As we come away from an incredible CHEST 2021, recharged with new ideas and by the contributions of our colleagues, it’s not too soon to be thinking about next year’s meeting. If you’re ready to take your involvement to the next level, we encourage you to participate in the development of CHEST 2022.

Since its inception in 1935, the annual meeting has been instrumental in shaping research, education, and clinical practice in chest medicine. Take advantage of the chance to influence critical discussions and ensure CHEST 2022 is relevant to your everyday practice.

Subani Chandra, MD, FCCP, CHEST 2022 Program Chair, believes it’s essential for CHEST members to get involved because they make up the foundation of the annual meeting.

“The meeting is truly built by CHEST members — both in content, but also what should be in that content,” Dr. Chandra said. “So, it’s very important that people contribute, that people participate, and that we make it the best possible meeting that works for all of us, as a CHEST community.”

The Call for Topics for educational presentations and Call for Honor Lecture and Award Nominations are now open. Through your submissions, you can make your mark on the meeting’s top-tier programming — and help patients across the country.

Call for Topics

Submitting a presentation idea will give you the chance to dive into a topic of interest you’d like to investigate further. Influence the conversation among your colleagues by proposing a core interactive session, panel discussion, or postgraduate course.

If your topic is selected, you’ll learn from experts about your preferred subject, build your professional portfolio, and receive recognition and feedback from your peers. The Call for Topics is open until Wednesday, December 8, 2021.

Dr. Chandra advises that you take advantage of the resources CHEST offers. NetWork Chairs and Curriculum Chairs are available to discuss your proposal before and after submission. They can also connect you with speakers who might be a good fit for your session.

“Don’t let a barrier remain a barrier. Reach out, and there are so many people who’d be happy to help you get past those,” Dr. Chandra said. “It’s very important that we continually broaden our horizons and our reach.”

Call for Honor Lectures and Awards

Another way to engage with CHEST 2022 is by nominating an exceptional clinician, researcher, educator, or leader for an honor lecture or annual award. By spotlighting colleagues, you’ll elevate exemplary work in our field and deepen your connection to the CHEST community. Submit your nomination by Monday, January 24, 2022.

As CHEST plans for next year’s meeting, we strive to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. In accordance with these values, CHEST will prioritize outstanding nominations and submissions that represent diversity of gender, race, ethnicity, and professional status.

For Dr. Chandra, participating in CHEST 2022 is ultimately about finding the critical connections and camaraderie we all need.

“It’s rewarding as a health care provider to be able to connect outside of our immediate hospital or even patient care clinic environment… and to stand up there at a national podium and share our work, or our experience or knowledge, and collaborate with colleagues across the country,” she said.

In our day-to-day practices, we don’t always have the opportunity to shape the broader chest medicine discussion, but contributing to the annual meeting offers you that chance. We’re looking forward to reading your submissions.