Joint Statement by WABIP, EABIP, AABIP, APAB, TTS and TSANZ
The World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (WABIP), the European Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (EABIP), the American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (AABIP), the Asian-Pacific Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (APAB), the Turkish Thoracic Society (TTS) and Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) are proud to stand aligned in announcing the official establishment of World Interventional Pulmonology Day, to be celebrated globally every year on June 2.
This specific date has been chosen to commemorate the birthday of Gustav Kilian, historically recognized as the pioneer of bronchoscopy. Dr. Kilian’s groundbreaking work laid the foundation for our specialty. By marking his birthday as a day of global recognition, we embrace our shared mission: Honoring the past. Advancing the future.
World Interventional Pulmonology Day recognizes the profound impact of interventional pulmonology in improving the lives of patients with respiratory diseases worldwide. Today, our field utilizes cutting-edge, minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat complex thoracic conditions, offering hope and improved quality of life to millions.
This day serves as a unified, global declaration of our core objective: Better Airways, Better Care, Better Outcomes.
The unprecedented alignment of WABIP, EABIP, AABIP, APAB, TTS and TSANZ underscores a shared, borderless commitment to advancing the science, education, and clinical practice of interventional pulmonology. Together, we strive to ensure that patients across all continents have access to the highest standard of care.
We invite medical professionals, healthcare institutions, industry partners, and patient advocacy groups around the world to join us every June 2. Together, let us celebrate the achievements of our field, raise awareness about the importance of respiratory health, and continue the legacy of innovation sparked by Gustav Kilian.
Signed,
Pyng Lee, MD PhD
Chair, WABIP
Erik H.F.M. van der Heijden, MD, PhD
President, EABIP
Carla Lamb, MD, FACP, FCCP
President, AABIP
Kiyoshi Shibuya, MD, PhD
Chair, APAB
Çağlar Çuhadaroğlu, MD, PhD
President, TTS
Natasha Smallwood, MD, BMedSci, MBBS, MSc, MHLM, AFRACMA, FRCP, FRACP, PhD, FThorSoc, FAPSR, GAICD
President, TSANZ
