The American Thoracic Society, founded in 1905, is an independently incorporated, international, educational and scientific society which focuses on respiratory and critical care medicine. Today, the Society has approximately 13,500 members, 25 percent of whom are from outside the United States. The Society's members help prevent and fight respiratory disease around the globe through research, education, patient care, and advocacy. The Society's long-range goal is to decrease morbidity and mortality from respiratory disorders and life-threatening acute illnesses.