Learning Objectives:
-Review the history and flawed assumptions in the use of race and how race-specific PFT reference equations might lead to health disparities.
-Understand the evidence behind the recommendation to use race-neutral reference equations.
-Review the quantitative impact of switching from race-specific to race-neutral reference equations.
-Assess the many remaining gaps in our understanding of how to use pulmonary function tests to improve health.

Speakers:
Nirav Bhakta, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care at the University of California, San Francisco
Dr. Bhakta is a national thought leader and Vice-chair of the American Thoracic Society Pulmonary Function Testing Committee. Dr. Bhakta co-chaired the ATS workshop on race and PFTs that led to the publication of the 2023 ATS Statement.

Panelists:
Thomas R. Vendegna, MD, Pulmonology and Critical Care, CMO French Hospital Medical Center (Facilitator)
Jeff Sippel, MD, Critical Care Medicine, UC Health
Robert Wiebe, MD, CMO, CommonSpirit Health
Suchitra Pilli, MD, Interventional Pulmonology and Critical Care, Medical Director for Respiratory Therapy, CHI Health Omaha, Assistant Professor, Creighton University
Gary Greensweig, DO, Chief Physician Executive, Physician Enterprise, CommonSpirit Health
Ankita Sagar, MD, System Vice President, Clinical Standards and Variation Reduction, Physician Enterprise, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at Creighton University School of Medicine