The ETS Annual Congress 2025 was successfully held from October 24th to 26th, convening the region's leading pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and allied health professionals for a comprehensive exploration of the latest frontiers in respiratory care. The congress, featuring a blend of pre-conference workshops, specialized scientific sessions, and collaborative discussions, underscored the move towards personalized medicine and multidisciplinary management across the spectrum of lung disease.
The event commenced with dedicated pre-conference workshops on Interventional Pulmonology and Advanced Pulmonary Function Diagnostics, providing hands-on skill enhancement. Day One opened with a deep dive into Asthma, featuring international experts Prof. David Jackson and Prof. Ian Pavord. Sessions critically examined the rationale behind updated GINA guidelines, the role of biologics, and the impact of therapies like dupilumab on airway remodeling. The focus then shifted to Respiratory Infections, with updates on personalized care in bronchiectasis and breakthroughs in cystic fibrosis treatment. Concurrent afternoon sessions highlighted the growing field of Interventional Pulmonology, with advances in bronchoscopic oncology, and Pediatric Pulmonology, covering sleep disorders and asthma management in children. The day concluded with parallel tracks on innovative management of Pleural Diseases and advancements in Respiratory Therapy, followed by a series of industry-led symposiums on the latest therapeutic innovations.
Day Two began with concurrent workshops on Thoracic Ultrasound and Cystic Fibrosis management. The scientific program then addressed complex Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), featuring a keynote from Prof. Luca Richeldi and a pivotal multidisciplinary panel discussion uniting pulmonologists and rheumatologists for complex case collaboration. A spirited pro/con debate on the significance of Type 2 inflammation in COPD, led by Prof. Ian Pavord, fueled critical discourse, followed by a comprehensive year-in-review. The afternoon was dedicated to high-stakes care, with the Lung Transplantation and Thoracic Surgery session providing updates on the UAE's transplant program, management of complications, and the role of ECMO as a bridge to transplant. The congress culminated in an Oral Presentations session, showcasing cutting-edge regional research on topics from e-cigarette risks to pulmonary arterial hypertension.
By integrating procedural workshops, expert debates, multidisciplinary panels, and original research, the ETS Annual Congress 2025 provided an indispensable platform for education and collaboration. It powerfully advanced the society's mission of elevating the standard of respiratory care through innovation, evidence-based practice, and strengthened professional networks across the Emirates.
