Oregon Thoracic Society Holds 50th Annual Chest Disease Conference

The Oregon Thoracic Society’s 50th Annual Chest Disease Conference was held from February 16-19 in Sunriver, Oregon. Each year, physicians and other pulmonary specialists gather to keep fresh on current clinical topics and network with their peers. The meeting structure has remained largely the same over the past fifty years, offering attendees both educational and networking opportunities, with topics changing to meet the changing diagnostic and treatment needs of Oregonians. This year, there was an emphasis on lung cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

One speaker at this year’s conference was sixteen-year-old Naomi Shah from Beaverton, Oregon. In 2011, she was an International Google Science Fair winner for her project “The Effects of Indoor Air Pollution of the Lung Health of Asthmatic Patients.” Naomi’s work addressed how particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can affect peak expiratory flow in people with asthma. Her novel ideas, extensive research, and poise wowed the attendees.

Moving forward, the OTS will begin planning for the 51st Chest Disease Conference which will be held in February 2013. In addition, the OTS is looking at interim learning opportunities that will continue to engage its members as well as opportunities to partner with the American Lung Association in Oregon on lung health initiatives.

Pictured above: International Google Science Fair Winner Naomi Shah with Oregon Thoracic Society President David Schmidt, MD