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.
ATS Ethics and Conflict of Interest Committee recommends to the Board of Directors policies for addressing biomedical ethical issues as well as organizational ethical issues, including conflicts of interest. Its goal is to ensure that the ATS is ethical in conduct and effective in advocacy on ethical issues important to the patients we serve. The Committee monitors relevant policies of other societies and reviews recommendations from healthcare experts, ethicists, and other resources to maintain the professional standing and integrity of the Society in all of its affairs. In addition, it serves as a resource to review issues of ethics and conflict of interest for the ATS and advises the ATS President, Executive Committee, assemblies and other relevant committees on rapidly emerging issues related to biomedical and organizational ethics, including conflict of interest.
See the following links for resources developed by the ATS and select non-ATS organizations to assist members and others in addressing matters of biomedical ethics and upholding high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in carrying out the work of the Society.
- Clinical Ethics
- Research Ethics
- COI Disclosure Procedures
- COI Policy for Official ATS Activities (umbrella COI policy)
- COI Policy for Clinical Practice Guidelines
- COI Policy for Patient and Family Education
- Policy on Association with the Cannabis Industry
- Policy on Tobacco Involvement
- Position on Philip Morris-supported Foundation for a Smoke Free World
- ATS Policy Related to Professionalism and Ethical Conduct
- ATS Policy on Non-Discrimination and Harassment for Directors, Officers, Committee Members, and Other Volunteers
- ATS Policy on Fundraising
- ATS Policy on Diversity and Inclusion
- Industry Inclusiveness and Collaboration
- Questions? Contacts
