In its 90 years, CHEST has been led by several distinguished female presidents who have significantly contributed to the field of chest medicine. We are spotlighting the women who served as President of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), as well as our upcoming 2027 CHEST President.

Deborah Shure, MD, Master FCCP (1995-1996)

Dr. Deborah Shure served as the 57th President of CHEST from 1995 to 1996. She was the first woman to lead the organization and has been a trailblazer in the field of chest medicine. Dr. Shure is recognized for her extensive contributions to pulmonary research and education, as well as her commitment to mentoring the next generation of physicians.

Her presidential year was known for inclusiveness. With the support of the Board of Regents and the members of the college, they sought to increase the roles of our International Fellows and Affiliate Members, as well as the participation of all of our FCCPs. They also expanded the role of the college in global tobacco control.

“Breaking barriers is not just about individual achievement but about paving the way for others to follow.”

Susan K. Pingleton, MD, Master FCCP (1999-2000)

Dr. Susan K. Pingleton served as the 64th President of CHEST from 1999 to 2000. Dr. Pingleton has held prominent academic positions, including Professor of Medicine and Director of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Her contributions to medical education and patient care have been widely recognized. In 2007, she was honored as a Master Fellow of CHEST, acknowledging her exceptional achievements in chest medicine.

“Leadership in medicine requires dedication to lifelong learning and a commitment to mentoring the next generation.”

Kalpalatha K. Guntupalli, MD, Master FCCP (2009-2010)

Dr. Kalpalatha K. Guntupalli is a Professor of Medicine and Chief of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She has been instrumental in advancing critical care medicine and has held numerous leadership positions within CHEST. In 2009, Dr. Guntupalli became the 72nd President of CHEST, making her the second woman to hold this esteemed position.

Her theme for the year was “Act local, think global.” They started many international initiatives in the Middle East, India, China, and South America that have since evolved into successful programs. In 2010, as founding members of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), they celebrated the Year of the Lung and more. In 2012, Dr. Guntupalli received the College Medalist Award from CHEST and, in 2013, received the Frances K. Friedman and Oscar Friedman, MD, ’36 Endowed Professorship for Pulmonary Disorders from Baylor.

“I consider the two years leading up to the presidency and the year following my term as the best years of my professional career. They were action-packed [and] full of excitement that gave immense satisfaction.”

Barbara A. Phillips, MD, MPH, FCCP (2015-2016)

Dr. Barbara A. Phillips is a Professor of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at the University of Kentucky. She has been an active member of CHEST since 1982 and has served in various roles, including Editor of CHEST SEEK® Sleep Medicine. In 2015, she was elected as the 78th President of CHEST, becoming the fourth woman to hold this position.

Dr. Phillips received a Sleep Academic Award from the National Institutes of Health and was presented with the College Medalist Award at CHEST 2013. During her presidential year, she wrote a Thought Leader Blog reflecting on women in medicine. Specifically looking at the field of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine, she found that 20% of physicians in the United States were women, according to reports by the American Medical Association. She also reported that 82% of CHEST grant winners in 2015 were women but that only 24% of the Board of Regents was made up of women.

“Our commitment to education and patient care drives us to continually improve and innovate in the field of chest medicine.”

Stephanie M. Levine, MD, FCCP (2019-2020)

Dr. Stephanie Levine is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine at UT Health San Antonio. She has a distinguished career focusing on lung transplantation and pulmonary medicine. As the 82nd President of CHEST and the fifth woman to lead the organization, Dr. Levine has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in medicine.

Assuming the role of President in October 2019, Dr. Stephanie Levine was quickly thrust into the spotlight as the face of CHEST when COVID-19 took over the world in early 2020. She led the Board of Regents through difficult times and through conducting the first virtual CHEST Annual Meeting ever.

The goal was to support CHEST members, all pulmonologists, and critical care clinicians on the front lines and ensure the dissemination of critical information related to respiratory health. CHEST aimed to provide rapid dissemination of critical knowledge to ensure members had access to the latest research, treatment guidelines, and best practices for managing COVID-19-related respiratory illnesses. They also supported efforts in advocacy and policy influence, addressing burnout, working with government and health agencies to address personal protective equipment shortages, ventilator supply, workforce strain, and more.

“Serving as the fifth female president of CHEST was both an honor and a responsibility. I hope that my leadership was an inspiration for future female leaders in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Throughout my term, I remained dedicated to the mission of CHEST, ensuring that gender did not define leadership, but rather expertise, vision, and commitment to the field.”

Doreen Addrizzo-Harris, MD, FCCP (2023)

Dr. Doreen Addrizzo-Harris is a pulmonary and critical care physician specializing in bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial infections. She is a Professor of Medicine at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and has been an active member of CHEST since 1997, serving in various leadership roles.

During the Dr. Addrizzo-Harris presidential year, CHEST launched the Respiratory Care and Women in Chest Medicine Interest Groups. Now expanded to include LGBTQ+ at CHEST, the CHEST Interest Groups cultivate an environment where the diverse lived and learned perspectives of members and their communities are heard, valued, and honored.

That same year, CHEST also established organizational values. The result of a tremendous effort from an advisory committee, CHEST leaders, members, and staff, these values—Community, Inclusivity, Innovation, Advocacy, and Integrity—are reflective of the CHEST organization and will guide decisions for years to come.

“It is critically important to find a mentor or mentors who can guide you through the initial phases of your career. It is also very important to allow yourself time to be a mentor to those who need you.”

Lisa K. Moores, MD, FCCP (2025 President-Designate)

Dr. Lisa Moores is the Associate Dean for Assessment and Professional Development and a Professor of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. She earned her medical degree from the Uniformed Services University and completed her residency in internal medicine, followed by a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Dr. Moores has held several educational leadership roles and served 30 years in the Army Medical Corps, retiring from active duty in 2019. Throughout her career, she has been actively involved with CHEST, contributing to various committees and initiatives, including cofounding the CHEST Challenge and chairing the Guidelines Oversight Committee. She will assume the presidency in 2027.

“Your voice, your expertise, and your leadership matter.”

What does it mean to serve as the 2027 President of CHEST?

"Serving as the 2027 President of the American College of Chest Physicians is an incredible honor, and I am humbled by this amazing opportunity. I have never viewed myself through the lens of being a 'female' leader, but rather as a leader who is dedicated to making a meaningful impact. That said, I recognize the importance of representation, and I hope that my journey encourages and inspires others—especially young female physicians—to confidently pursue leadership roles without hesitation or self-limiting beliefs. True leadership is about vision, integrity, and the ability to elevate those around you, regardless of gender."

Do you have advice for early career female clinicians?

"Your voice, your expertise, and your leadership matter. Seek out mentors and sponsors who challenge and support you. Embrace opportunities that push you beyond your comfort zone. Never feel the need to fit a mold of what a leader ‘should’ be. The best leaders are those who remain authentic while advocating for their patients, their colleagues, and the future of medicine."

These leaders have each played pivotal roles in advancing CHEST’s mission and have left indelible marks on the field of chest medicine. We thank each and every one of them for their leadership and look forward to Dr. Moores’ presidency in 2027.