Leading the Charge: ATS President's Vision for Global Respiratory Health
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Irina Petrache focuses on global respiratory health amidst modern challenges.
- Women in leadership and scientific innovation are key themes for ATS's future.
- Patient advocacy and high-quality research remain central to ATS's mission.
Did You Know?
Introduction
As Dr. Irina Petrache prepares for her term as president of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) from 2024 to 2025, she brings a dedicated vision to the forefront of global respiratory health. Her leadership aims to address critical issues in respiratory medicine, influenced by a changing global landscape.
Focus on Global Health Challenges
Dr. Petrache and her team will tackle pressing global health challenges, including the impacts of climate change, migrant health, and clean air policy. These issues are paramount in improving respiratory health worldwide and ensuring access to clean air for all.
“As a society, we agreed to tackle new challenges in the global landscape with various aspects of climate change, migrant health, issues related to policy and clean air,” she shared. This commitment underscores the need for proactive and responsive strategies in the face of evolving health concerns.
Leadership and Team Effort
The ATS leadership’s team effort includes the president, president-elect, secretary, treasurer, immediate past-president, CEO, the board of directors, and staff chiefs of various sectors. Together, they intend to modernize governance aspects and align the international conference with members' needs and demographics.
Dr. Petrache emphasizes the inclusivity and collaborative spirit within the ATS leadership, aiming to sustain its tradition of excellence and responsive action.
Personal Journey and Growth
Dr. Petrache has been an ATS member since 1997, progressively growing through the ranks by participating in various committees, including the international conference committee, education committee, and publication committee. This journey reflects her deep commitment and the value she places on professional development within the society.
Her experiences illustrate how engagement with ATS can lead to immense growth opportunities, fostering a sense of giving back to the society that has enabled her career development.
Guidance for Emerging Leaders
For aspiring young clinicians and researchers, Dr. Petrache advises getting involved early, seeking mentorship, and embracing opportunities for service within ATS. She highlights the society’s supportive culture, which encourages young members to grow and achieve leadership roles.
Engagement and readiness to learn are key components for future leaders in the field of pulmonology, according to Dr. Petrache.
The 2024 ATS International Conference
The upcoming ATS International Conference in 2024 will be the third in-person meeting post-COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Petrache plans to immerse herself in understanding what first-time attendees value most and how the society can facilitate year-round learning.
This event is a critical touchpoint for the society, fostering a vibrant exchange of knowledge and professional bonding.
Celebrating Women in Leadership
A recurring highlight at this year’s meeting will be the celebration of women in leadership positions. According to Dr. Petrache, the number of women leaders in ATS continues to grow, providing inspiration and a sense of achievement for women in the field.
This celebration underscores ATS's commitment to diversity and inclusion, recognizing the contributions of women leaders in respiratory medicine.
Showcasing Clinical Trial Findings
Looking ahead, Dr. Petrache is focused on showcasing the latest clinical trial findings at next year’s conference. Her background as a physician-scientist informs her understanding of the importance of high-quality science and innovation in advancing respiratory health.
This emphasis on cutting-edge research ensures that ATS remains at the forefront of scientific discovery and application in respiratory care.
Advocacy and Patient-Centered Approach
Petrache reiterates that ATS is a home for both professional members and patient advocacy groups, emphasizing a patient-centered approach in their activities and discoveries. The society actively welcomes patient groups at conferences and through year-round activities.
ATS enables its members to advocate for issues crucial to their patients, harnessing collective voices to make powerful statements and drive impactful changes.
Conclusion
The future of ATS under Dr. Petrache’s leadership looks promising, with an integrated focus on global health, inclusivity, scientific innovation, and patient advocacy. Her vision and dedication set a dynamic path for continued advancements in respiratory health.
