In this episode, Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Executive Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute, and Dr. Sunjay Devarajan explore bronchiectasis, a chronic and heterogeneous lung condition that often represents a common endpoint for many underlying diseases. They discuss how the disease develops, its varied clinical presentations, and the importance of identifying and treating underlying causes such as rheumatoid arthritis. 

The conversation highlights treatment strategies including airway clearance therapy, considerations for surgical intervention, and emerging approaches that target inflammation. The episode also examines promising research into pure anti–neutrophil elastase treatments and their potential role in the future of bronchiectasis care.

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

Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Executive Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute, interviews Shawn Growth, M.D. to discuss "Tracheobronchoplasty". 

Explore advanced airway stabilization techniques with Dr. Shawn Groth from Baylor College of Medicine's Lung Institute. This episode delves into tracheobronchoplasty and tracheoplasty, procedures designed to address collapsing airways and tracheal stenosis. Learn about diagnostic methods, surgical innovations including robotic approaches, and patient outcomes for these critical interventions.

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

Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Executive Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute, interviews Xiaoming Guan , M.D. that specializes on minimally invasive gynecology surgery to discuss "Thoracic Endometriosis". 

Dr. Xiaoming Guan, a leading minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, discusses the complexities of endometriosis, including its rare thoracic manifestations. He emphasizes early screening for teenagers and highlights key indicators like severe period pain and infertility. The conversation also touches upon advanced diagnostic methods like MRI and innovative research into non-invasive detection, aiming to reduce the significant diagnostic delays experienced by millions of women.

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

Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Executive Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute, interviews Javeryah Safi, M.D. who presents "Interventional Pulmonary Medicine".  

Dr. Safi discusses the evolving field of interventional pulmonology, highlighting advancements in robotic bronchoscopy, EBUS, and cryotherapy for lung conditions. Dr. Safi explores innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, including simultaneous biopsy and treatment, and the potential for same-day outpatient management of early-stage lung cancer. The Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute is at the forefront of these novel therapies.

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

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

Dr. Shanda Blackmon, director of the Baylor College Of Medicine lung Institute interviews Raiza Jones, who is one of her patients. Raiza shares her challenging journey of delayed diagnosis and multiple surgeries for this often-misunderstood condition. The conversation highlights the complexities of endometriosis, including thoracic endometriosis, and the importance of specialized care and patient advocacy.

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

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