When the members of the MITT Committee first met, we realized there was a lot about the ATS that we didn’t know. We were lucky to have a former president and very knowledgeable staff members to walk us through the structure of the organization. To make the ATS more accessible, we created ATS 101. We hope this section will give you some ideas on how you can become more active within the organization.
How does the ATS work?
The ATS is a member-driven organization, meaning that all decisions are effectively made by members. The day-to-day function of the ATS relies on a dedicated staff of 101 employees, who work in offices in New York and Washington, D.C. The Society’s leadership is represented by an Executive Committee comprises of the executive director and five elected officer positions:
• Secretary-Treasurer
• Vice-President
• President–Elect
• President
• Immediate-Past President
Leadership is a five-year commitment, during which an individual starts as Secretary-Treasurer and advances annually through the ranks to President (and then Immediate Past President). Each year, the Society’s Nominating Committee selects two candidates from solicited nominations and then the membership casts a vote for who should become the next Secretary-Treasurer. The election results are announced at the ATS International Conference each May.
Why should I get involved in the ATS?
As an ATS member, you can have a direct impact on pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine both nationally and internationally. Active members help the Society to develop statements and guidelines, create new educational programs, prioritize content for existing activities and guide the political voice of the ATS. Belonging to the ATS will also give you access to an outstanding networking system, which is valuable for research collaborations, clinical consultations, mentoring and employment opportunities. The ATS needs the active input of its members to excel and improve. ATS leaders are actively soliciting the voice of junior members, so the best time to get involved is now!
What is an ATS Committee?
Committees are appointed groups that shape and carry out the ATS’s many initiatives. The Society’s president-elect appoints new committee members in the months preceding each International Conference. If you have an interest or special skill that you feel would benefit the work of a particular ATS committee, please let us know by completing a short form here. The president-elect will review and assign you to the appropriate committee.
What is an ATS Assembly?
Assemblies are subdivisions of the Society composed of members and affiliates with like interests within the broad fields of respiratory disease and critical care medicine. The purpose of an assembly is to improve the collection, interpretation, and dissemination of information, improve communication among the members, and participate in the planning of the International Conference. Assemblies are also responsible for creating and updating ATS Statements and Position Papers. Each ATS member may choose to join one primary assembly and up to two secondary assemblies. The 14 ATS Assemblies and three sections are at the heart of the Society’s mission and provide a great entry point to the organization for early career professionals. Among other activities, the Society’s 14 assemblies are responsible for driving the programming and content of the annual International Conference. One of the easiest ways to get involved is to attend the annual meeting of the assembly or assemblies that you feel best fit your clinical and research interests. We strongly encourage you to attend an annual meeting, as it will give you the chance to meet the assembly chair in-person. If you are interested in becoming involved or would like to learn more about the Assemblies and Sections, please click here.
