American College of Chest Physicians

American College of Chest Physicians

The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), known as CHEST since 2016, is a medical society in the United States that focuses on education, research, and advocacy in the field of chest medicine, which encompasses pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. Founded in 1935, CHEST has grown to become an essential resource for healthcare professionals seeking to improve patient care in these disciplines.

History

The American College of Chest Physicians was established to address the growing need for expertise in chest diseases. Initially focused on tuberculosis, its scope has expanded over the decades to include a broad range of respiratory conditions, critical care, and sleep disorders. The organization has played a pivotal role in advancing the field through education, practice standards, and research.

Mission and Vision

CHEST's mission is to champion the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication, and research. Its vision is to be the leading resource for the improvement of global health by optimizing care for diseases affecting the chest and airways.

Membership

Membership in CHEST includes physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with chest diseases. Members benefit from access to cutting-edge research, educational resources, and networking opportunities. CHEST offers several levels of membership, including Fellow (FCCP), which denotes a high level of achievement and contribution to the field.

Education and Training

CHEST provides a wide range of educational programs and resources, including annual meetings, webinars, and certification courses. The CHEST Annual Meeting is one of the largest gatherings of chest medicine professionals, offering workshops, lectures, and hands-on sessions. Additionally, CHEST offers board review courses for those seeking certification in pulmonary medicine, critical care medicine, and sleep medicine.

Research and Publications

CHEST supports research in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine through grants and awards. The organization's flagship publication, the CHEST Journal, publishes original research, reviews, and guidelines that contribute to the evidence base for practice. Other publications include patient education materials and clinical practice guidelines.

Advocacy

CHEST advocates for policies that improve patient care, support research in chest medicine, and enhance the practice environment for healthcare professionals. This includes lobbying for increased research funding, access to care, and quality improvement initiatives.

International Impact

While based in the United States, CHEST has a global impact, with members in over 100 countries. The organization collaborates with international societies and organizations to advance chest medicine worldwide, including efforts to combat tuberculosis, COPD, and lung cancer on a global scale.

See Also

• Pulmonary medicine
• Critical care medicine
• Sleep medicine
• Respiratory therapy

External Links

• Official website