ATS 2009 * San Diego

Dear Colleague:

Jo Rae Wright, PhD President American Thoracic Society

Monica Kraft, MD Chair International Conference Committee

ATS 2009 • San Diego will include topics such as obstructive sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, multiple organ dysfunction, obesity and lung health, pleural infection, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, and drug-resistant tuberculosis. The Clinical Year in Review, Clinical Topics in Pulmonary Medicine, and the Critical Care Track offer focused, in depth education. Scientific and translational sessions will examine genetics, the biology of hypoxia, airway remodeling, lung injury and repair, and pulmonary hypertension. The ATS presents a thriving, interactive venue for the presentation of original research, and last year 5,603 scientific abstracts were presented at the Conference. A major strength of our International Conference is the ability of clinicians and researchers to interact and to exchange ideas.

The ATS encourages the participation of international attendees and of trainees at all levels of education. Once again this year, the Clinicians Center will allow attendees to interact with faculty on a one-on-one basis. The Center for Fellows and Junior Professionals will offer networking opportunities to junior professionals along with career development discussions. Attending the International Conference is also an excellent way to become involved with ATS activities and committees. Plan to attend your Assembly’s Membership Meeting to find out more and to volunteer.

San Diego is California’s second largest city and offers exciting attractions no matter what may be on your agenda. For those interested in the city’s culture, San Diego offers museums, art galleries, cultural gardens and parks. For those interested in family activities, the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World and LegoLand are sure bets for a fun-packed day. San Diego is also a culinary feast with world-class restaurants and nightclubs in diverse and charming neighborhoods including the Gaslamp Quarter located across the street from the Convention Center. San Diego is a user-friendly city with its transit trolley system and an airport convenient to downtown hotels.

The ATS has made arrangements for you to enjoy the city’s attractions at your convenience, so please plan to include your spouses, significant others, and families in your travel plans.

The members of the International Conference Committee have done a superb job in planning this program, and attendees will present and participate in more than four hundred scientific and clinical sessions. So mark your calendars for ATS 2009 • San Diego and plan to join us for an exciting and informative International Conference.

REGISTER EARLY to reserve the hotel of your choice. We look forward to seeing you in San Diego.