CHEST takes education seriously, but learning is always better when it’s also fun. CHEST 2023 incorporates many opportunities to learn and network—and have a good time while you’re doing it.

Aneesa Das, MD, FCCP, Chair of the CHEST 2023 Scientific Program Committee, said planning the annual meeting involved seeking out ways to bring members together—especially international attendees—and having the meeting in Hawaiʻi was a strong catalyst.

“The location itself is unique in creating opportunities to connect,” Dr. Das said. “Because Hawaiʻi is further from the central US, it allows for easier access for educators from other countries and continents that otherwise may not be able to attend the annual meeting.”

Once the meeting kicks off, the cultural traditions of the island will be on display throughout the Opening Session and at the Welcome Reception, which will be an outdoor luau. The Opening Session is from 3:15 to 5:15 pm HST, on Sunday, October 8, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The reception will immediately follow on the Great Lawn, which overlooks a lagoon with ocean views, making it a perfect spot for enjoying traditional Hawaiian music and food with colleagues.

Networking opportunities are woven throughout CHEST 2023, and the welcome reception is just the beginning. Two events, the CHEST Networks Mixer and the ʻOhana Mixer, will offer even more chances to gather with peers and leadership.

The Networks Mixer, from 4 to 5:30 pm, Monday, October 9, in the Convention Center Children’s Courtyard, brings together the seven member communities within CHEST that focus on specific areas of chest medicine. All registered attendees are invited to join the mixer to meet the Network Chairs and learn about each group; they provide great ways to get involved with CHEST.

The ʻOhana Mixer, from 6 to 7 pm, Tuesday, October 10, in the Hilton Hawaiian Village South Pacific room, is an opportunity for CHEST attendees to celebrate the spirit of community that unites across differences. Attendees can network with each other, meet the members of newly formed interest groups, including the leaders of the Women in Chest Medicine Interest Group and Respiratory Care Interest Group, and socialize with presenters from three local CHEST Community Connections organizations.  

The seventh annual Women in Chest Medicine Luncheon will be from 12:45 to 2:15 pm, Monday, at the Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom, and it will feature a panel conversation with accomplished leaders in the field of chest medicine:

• Amanda Bettencourt, PhD, APRN, CCRN-K, ACCNS-P 
• Amy Boeckmann, MPA, BS, RRT 
• Patricia Rivera, MD, FCCP
• Geneva B. Tatem, MD, FCCP

This luncheon will include discussions about navigating career challenges, wellness, and how to be a strong self-advocate. There will also be ample time to network and converse with other luncheon attendees. This event is free to all meeting attendees, but preregistration is required.

Lastly, education and fun will collide in the best way at the CHEST Challenge Championship event, which is set for 7:30 to 8:45 pm, Tuesday, October 10, in the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom. Join MC extraordinaire, William Kelly, MD, FCCP, as three top pulmonary and critical care training programs go head-to-head in a live, Jeopardy-style game. Attendees can mix, mingle, and watch the teams compete while challenging their own medical knowledge. This is a yearly favorite for CHEST attendees, and it’s not one to miss.

The Welcome Reception is sponsored by Viatris and Theravance Biopharma.
The Women in Chest Medicine Luncheon is sponsored by United Therapeutics.