Since 2002, CHEST Challenge has showcased the knowledge, teamwork, and perseverance of pulmonary and critical care fellows in a fun and fast-paced Jeopardy!-style game show. This year’s competition—the 25th annual—will take place on Tuesday, October 20, in the West Building, Ballroom 301BC. Doors open at 5 pm for a reception; CHEST Challenge founder and Master of Ceremonies William F. Kelly, MD, FCCP, will kick off the competition at 6 pm.
Teams from Houston Methodist Hospital, Reading Hospital – Tower Health, and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center earned their places on the stage after a rigorous nationwide qualification process involving 89 institutions. Before the show, get to know the people behind the teams.
Houston Methodist Hospital
Program Director, not pictured: Deepa Gotur, MD, FCCP
If you won a lifetime supply of something, what would you hope it is?
Dr. Abdullah: Really, really good coffee. ICU night shifts are not going to run themselves.
Dr. Sanchez-Ato: A lifetime supply of cafecito, free parking, and spontaneous cancellations of unnecessary meetings—in that order.
Dr. Yang: Twix.
If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Dr. Abdullah: Slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone lamb over rice. Comforting, shareable, and never gets old.
Dr. Sanchez-Ato: Arroz chaufa—it reminds me of home, it is endlessly adaptable, and it somehow works for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or post-call recovery.
Dr. Yang: Steak, medium rare.
What interesting medical fact do you bring up far more often than anyone asks you to?
Dr. Abdullah: I will find a way to work in “dry lungs are happy lungs” almost anywhere.
Dr. Sanchez-Ato: That normal saline is not emotionally or chemically neutral. I have probably mentioned the pH of crystalloid solutions more times than anyone has asked, and I regret nothing.
Dr. Yang: Too much oxygen is bad for you. Always wean oxygen!
Reading Hospital – Tower Health
Program Director, not pictured: Roopika Reddy, MD
What fictional character are you most like?
Dr. Fahel: Samwise Gamgee. “Come on, Mr. Frodo. I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you.”
Dr. Patel: Sherlock Holmes because I find forensic science interesting and enjoy solving mysteries.
Dr. Shaikh: Thanos from the Marvel Universe, especially when I am stuck on I-76 going into Philadelphia.
If you won a lifetime supply of something, what would you hope it is?
Dr. Fahel: Levantine food.
Dr. Patel: I would hope for a lifetime supply of chocolate-covered pretzels, which are my favorite snack.
Dr. Shaikh: Unlimited time to rock climb, bike, run, train, sit at a beach, spend with family, and see all the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
If you could instantly master one skill, what would it be?
Dr. Fahel: Knowing all the answers to every Jeopardy! question ever created would be a useful skill.
Dr. Patel: I wish I could instantly master learning different languages.
Dr. Shaikh: By learning empathic accuracy and observation, hyperfocusing on body language, micro-expressions, and conversational cues to deduce someone’s thoughts, emotions, and hidden motives without saying a word. Basically, telepathy.
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Program Director, not pictured: Tony Abdo, MD, FCCP
What life advice would you give your younger self?
Dr. Haque: Be happy, be free, be yourself, because the world doesn’t evolve through conformity.
Dr. Patel: Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes. Growth comes from being curious, not perfect.
Dr. Rabah: Not to worry too much about things. Most often, problems get solved in unexpected ways.
What’s your hidden talent or after-hours hobby?
Dr. Haque: Interior design, with a slight obsession with lighting. I love creating warm spaces so home feels like a spa.
Dr. Patel: I enjoy cooking new recipes and experimenting with different cuisines on weekends.
Dr. Rabah: Learning oud (a Middle Eastern string instrument).
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Dr. Haque: “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys.
Dr. Patel: “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey.
Dr. Rabah: I always avoid karaoke. I have a horrible singing voice.
Call for Topics Is Open
Feeling inspired by all the great sessions you’ve attended? Help shape the curriculum for CHEST 2027, October 24 to 27 in Vancouver, by submitting topic ideas from areas you’re passionate about, topics affecting your practice, or new technologies you’d like to learn more about. The submission deadline is Tuesday, December 1, at 2 pm CT.
