Global Health

HomeAbout ▶ Global Health
Global Health

Founded in 1905, the American Thoracic Society is the world's leading medical society dedicated to accelerating the advancement of global respiratory health through multidisciplinary collaboration, education, and advocacy. Core activities of the Society’s more than 16,000 members are focused on leading scientific discoveries, advancing professional development, impacting global health, and transforming patient care. Key areas of member focus include developing clinical practice guidelines, hosting the annual International Conference, publishing four peer-reviewed journals, advocating for improved respiratory health globally, and developing an array of patient education and career development resources.

While headquartered in the U.S., the ATS is committed to improving lung health around the globe. An overarching principle of the Society is to improve global lung health. The Society has a very diverse membership, with individuals from 129 countries and over 30% of its membership residing outside the United States.

Through our education, advocacy, and research efforts, the ATS is actively engaged in improving lung health in countries around the globe. The ATS International Health Committee leads the Society's efforts in global health and international membership. After 18 months of strategic planning, research, and analysis, the ATS Board of Directors approved the 2020 Task Force Report on International Activities. Following its recommendations, the International Health Committee has been restructured to improve the society's global reach, highlight global health research, improve value for international members, and advocate for respiratory health at the international level. ATS international and global health activities have been organized into the following working groups:

  • Global Health Roadmap
  • International Conference and Education
  • Grants and Awards
  • Global Health Policy
  • Global Health Dashboard
  • MECOR Steering Committee