The need for pulmonologists in the US continues to grow, and the number of physicians retiring is outpacing the number of new physicians entering the field. To address growing workforce shortages and improve patient access to pulmonary care, more and more practices and ICUs are relying on advanced practice providers (APPs).

Reflecting this dynamic, CHEST 2024 will include a wide variety of sessions of interest to APPs. Leaders from the Association of Pulmonary Advanced Practice Providers (APAPP) and DNPs of Color (DOC) have reviewed the more than 300 educational sessions on the CHEST 2024 program to recommend can’t-miss sessions for APP attendees.

“It’s an invaluable opportunity to engage with fellow experts, explore cutting-edge advancements in pulmonary care, and collaborate on innovative strategies to enhance patient outcomes in our rapidly evolving field,” said APAPP Founder and President, Corinne Young, MSN, FNP-C, FCCP.

APPs will be able to catch up on the latest strategies, controversies, and other discussions in chest medicine, starting with ticketed pre-meeting courses on Saturday, October 5, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Foundational postgraduate courses, including the full-day Pulmonary Literature Review and Complex Case Presentations, will help APPs stay engaged with current research and provide evidence-based care, said DOC Founder, CEO, and President, Danielle McCamey, DNP, CRNP, ACNP-BC, FCCP, and DOC Treasurer, LaDonna Brown, DNP, CRNA. Master classes, such as the half-day Advanced Management Strategies in Severe Asthma and COPD, will provide good opportunities for APPs to take a deep dive on specific diseases, Young added.

Once CHEST 2024’s full educational program gets underway, multiple sessions each day will resonate with APP attendees. Young, Dr. McCamey, and Dr. Brown all recommended Obstetric Emergencies for the Community Hospital Intensivist, Sunday, October 6, at 1:30 pm ET, in Room 253A, and How to Survive the 2025 Zombie Apocalypse: ICU Disaster Planning, Monday, October 7, at 11 am, in Room 253B, to help APPs prepare for complicated critical care situations. Other APAPP-recommended sessions, such as Sleep Medicine Year in Review: Update on Respiratory Sleep Disorders 2024, Monday, October 7, at 1:30 pm, in Room 210A, and Evaluation and Treatment of Exercise Intolerance and Fatigue in Patients With Long COVID: Where Are We Now?, Wednesday, October 9, at 3:30 pm, in Room 205C, will help APPs find the latest guidance on timely sleep and pulmonary medicine topics.

In addition to comprehensive clinical updates, the CHEST 2024 program will include important sessions that align with DOC’s mission to serve and advocate by addressing systemic health disparities that disproportionately affect marginalized populations, Drs. McCamey and Brown said. Notable sessions include Disparities in Access to Lung Transplant, Sunday, October 6, at 11 am in Room 206AB; Health Disparities in Critical Illness in the United States, Monday, October 7, at 8 am, in Room 254AB; and Addressing Disparities in Lung Cancer Care, Monday, at 3:15 pm, in Room 256—in addition to many others.

“I’m looking forward to CHEST 2024 to connect with so many of my fellow APP and physician colleagues,” Dr. McCamey said. “This year, I’m so excited to present a track curated by DNPs of Color that includes sessions for APPs and anyone interested in advancing health equity in their practice.”

A full list of APAPP and DOC suggested sessions at CHEST 2024 can be found on the annual meeting website or by filtering for APP Recommendations in the CHEST 2024 online program and app. Pre-meeting sessions, simulation sessions, and others marked “ticketed” require an additional registration fee.

Meeting attendees are also welcome to join the APPs in Chest Medicine Forum, Sunday, October 6, 12 pm to 1:30 pm at the Omni Boston Hotel Seaport. The event will include a brief presentation on navigating opportunities and challenges APPs face in clinical practice, led by Dr. McCamey and Young. You’ll also get practical tips for making the most of your CHEST 2024 experience and enjoy a free buffet lunch. Advance registration is encouraged.

UPDATE (September 30): Advance registration has now closed. Please inquire about ticketed session availability on site in Boston at the registration desks during open hours.