In order for the Japanese Association for Thoracic Surgery (JATS) to undertake appropriate internal reforms, civil receptiveness and sensitivity to the needs of the public are required. Although the JATS is conscious of the needs of physicians, the needs of the public has almost never been addressed. The JATS should place a priority on its mission to advance medicine, to contribute to the public welfare, to distribute information to the public, and to be publicly accountable over seeking the members' well-being. The web site of the "Lung Cancer Medical Treatment Network" (Haigan Chiryo Net), which was launched by one of us 5 years ago, is one example of information distribution. Visitors to the web site have gradually increased to more than 20,000 people per month, totaling 753,000 visits. More than 1200 persons have requested second opinions by e-mail or facsimile. We propose that the nature and purpose of the JATS's civic activities be specified and that the JATS consider and establish methods for public information distribution. Using a web site is an effective method for these activities, but an opinion document about medical problems and the medical system of chest surgery should be created and distributed. The establishment of a consultation service for second opinions should also be considered.