From Kevin M. Chan, MD, FCCP
Professor of Medicine, Fellowship Program Director, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan
What is your advice for first-time CHEST Annual Meeting attendees?
My advice is to plan ahead! Look at your track of interest (Critical Care, ILD, Asthma, Sleep, etc) in the program and review your topics of interest. Alternatively, review the schedule by day and pick topics of interest. Either way, mark the items in your program planner or use the CHEST Events app on your mobile device to map your schedule of interest. Be sure to make it a point to register and visit the simulation center (you have to register for this since it is so popular) to get some tips on the topic of your choice (eg difficult airway management, ventilator management, introduction to ultrasound, etc).
During the conference, be sure to go to the keynote speaker presentations, visit the Exhibit Hall, and play the stimulating CHEST Games (lots of fun, lots of learning … Game of Nodules is my favorite) when you are on the move between scheduled presentations. Around lunchtime, I suggest again speaking with the exhibitors and networking with new and old colleagues. It is also very exciting to interact with young (as well as older) investigators as they discuss their research presented during the abstract sessions in the Exhibit Hall. Many interesting topics are covered during these poster sessions, and the investigators love to discuss their findings with you!
Finally, you cannot miss the CHEST Challenge Championship to be held on Tuesday night. This Jeopardy!-style quiz game pits three of the top qualifying PCCM fellowship programs from around the country. My team competed last year making it even more exciting. Food and beverages are of course included. Otherwise, it is very important to also take some time to enjoy the Big Easy! Don’t forget, after you leave NOLA to claim your CME and MOC. Easy peasy. Have a great time at CHEST 2019!
From Victor J. Test, MD, FCCP
Pulmonary Disease/Critical Care Medicine Chief
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
What is your advice for first-time CHEST Annual Meeting attendees?
Experience new things at the meeting. Challenge yourself with new topics and experiences like our CHEST Games. Have FUN!