CHEST: American College of Chest Physicians
Digital Transformation
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) partnered with .orgSource to undergo a comprehensive digital transformation aimed at modernizing outdated technology systems and evolving its membership model. Over a four-year period, .orgSource developed a strategic information and technology plan, resulting in significant upgrades to CHEST’s website, learning management system, association management system, and other critical platforms.
The new systems streamlined operations, improved member engagement, and provided a 360-degree view of the member experience. CHEST also launched a more inclusive membership model, leading to higher retention rates and membership growth in targeted segments such as non-physician healthcare professionals and global members.
The transformation positioned CHEST as a future-ready organization, better equipped to support team-based care and advance healthcare education worldwide.
Overview
Founded in 1935 by a single patient, the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) is a nonprofit medical society representing nearly 19,000 members across more than 100 countries. Based in Glenview, Illinois, CHEST serves a diverse community of specialist physicians and allied health professionals in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine, as well as thoracic surgery and related disciplines. The organization is dedicated to advancing team-based care and improving patient outcomes through education, research, and advocacy.
As the medical landscape evolved, CHEST recognized the need to transform its technology infrastructure to better serve members and improve engagement. The organization turned to .orgSource for a comprehensive digital transformation strategy that would modernize its systems and position it for long-term success.
The challenge
CHEST faced mounting pressure to overhaul its outdated technology systems, which were creating inefficiencies and hindering member engagement. The website, learning management system (LMS), association management system (AMS), and financial systems all required significant upgrades to improve functionality, streamline operations, and enhance user experience.
At the same time, CHEST’s membership model needed an overhaul to reflect the evolving nature of healthcare. The organization aimed to move beyond a physicians-only focus and embrace a more inclusive, team-based care approach that would engage a broader audience, including allied health professionals and clinicians at various stages of their careers.
Key pain points included:
- Fragmented technology infrastructure leading to operational inefficiencies
- Limited online engagement tools for members
- A membership model that no longer reflected the organization’s mission and the needs of its diverse audience
CHEST leadership understood that piecemeal fixes wouldn’t suffice. They needed a holistic digital transformation to achieve a 360-degree view of the member and deliver the seamless, personalized experience that modern users expect.
The Solution
.orgSource partnered with CHEST to develop a robust information and technology plan that would serve as the strategic foundation for the transformation. The plan provided a roadmap for designing and implementing critical technology building blocks to better serve both internal users (staff) and external stakeholders (members).
Over the course of four years, CHEST undertook a comprehensive overhaul of its technology ecosystem, guided by a cross-functional team of leaders. Key milestones included:
- Enterprise content management system (CMS) upgrade to streamline content creation and management
- Learning management system (LMS) implementation to enhance educational offerings
- Collaboration tools to improve internal communication and external engagement
- Publications platform to provide members with easy access to research and resources
- Development of a new website taxonomy to support multifaceted search features
- Full integration of new systems to achieve a unified view of the member journey
The new website—the crown jewel of the transformation—was launched in February 2013, providing a more intuitive, user-friendly experience. Shortly afterward, CHEST moved into a new built-to-suit headquarters, underscoring the organization’s modernization and future-focused mindset.
The Results
CHEST’s synchronized technology rollout has yielded remarkable results. By tackling multiple system upgrades simultaneously, the organization achieved comprehensive improvements across all aspects of operations and member engagement.
Key outcomes include:
- Streamlined membership renewal processes, making it easier for members to stay engaged
- Personalized product and service recommendations, increasing member satisfaction and retention
- Higher member retention rates, thanks to a more inclusive and adaptable membership model
- Significant growth in key segments, including:
- Non-physician healthcare professionals
- Industry members
- Global members
- Clinicians in training
CHEST’s new membership model has been especially impactful, attracting a broader and more diverse audience while retaining core physician members. The focus on team-based care resonates strongly with today’s healthcare professionals, who increasingly work in interdisciplinary teams to deliver better patient outcomes.
Most importantly, the transformation has positioned CHEST to remain a leader in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine education for years to come. The organization’s ability to deliver relevant, timely, and accessible resources to members has improved dramatically, reinforcing its mission to advance healthcare and patient care globally.
Key Takeaways
CHEST’s digital transformation highlights the power of a strategic, holistic approach to technology upgrades. With .orgSource’s expert guidance, CHEST not only modernized its systems but also redefined its membership model, creating a stronger foundation for long-term success.
By embracing innovation and inclusivity, CHEST has enhanced its ability to:
- Engage members across diverse segments
- Streamline operations and improve efficiency
- Deliver personalized experiences
- Stay at the forefront of healthcare education and advocacy
The result? A future-ready organization that continues to advance team-based care and improve global health outcomes in an ever-evolving medical landscape.
Testimonial from CHEST Leadership
“The decision to tackle multiple technology projects at once was a bold one, but it was the right move for CHEST. The transformation we’ve achieved—thanks to .orgSource’s guidance—has been essential to our ability to engage with members in a more meaningful way and provide the resources they need to improve patient care. We’re seeing the results in our membership growth and retention, and we’re excited for what’s next.”
— CHEST Leadership Team
