Dear friends,

A few weeks ago, I signed the fellowship graduation diplomas. This is my 11th time doing it. The task always feels celebratory, but this time the joy was mixed with worry.

I believe I was still in high school in Israel when NEJM published a piece warning about how physician-scientists were an “endangered species." Frankly, I do not think I even knew that physician-scientists existed. After completing seven years of clinical training, I did a research fellowship, and through the help of some amazing mentors, committed peers and colleagues, and the generosity of the U.S. federal government, I became a card-carrying member of that endangered species. This was true not only for me but also for innumerable others.

Federal government research funding has allowed multiple generations of respiratory researchers–MD, PhD, or both–in basic, translational or clinical research to receive training, become independent, and pursue careers in academia, government or industry. And we all participate in the noblest cause of all: improving the understanding, diagnosis and care of our patients, our communities, and our societies.

Now, it seems that the tide has shifted, and all of us academicians, respiratory researchers, clinicians, and educators are becoming an endangered species.

As detailed in a recent health care professionals' letter, nearly every agency related to health research or management is facing substantial budget cuts, including HHS, NIH, AHRQ, EPA, and the FDA. If these cuts are implemented, they will detrimentally affect our patients, trainees and our nation. I do not know what will happen, but I do know that for me, the best thing at times like this is to remind myself of the patient community, of our trainees, and mentors. The patient community is a reminder of why we came to this profession, why we practice, do research, or educate – to promote their health; our trainees because they are so committed and accomplished, they represent the future and everything great in our profession, the promise of a future with better health; and the mentors because it is their optimism, their belief in us that made us who we are.

This year I will not be attending the ATS conference and I will miss meeting all of you, but I want to remind you all to cherish this unique meeting, this celebration of everything we believe in, and to recharge, re-energize, and also attend the advocacy events:

• Sharing Stories of Advocacy and Impact in Challenging Times - Monday, May 19 from 12:15 - 1:15 p.m in Room 2001/2003, West Building, Level 2

• Turning Interest into Action: Building Advocacy Coalitions - Tuesday, May 20 from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. in Room 20, North Building

Below are some stories about Yale-PCCSM—I hope you enjoy them.

Have a great ATS meeting,

Naftali