.
Center for Career Development
The Center for Career Development is a professional networking and career development forum for early career professionals, including graduate and medical students, medical residents, clinical and postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty. It is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday through Tuesday, with a complimentary breakfast at 7 a.m. and a Professional Networking Hour from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. each day. The CCD, located in Hall D (Middle Building, Level 2) of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, will have information about the Early Career Researchers Group, Career Development Workshops, and Faculty Development Workshops. The center also will provide networking opportunities, such as the Trainee Educators ATS Camaraderie Hour (TEACH) Medical Education Fellow Mixer, on Sunday.
Education sessions schedule:
- ATS 101: 11 a.m. to noon, Sunday
- How to Write a Paper: noon to 1 p.m., Sunday
- How to Create a Podcast and Web-Based Videos for Medical Education: 4 to 5 p.m., Sunday
- How to Get Involved in Government and Advocacy: 11 a.m. to noon, Monday
- Early Career Group: How to Be a Successful and Effective Peer Reviewer:
noon to 1 p.m., Monday - How to Write a Specific Aims Page: 1 to 2 p.m., Monday
- Best Practices in Billing and Coding for Senior PCCM Fellows: 4 to 5 p.m., Monday
- How to Teach Effectively at the Bedside: 11 a.m. to noon, Tuesday
- Global Health Session—LMIC Practice and Opportunities: noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday
- How to Access ATS Grants: 1 to 2 p.m., Tuesday
- How to Develop an Effective Training Plan: 4 to 5 p.m., Tuesday
International Participants Center
The International Participants Center is designed to enhance the conference experience for participants from outside North America, as well as provide opportunities to learn about ATS international activities. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday through Tuesday, and is located in Hall D (Middle Building, Level 2) of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
The Center Plan will present Grant Writing for Investigators from Low- and Middle-Income Countries Discussion from noon to 1 p.m., Monday. 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. The event is open to all international attendees, current and former International Trainee/MECOR award recipients, and their colleagues.