Welcome to the CHEST NetWorks:
The NetWorks are groups that bring together members with similar interests. I encourage you to look at the individual NetWorks that align with your areas of interest and expertise. You will find a diverse range of opportunities for joining a NetWork; and if you are already a member, you could become more involved in NetWork activities or apply for a position in a NetWork Steering Committee.
What do the NetWorks do?
The NetWorks bring together CHEST members with similar interests and provide a platform to get involved in CHEST activities. Here are a few examples:
1. The NetWorks play a pivotal role in the creation of content for the annual meeting. In fact, proposals that are submitted by the NetWorks have historically had a higher acceptance rate than those submitted outside the NetWorks. You can bring up your ideas to the steering committee leadership and you can get tips on strategies to submit a solid proposal.
2. The NetWorks provide an excellent opportunity to participate in the creation of educational deliverables for clinical providers and patients. Several of the educational projects have been spearheaded by members of the NetWorks.
3. The NetWorks have an important role in the development of guidelines and opinion pieces. Twice a year, the NetWorks Steering Committee members have the opportunity to write an opinion piece in CHEST Physician, the print newspaper and electronic newsletter of CHEST. Moreover, several of the CHEST Guidelines were led by NetWork members and the NetWorks play an important role when CHEST is asked to endorse guidelines from other societies.
What can I accomplish by joining a NetWork?
First, let me tell you a little about my NetWork journey. I started my involvement with the CHEST NetWorks in 2012 when I became a member of a NetWork Steering Committee. As a young clinician, I found the NetWorks provided a great atmosphere to collaborate with colleagues around the world and interact with thought leaders in the field. It became apparent that CHEST provided a supportive environment for professional growth: If you are willing to work hard and deliver a high-quality product when one is asked from you, the opportunities will keep coming. In fact, most of my professional growth and satisfaction derive from my activities in the NetWorks and CHEST.
The CHEST NetWorks are a great entry point into our organization by allowing you to find a home within your area of clinical interest. Several of the high-profile leadership positions in the college are held by members who started in the NetWorks. Even if you are not interested in leadership roles, we would like to hear your input. The expertise and diverse backgrounds of our members are what allow the NetWorks to stay in tune with the advances and challenges in each area.
How can I learn more about the NetWorks?
1. Read the latest news about your NetWork on chestnet.org.
2. Attend a NetWork Open Forum (previously called the business meeting) at the CHEST Annual Meeting. This is a great opportunity to meet NetWork leadership and share your ideas.
3. Reach out directly to the steering committee to see how you can get involved by clicking the Contact the Chair button on each NetWork page. We are always looking to create new opportunities for engagement within the NetWorks.
4. Consider attending a NetWork Steering Committee conference call. The calls are open to NetWork members and provide an opportunity to learn what is going on in your NetWork. Ask for the details by clicking the Contact the Chair button.
5. Follow CHEST and the NetWorks on social media, read the quarterly News From the NetWorks newsletter that will come via email, and join the online community by posting related content on Twitter and using the appropriate NetWork hashtags.
Finally, you may want to consider running for a position on a NetWork Steering Committee. The NetWorks benefit from leaders with a diverse set of skills and backgrounds. The steering committees are composed of academicians, researchers, educators, private practice clinicians, advanced practice providers, fellows-in-training, and respiratory therapists. We all play an important role in the NetWorks and in their leadership, and we invite you to apply for the steering committees. The Call for Nominations will occur in the spring of 2021.
I am on a steering committee; how can I make the most out of it?
For those of you who are currently on a NetWork Steering Committee or assuming the role of NetWork Chair or Vice-Chair, the online handbook provides you with the specific roles and responsibilities. However, these are some thoughts that could help you succeed in your role as NetWork leadership.
1. Contribute. Throughout the year, there will be several opportunities to be a part of educational activities for the annual meeting, provide content for CHEST Physician, create patient information materials for the CHEST Foundation, participate in the proposal of clinical guidelines, comment on proposed policies, and assess proposed federal legislation. If you see something you are interested in doing, speak up!
2. Be engaged. Make every effort to attend each and every call that your steering committee holds. Remember that the Open Forum meeting at the annual meeting is our only face-to-face meeting, and all steering committee members are expected to be present. The NetWorks are only successful because of their members’ contributions. Meet your deadlines. Each deadline is tied to another committee’s deadline.
3. Innovate. Bring new ideas and new approaches to the table, whether they include educational offerings, new collaborations with other groups, and so on. If we cannot do it today, that does not mean we will not be able to tomorrow.
4. Keep your finger on the pulse. Reach out to NetWork members to discuss needs, issues, and questions. Share your passion with others and inspire them to join in.
5. Support. As you learn about CHEST leadership, mentor and sponsor others. Everyone on the steering committee is invited to encourage, lead, and develop our in-training members. Moreover, remember that as a leader, your job is in part to sponsor others with talent and create opportunities for them.
6. Aspire. Your current role could be the bridge to greater leadership opportunities at CHEST. Consider running for Vice-Chair (if you are a committee member) or for a position on the Executive Committee of the Council of NetWorks (if you are Chair).
As the Chair of the Council of NetWorks, I strive to support you to be successful in your role and be the voice to CHEST leadership about what we are doing well and what we need to be even better, create opportunities, and promote ideas you may have. CHEST relies on your service within the NetWork, and we look forward to a great year!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.
Best,
Angel Coz, MD, FCCP
Chair, Council of Networks