Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are commonly utilized for the diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of pulmonary conditions. However, the inclusion of race in the reporting and interpretation of PFT results introduces the potential to contribute to health disparities and amplify race-based health inequities. This activity aims to enhance participants’ comprehension of race-based adjustments in clinical algorithms and increase competency in race-neutral and impartial interpretation of PFTs. The faculty speaker for this webcast, Dr. Nirav Bhakta, served as the co-chair of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) workshop responsible for shaping the 2023 ATS statement on race in PFT interpretation. Drawing upon his extensive expertise as a pulmonologist and his pivotal role in the formulation of these new ATS guidelines, Dr. Bhakta will delve into the historical context behind race-specific PFTs, address the rationale behind the shift and review the pivotal aspects and implications of adopting a race-neutral approach.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a complex condition requiring comprehensive management that includes appropriate medication therapy and interdisciplinary care coordination. This activity will discuss kidney- and cardiovascular-protective interventions for CKD and examine the roles of risk stratification, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin creatinine ratio (uACR). In addition, considerations for the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors will be discussed, including heart failure status and adverse effects. Approaches to interdisciplinary care coordination for CKD that integrates nephrologists, primary care physicians, dietitians, and other health care professionals (HCPs) will be highlighted.

Obesity is a chronic health condition and a leading cause of chronic diseases in adults and children. Lifestyle changes with the use of medication is a nonsurgical management strategy to promote weight loss and lessen the effects of these conditions caused or exacerbated by obesity. This activity will discuss how to effectively assess for obesity and provide nonsurgical management interventions through helping patients commit to lifestyle changes and the use of pharmacotherapies.