Michelle Ng Gong succeeds Raed Dweik as president of the American Thoracic Society (ATS).


RT’s Three Key Takeaways

  1. Leadership Appointment: Michelle Ng Gong, MD, MS, ATSF, was named president of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) during the organization’s 2026 international conference.
  2. Member Support: Gong plans to prioritize the career development of ATS members by utilizing the society’s expertise in research, clinical practice, and advocacy.
  3. Professional Background: Gong currently serves as the chair of medicine at Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine and has been an active member of the ATS since 1998.


Michelle Ng Gong, MD, MS, ATSF, has been appointed as the new president of the American Thoracic Society (ATS), according to the organization.

Gong succeeds Raed Dweik, MD, MBA, ATSF, in the role. As the new leader, she expressed a commitment to supporting the professional development and career trajectories of the society’s members.

“Our members have a great depth of expertise in research, clinical expertise, career guidance, and setting guidelines in advocacy, policy, and environment,” said Michelle Ng Gong, MD, MS, ATSF, president of the ATS. “Some of our members are not just leaders within the field of pulmonary and critical care but are oftentimes leaders at their own institution.”

Gong noted that the society possesses internal resources that can be utilized to assist early investigators, mid-investigators, and members of the ATS community who may be looking for different career paths and growth.

Currently, Gong serves as the chair of medicine at Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Her previous experience includes serving as the chief of the division of critical care medicine and the chief of the division of pulmonary medicine.

Gong has been a member of the ATS since 1998 and is part of the critical care assembly. In her capacity on the ATS executive committee, she will oversee society activities and collaborate with the board of directors to formulate strategic priorities for the organization.