An interview with incoming CHEST President, John Studdard, MD, FCCP

What made you want to be President of CHEST?

I believe it is always important to give back to the people who gave you something. CHEST has given me a ton over the last 36 years, so giving back to CHEST is easy.
 

What are you looking forward to as President of CHEST?

On a personal level, I am looking forward to what we are doing right now, meeting new people, and learning from young people.

Because of my background and upbringing, I have a passion for diversity and inclusion; I think we need to continue to talk about, learn about, care about, be open about, and be transparent about diversity of thought, inclusion, and care disparity. The word “diversity” means something different to every person, and, for that, we have to have respect.

As Dr. Studdard prepares to take on his new role in CHEST leadership this October, he is optimistic about what the future will bring and about the things that he will learn. He considers himself incredibly lucky to be in the position that he is in, and he values each relationship he has made during his involvement with CHEST. He is looking forward to all that is in store during his time as President. He left us with a quote from Wyatt Cooper:

“The only immortality we can be sure of is that part of ourselves we invest in others—the contribution we make to the totality of man, the knowledge we have shared, the truths we have found, the causes we have served, the lessons we have lived.”