CHEST Foundation recognizes physicians who make a world of difference in lung health

(Northbrook, IL, October 7, 2003) – CHEST 2003, the annual scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) is not only an opportunity to share the latest in cardiopulmonary and critical care research, but it also is a time to acknowledge the numerous educational activities and programs that raise public awareness about diseases of the chest and the importance of lung health. During CHEST 2003 in Orlando, The CHEST Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the ACCP, will mark its seventh year in supporting lung health and critical care initiatives in communities, and its fifth year in providing awards and grants that recognize medical professionals for their outstanding community service and patient care projects. By blending specialty medicine, public health, and a commitment to serve those in need, The CHEST Foundation strives to improve lung health for patients and communities through educational programs, research, and raising public awareness about diseases of the chest and their prevention.

The CHEST Foundation will open CHEST 2003 with its annual "Making a Difference" Awards Dinner, which honors the recipients of the Governors Community Service Awards. The Awards recognize medical professionals worldwide who, through their humanitarian efforts, have helped establish community-based health and wellness programs. In addition, The CHEST Foundation and the ACCP Industry Advisory Council will present the American Lung Association of Florida-Central Area with a grant to support its Open Airways program in Florida schools.

The recognition continues during the Convocation Awards Ceremony on Sunday, October 26, as The CHEST Foundation names the Distinguished Scholars in respiratory health and thrombosis. The "Distinguished Scholar" program was developed to incorporate a specific area of cardiopulmonary and critical care medicine encompassed by ACCP's membership to extend its impact in clinical practice.

On Sunday, October 26, The CHEST Foundation will sponsor The Group Room, a syndicated radio program recognized as the world's largest support group for cancer survivors. The program will broadcast two live panel discussions covering the latest detection and treatment advances in lung cancer and will include an update on the ACCP Lung Cancer Guidelines released in January 2003.

On Monday, October 27, The CHEST Foundation and the ACCP Industry Advisory Council will sponsor their Community Outreach Event held at an Orlando-area elementary school. This year, the American Lung Association (ALA) of Florida-Central Area and The CHEST Foundation will combine the ALA's Open Airways curriculum with The CHEST Foundation's Lung LessonsTM curriculum for a special educational activity that will stress the importance of maintaining good lung health and avoiding tobacco use.

During CHEST 2003, The CHEST Foundation also will introduce its anticipated Stories at the End of Life. Spearheaded by The Foundation's Ambassadors Group, the Stories project combines real-life perspectives on coping with a loss and addressing one's mortality into a series of six booklets, each with a unique focus on end-of-life care issues.

"Throughout the year, The CHEST Foundation gives life to numerous national and local initiatives that educate communities on the importance of lung health," said Diane Stover, MD, FCCP, President of The CHEST Foundation. "The annual meeting gives us the opportunity to acknowledge the organizations that implement Foundation programs and help support research projects. We also recognize the medical professionals who institute their own community programs and those who spearhead research initiatives."

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Founded in 1996, The CHEST Foundation focuses on education and disease prevention in four key areas: tobacco cessation and prevention, asthma management, end-of-life issues, and awards for research and community service. By giving life to projects in local communities and across the world, with special emphasis to those who can least afford it, The Foundation enables the ACCP to realize its vision of being the leading resource for the improvement in cardiopulmonary health and critical care worldwide.

CHEST 2003 is the 69th annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians, being held in Orlando, October 25-30. ACCP represents more than 15,700 members who provide clinical respiratory, critical care, and cardiothoracic patient care in the United States and throughout the world. ACCP's mission is to promote the prevention and treatment of diseases of the chest through leadership, education, research, and communication.

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