Q&A: CHEST president inspired by past leaders hopes to ‘continue the upward momentum’

Key takeaways:

• John A. Howington, MD, MBA, FCCP, has held several leadership positions since getting involved with CHEST.
• This year marks the 90th anniversary of CHEST.
• Socializing is key in the road to a leadership position.

Looking back on the accomplishments of recent past presidents of CHEST, John A. Howington, MD, MBA, FCCP, hopes to “continue the upward momentum” in his 2025 to 2026 presidential term and emphasize clinician education and collaboration.

“The annual meetings of Jack Buckley, MD, MPH, FCCP, and Doreen Addrizzo-Harris, MD, FCCP, were hugely successful, and the energy and enthusiasm of our members is palpable,” Howington, a practicing thoracic surgeon at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, told Healio.

Howington previously served as medical director and co-chair of the oncology service line at Ascension, where he also was chief of oncology services from 2018 to 2022.

Since getting involved with CHEST in 1997, Howington has held several leadership positions. He chaired the Thoracic Oncology Network from 2008 to 2010, was president of the CHEST Foundation from 2014 to 2016 and chaired the finance committee from 2018 to 2021.

Healio spoke with Howington to learn more about his goals, the past experiences that have prepared him to be president and noteworthy initiatives from CHEST.

Healio: What are your goals as president?

Howington: As the president of the American College of Chest Physicians, I want to be a catalyst for growth. Thanks to past leaders, the organization is on a great trajectory, and it’s now my role to take those reins and continue the upward momentum.

The organization’s greatest strength is our members, and I want to continue to encourage the best from individuals to lead new initiatives and to spearhead clinician education like the CHEST Annual Meeting. This year’s Chair of the Scientific Program Committee, tasked with identifying the best education for the Annual Meeting, is Sandhya Khurana, MD, FCCP, and I very much look forward to seeing what she and her team create and supporting them throughout the process.

Healio: How have your past experiences prepared you for the role?

Howington: I’ve been a practicing physician for nearly 30 years and, in that time, have held a variety of positions and leadership roles which have all shaped me. My time on the CHEST Board of Regents has done the most to prepare me for this particular role by showing me the ideals of the association and the vast potential for growth. In my years on the Board — starting in 2017 — I’ve seen tremendous progress and witnessed exceptional leadership including (but not limited to) watching Stephanie Levine, MD, FCCP, and Steven Simpson, MD, FCCP, guide the organization through the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Being part of the Board has exposed me to the challenges facing clinicians and the vital role of professional organizations.

Healio: Are there any current educational, research or advocacy efforts by CHEST that you would like to spotlight? What makes these efforts so noteworthy?

Howington: There are a lot of great things happening at CHEST — one of my favorites is the First 5 Minutes initiative. Launched to benefit the patient/clinician relationship, the evidence-based First 5 Minutes e-learning modules provide tools to build the skills necessary for improved patient interactions and more quickly establish trust. Since launching the initial training, the initiative expanded into learning modules focused on cultural humility and how to best address hesitancy around vaccinations.

Honing one’s skills around strengthening patient relationships is just as important as staying current on the latest clinical guidelines but doesn’t get as much attention. By strengthening relationships, clinical expertise is heard more deeply and can go even further to improve patient care and outcomes.

Anyone who works with patients can benefit from this training. I look forward to seeing the continued impact.

Healio: What is your advice for young clinicians who would like to get involved in these efforts or for those who are interested in holding leadership positions with CHEST?

Howington: I recommend that early career clinicians socialize themselves in a variety of ways. Come to the CHEST Annual Meeting, attend simulation courses either at the meeting or at CHEST headquarters and apply for grants and leadership positions within our Networks.

These are all great ways to begin networking, and each brings with it opportunities to introduce yourself to those who can help advance your practice, your career and your involvement with the organization.

Healio: What impact do you hope to have left on the CHEST community by the end of your presidential term?

Howington: I have the honor of serving my presidential year as CHEST celebrates its 90th anniversary. During this celebratory year, I hope to help showcase not only the vast accomplishments of the organization but also where we hope to be by the 100th anniversary.

By the end of my presidential term, I want our members to firmly know who CHEST is and feel encouraged and inspired to accomplish our mission and vision.

I am thrilled, honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve this great association. The outstanding staff, executive leadership and physician volunteers deserve all the praise for a record 2024 and a bright start to 2025. Through clinician education and collaboration, we have an exceptional opportunity to make an impact on chest medicine and on the care we provide to patients.

References:

• Get to know incoming CHEST President, John A. Howington, MD, MBA, FCCP. https://www.chestphysician.org/get-to-know-incoming-chest-president-john-a-howington-md-mba-fccp/. Published Dec. 1, 2024. Accessed Jan. 2, 2025.
• John Howington, MD, MBA, FCCP, to become the 87th President of the American College of Chest Physicians. https://www.chestnet.org/newsroom/press-releases/2024/12/john-howington-to-become-the-87th-president. Published Dec. 20, 2024. Accessed Jan. 3, 2025.