Started in 1940, the California Thoracic Society (CTS) is a professional society committed in its mission to improve California lung health and, through advocacy and education, advance the science and practice of pulmonary and critical care medicine. CTS is the largest Chapter of the American Thoracic Society (ATS). CTS is officially recognized by the California Medical Association (CMA), and has direct representation on the CMA Scientific Committee on Chest Diseases, its Council on Legislation, and its governing body the House of Delegates.