CHEST Physician
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Obesity and lung disease in the era of GLP-1 agonists
Now is the time for pulmonary clinicians to become comfortable counseling patients about and treating obesity. By 2030, half of the US population will have obesity, a quarter of which will be severe (Ward et al. NEJM. 2019;2440-2450). Many pulmonary diseases, including asthma, COPD, and interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are linked to and made worse…
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CHEST grant winners to study health inequities related to air pollution, medication nonadherence, and more
In 2023, CHEST awarded $300,000 in clinical research and community impact grants to 15 individuals. Grant recipients are recognized for their scientifically meritorious achievements, with rigorous metrics to track their project’s progress, and have innovative, novel approaches to addressing their research topic. CHEST grants have made a difference in patients’ lives by leading to breakthroughs…
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CHEST introduces five core organizational values
Looking ahead to 2024, one notable accomplishment of the past 12 months that will guide our organization for years to come was to establish CHEST organizational values. The result of a collaborative process that was led by the Value-Setting Work Group and informed by CHEST leaders, members, and staff, the CHEST values are Community, Inclusivity,…
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Coding & Billing: A look into bronchoscopic codes and digital evaluations
Pulmonary physicians and particularly interventional bronchoscopists have been receiving denials when CPT® codes 31628 Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with transbronchial lung biopsy(s), single lobe and 31629 Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy(s), trachea, main stem and/or lobar bronchus(i) are billed during the…
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Should intensivists place PEG tubes in critically ill patients?
The practice of initiating early and adequate nutrition in critically ill patients is a cornerstone of ICU management. Adequate nutrition combats the dangerous catabolic state that accompanies critical illness. A few of the benefits of this practice are a decrease in disease severity with resultant lessened hospital and ICU lengths of stay, reduced infection rates,…
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“A physician’s secret weapon”: Why the world needs more RTs
CHEST and the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) are continuing their longstanding partnership to raise awareness about the More RTs initiative, which addresses the alarming shortage of respiratory therapists (RTs) in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified the shortage of RTs, but the problem predated the 2020 crisis. A survey from the American…
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CHEST 2023 award winners
Each year, CHEST recognizes members who make an impact – through dedication to the organization, by contributions to research and practice, through their commitment to educating the next generation, and so much more. MASTER FELLOW AWARD John E. Studdard, MD, FCCPMasters of CHEST are national or international Fellows of CHEST who have distinguished themselves by…
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University of Washington Fellowship director announced as mentor for Medical Educator Fellowship
It wasn’t until Başak Çoruh, MD, FCCP, was a mentee herself that she realized the value of structured mentoring. And now, she has more to give. Dr. Çoruh, Associate Professor of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine and Director of the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine fellowship program at the University of Washington, was named…
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Get to know incoming CHEST President John “Jack” D. Buckley, MD, MPH, FCCP
Starting January 1, 2024, current President-Elect John “Jack” D. Buckley, MD, MPH, FCCP, will become the new President of CHEST. Dr. Buckley is a pulmonologist and critical care physician with an extensive background in education, and he has served on the Board of Regents for the College for 8 years collectively. Before Dr. Buckley steps…
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The double-edged sword of virtual pulmonary rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an invaluable program typically set in structured in-person environments for individuals living with chronic respiratory conditions. It offers a comprehensive approach to improving lung health and overall quality of life using a combination of tailored exercise routines, educational sessions, and emotional support. It empowers our patients to better manage their conditions,…
