Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Executive Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute, interviews Dr. Nirmal Sharma as he presents "Leading as Medical Director of a Lung Transplant Program"

Dr. Sharma was recruited from the Brigham and Women's Hospital to Baylor College of Medicine to lead as Medical Director of the St. Luke's Lung Transplant Program. The BSLMC performed over 100 lung transplants over the past two years, and this coming year is seeking to both focus on quality outcomes and continue to grow. Patients who are candidates for lung transplantation or providers who care for patient with advanced lung disease will especially enjoy this episode. Dr. Sharma takes a pragmatic approach to treating his patients and meeting their needs.

Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

Dr. Shanda H Blackmon, MD, MPH, the Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute interviews Dr. Hamdi Ahmed Mufeed about infections within the lung. Focusing on Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial infections, the multi-disciplinary clinic at Baylor Medicine works together as a group to deliver state-of-the-art care to patients in Houston and beyond. As an infectious disease expert, their center was recently designated as a Center of Excellence and is recognized around the world.

Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Executive Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute, interviews Dr. Francesca Polverino, MD who presents "Lung Immune System and Emphysema"

Dr. Polverino speaks about the global burden of disease and COPD, environmental pollution, and access to healthcare. Her concern about healthcare equity and bringing better healthcare to underserved populations places her in the heart of the underserved at Harris County Ben Taub Hospital. She emphasizes access to healthcare to patients in Spanish-speaking communities. She works with policymakers, helping to reduce exposure to tobacco and Improve air quality. Her NIH-funded research helps to discover patterns consistent with predicting and mitigating effects from Emphysema.

Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

Dr. Shanda Blackman and Lavannya Pandit discuss the role of spiritual care in medicine, focusing on personal journeys and the pandemic's impact on healthcare. Pundit shares her experiences as a Hindu chaplain and emphasizes the importance of service, resilience, and self-awareness. The conversation highlights the need for support systems and the value of learning from failures, encouraging individuals to embrace their unique paths and collaborate with others.

Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Executive Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute, and Dr. Francesca Polverino talk about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is increasingly linked to pollution rather than smoking, especially in underserved communities. Access to healthcare is crucial, particularly for African Americans facing diagnostic hurdles. Spirometry plays a key role in diagnosis, while environmental factors and new therapies, like metformin, are under research. Eliminating stigma and promoting education and advocacy are essential for better management of COPD.

Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

Dr. Shanda H Blackmon, MD, MPH visits with Dr. Ramiro Fernandez II about modern treatment regimens for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Together, they discuss treatment options, staging, recently published clinical trials and the role each of them play in the Baylor College of Medicine and St. Luke's Tumor Board. Working within an NCI-designated Cancer Center, the research and innovation is woven into the fabric of these legendary institutions.

Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute, interviews Dr. Farrah Kheradmand and Stephen Bujarski about lung cancer screening. Exploring the more than four thousand patients who have already been screened at the Michael E. DeBakey VA, they discuss what has worked, why patients need to be screened and challenges from both the patient and provider perspective.

They discuss screening criteria:

-people older than 50 years old

-people who have smoked more than 20 years

-smokers who quit within the last 15 years

...and then they explore the elimination of the recent smoking criteria, broadening the criteria and enhancing access to more patients who might have other risk factors who are currently excluded from screening.

This episode offers valuable expertise for clinicians and patients interested in improving lung health.

Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Executive Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute, interviews Dr. Ramiro Fernandez about the critical link between reflux and lung transplant outcomes.

They discuss Dr. Fernandez’s approach to managing reflux in post-operative lung transplant patients, how reflux can increase the risk of graft failure, and strategies for prevention and treatment, including anti-reflux surgery and screening protocols. Dr. Fernandez also shares insights on his ongoing research into the impact of reflux treatment on transplant success, as well as his broader interests in primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and ex vivo lung perfusion.

This episode offers valuable expertise for clinicians and patients interested in improving lung transplant care.

Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG