Breathe Easy

This week's episode dives into COPD treatment. When considering inhaler devices, what is the best strategy for COPD patients? Host Amy Attaway, MD, MS, associate director of the COPD Center at  Cleveland Clinic welcomes Anthony Anzueto, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center and chief of the pulmonary section for the South Texas Veterans Healthcare System in San Antonio.Support for this podcast is brought to you by Viatris and Theravance BioPharma.

This episode begins our series on "What you may have missed at ATS 2025."We produce over 450 million tons of plastics each year, the vast majority of which has accumulated in the environment. Increasing evidence suggests that microplastics can accumulate in a number of different organs such as the brain, but what of the lungs? In this episode, Adam Soloff, PhD (self-described "Lorax of the Thorax"), associate professor, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, walks us through his research to find out what these ever-present microplastics do to the lungs and the pulmonary immune system in particular. Spoiler alert: once inhaled, microplastics pass through the lung seeding many tissues of the body including the heart, brain, gut, liver, and spleen. "We found it everywhere we looked," said Dr. Soloff whose team's work begins to shed light on how microplastics damage lung immunity and may predispose us to lung disease in the future.4:16 What is a microplastic?6:19 Where is the most established evidence of how microplastics affects our health?

Erika Moseson, MD, of the Air Health Our Heath podcast hosts this week's episode with guest Daniel Croft, MPH, ATSF. Dr. Croft is associate professorin the Department of Environmental Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center. On this episode we share insights from the Climate Change and Respiratory Health: Opportunities to Contribute to Environmental Justice: An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40311081/For additional discussion on environmental health, please also view our recent Breathe Easy episode 12 “EPA Rollbacks Spell Grave Impacts on Public Health” for an up-to-date discussion of current national changes related to health care, environmental health and environmental justice:  And for ATS members, please review the Washington Letter for up to date actions ATS is taking to protect respiratory health:  https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__site.thoracic.org_about-2Dus_news_washington-2Dletter&d=DwMFAg&c=shNJtf5dKgNcPZ6Yh64b-ALLUrcfR-4CCQkZVKC8w3o&r=cBcAqdnwqc2JZQ0oH6i362XLRsQ-_Tz-M1Wc9UELJNs&m=MdI_1W73157uyTefcBrkHA9wu2ITlxReWhEVndIGRsDlh5tkbX4XmkSOaeWSnB1a&s=yhFeE9pojesBPCkULoIjDdlcHL_vqKUR6d_rwIEVw0Y&e=

Host Patti Tripathi talks to Alpha-1 patient advocate Len Geiger ahead of his ATS 2025 International Conference plenary presentation. He was diagnosed at age 35 with a rare lung disease. He almost lost it all, but Len didn't lose his fight. "Everybody can do something more than they're doing right now," he says.

Patti Tripathi talks with Margot Kushel, MD,  and Robynne Rose-Haymer ahead of their keynote presentation on providing care to the unhoused population on May 18 at ATS 2025. Dr. Kushel is chief of the Division of Health Equity and Society and director of the UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations and the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative. Ms. Rose-Haymer is the director of the California Legislative Staff Education Institute at Capitol Impact Consulting.09:36 What can the VA's initiatives among the homeless population teach clinicians?13:25 How can we create solutions?Register for the ATS 2025 International Conference at conference.thoracic.org

This episode is part two of our discussion on AI. Host Eddie Qian, MD, (Vanderbilt University Medical Center) and Matthew Churpek, MD, PhD, MPH(University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health) explore the use of large language models in clinical practice, weigh the benefits vs risks and the role clinicians may play in establishing guardrails."Patients don't just walk out of the textbook," as Dr. Qian noted. These models still require input from experienced clinicians to ensure the best outcome for patients. Listen to Part I of our AI discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZInoIjGht0&list=PLFyO68a-Ji3lKQLBIdtgUlFkEBp3t1RA5&index=8Like what you heard? Get more of Dr. Qian on the ICU Ed and Todd-cast wherever you listen to podcasts.

Rolling back major EPA policies that protect our health from air pollution exposure is dangerous and even fatal in some cases. This episode features the chair and vice-chair of the ATS Environmental Health Policy Committee, Alison Lee, MD, (Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai) and Gillian Goobie, MD, PhD (University of British Columbia). Patti Tripathi hosts. 09:00 What is the evidence for policy-led air pollution reductions?14:35 Who benefits from EPA rollbacks?22:36 How does EPA deregulation affect global health?Resources:The Southern California Children's Health Study:  https://healthstudy.usc.edu/The Ella Roberta Foundation:  https://www.ellaroberta.org/about-ellaSilent Spring by Rachel Carson:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27333.Silent_Spring

Host Amy Attaway, MD, (Cleveland Clinic) is joined by two leaders in sleep medicine— Neomi Shah, MD, MPH,  (Icahn School at Mount Sinai)  and Reena Mehra, MD, MS, ATSF (University of Washington)—to discuss the recent ATS Workshop Report: “The Great Controversy of OSA Treatment for Cardiovascular Risk: Advancing the Science Through Expert Consensus.”Together, they explore the complex relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular outcomes. Workshop Report here: https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1513/AnnalsATS.202409-981ST09:45 What gaps have past studies brought to light regarding major cardiovascular events and OSA?                 11:59 How does the Report help inform discussions with patients?33:24 Is CPAP the answer?

MaryLuz Fuentes, MD, a former clinician and double-lung transplant survivor will typically say this to other IPF patients: "We patients may be short of breath, but not short of hope." On this episode with host Patti Tripathi, Dr. Fuentes talks about what led up to her double-lung transplant three years ago and what's in store for her at the ATS 2025 International Conference in May. 

Nirav Bhakta, MD, was the lead author of the ATS Workshop Report on Race-Neutral Testing. He joins Meredith McCormack, MD, MHS, on the latest Breathe Easy podcast to discuss the origin of race-based algorithms and advice on implementing race-neutral testing in your pulmonary function lab. Amy Attaway, MD, Cleveland Clinic, hosts. ATS statement on race and ethnicity in pulmonary function test interpretation: https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1164/rccm.202302-0310ST05:03 How did adjustments for race come about?13:08 What is the global lung function initiative and what is its relationship to race-neutral testing?14:16 How can pulmonary function labs implement race-neutral testing recommended by ATS?

Internationally-recognized tuberculosis expert Philip Hopewell, MD, reflects on the impact of funding cuts on TB research and infections both in the U.S. and abroad. Eddie Qian, MD, hosts. Dr. Qian is also co-host of the ICU Ed and Todd-cast podcast.06:47 Why Kansas?09:13 How does TB infection rates compare to HIV globally?14:48 What are new guidelines for TB treatment?Resources:Updates on Treatment for Drug-Susceptible and Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis:  An Official ATS/CDC/ERS/IDSA Clinical Practice Guideline https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1164/rccm.202410-2096STLearn more: WHO Global TB Reporthttps://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240101531#:~:text=Overview,years%20can%20be%20found%20here.The Black Angels by Maria SmiliosEverything is Tuberculosis by John Green

This episode dives into lessons learned from the ATS Vaccine Initiative with Robert Stansbury, MD, ATSF, the West Virginia University Medicine vaccine project lead. Dr. Stansbury talks about vaccine uptake in the rural population as compared to urban areas. Joining him is Dona Upson, MD, of the University of New Mexico, and a member of the ATS Vaccine Initiative Advisory Council. Dr. Upson shares how she broaches the subject of vaccination with her patients. 06:45 - What are key takeaways from the ATS Vaccine Initiative?09:39 - What motivates patients to get vaccinated?13:07 -   How soon in the visit do you raise the subject of vaccination?

M. Patricia Rivera, MD, ATSF, immediate past-president of the American Thoracic Society and lung cancer expert, offers up a compelling argument for trusting science. As we're buffeted by government actions and disease outbreaks, it is critical that clinicians and public health officials work together to minimize the impact. Patti Tripathi hosts.06:46 What is immune amnesia and how does it relate to measles?08:51 What is the role of federal health agencies?10:07 What is the ripple effect generated by research funding?12:36 Why should the public trust science?

In this episode of ATS Breathe Easy, host Patti Tripathi welcomes two leading experts to discuss the critical role of vaccines in protecting children and high-risk populations. Paul Offit, MD, renowned scientist and vaccine advocate, and Tina Hartert, MD, MPH, professor of medicine and director of the Center for Asthma Research, provide an in-depth look at vaccine policies, hesitancy, and the consequences of declining immunization rates.

ATS Scholar editor Nitin Seam, MD, ATSF - clinical professor of Medicine at George Washington University and the Uniformed Services University - shares some takeaways from his editorial on the ATS journals' position on the evolving role of artificial intelligence on scientific research and review. Eddie Qian, MD, of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, hosts.06:35 - What are the main takeaways of the ATS editorial?09:13 - Should large language models be authors?09:59 - Why would a reviewer want to upload a paper to an LLM?21:08 - What are topics around AI and LLMs that should be studied in medicine?Read the editorial in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine:  https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1164/rccm.202411-2208ED

Amy Attaway, MD, hosts the latest ATS Breathe Easy episode with former ATS President Monica Kraft, MD, and Asthma and Allergy Network's Chief Research Officer, De De Gardner, DrPH, discuss the benefits and challenges of biologics for asthma. What factors guide selection of a specific biologic for asthma? When should a patient transition from one biologic to another? 08:15 What does shared decision making mean?09:12 How often does a patient need to take a biologic? 12:58 What if you need to renew your biologic but you've stopped taking your inhaler?21:53 What's a strategy for combining biologics for asthma?

Self-described pulmonary fibrosis warrior and former journalist, Teresa Barnes, joins host and former CNN news anchor Patti Tripathi for the premiere episode of ATS Breathe Easy, the Latest. Ms. Barnes is chief executive of Pulmonary Fibrosis Warriors and former chair of the ATS Public Advisory Roundtable. PAR is comprised of 12-15 executives of respiratory-related patient interest organizations like the Pulmonary Fibrosis Warriors. 

Resources provided by podcast participants:National Lung Cancer Round Table-https://nlcrt.org/Lung Plan- https://nlcrt.org/lungplan-overview/Standing Facility Lung Program-https://cancer.wvumedicine.org/about-us/programs/lung-cancer-screening-programMobile Lung Program- https://cancer.wvumedicine.org/about-us/programs/mobile-cancer-screening-program/lucasLiving Beyond Cancer Podcast Series(Patient, Survivors, and Caregivers)-https://cancer.wvumedicine.org/about-us/podcasts/

Lung cancer care begins with prevention. This podcast aims to provide expert insights and practical advice on quitting smoking. We explore the opt-out approach, an effective strategy for initiating conversations about quitting smoking, and provide a comprehensive overview of pharmacotherapy options available to support the patients through their smoking cessation journey. Tune in as we tackle common questions and concerns faced by patients, offering practical tips and guidance to help you kick the habit for good. Disclosures: no financial interests in the production of this material

A practical case-based approach to the management setting and titrating the ventilator in ARDS

Drs. Katherine Cox-Flaherty and Meghan Cirulis dissect a challenging case of decompensated RV failure in a patient with pulmonary hypertension. Tune in for pearls on how to recognize and treat this condition with PH and RV expert, Dr. Corey Ventetuolo. 

Drs. Meghan Cirulis and Katherine Cox-Flaherty discuss key issues surrounding reproductive health in pulmonary hypertension with two national experts on the subject: Dr Anna Hemnes and Dr. Elizabeth Sonntag.

In this episode of the Elevator Pitch, we talk to Dr. Anica Law, chair of the Critical Care Assembly Planning Committee to learn more about what the committee does and how ATS members can get involved.

 In this episode of the Elevator Pitch, we talk to Dr. Lauren Ferrante, chair of the Critical Care Assembly Program Committee to learn more about what the committee does and how ATS members can get involved.

Please join Helena Schotland as she chats with the ATS SRN Web Director, Nancy Stewart, about the sleep-related programs at the ATS 2024 international conference. 

Dr. Naftali Kaminski chats with Dr. MeiLan Han as she shares her journey into becoming Chief of Division of Pulmonary Critical Care at University of Michigan, starting off at a Veterinary facility in her first year of medical school and her non-linear career path; shares some advice in staying the course even if it isn't the traditional route. 

Dr. Naftali Kaminski chats with Dr. Mark Gladwin as he discusses his role as the Dean of University of MD, School of Medicine, and Vice President of Medical Affairs, shares his upbringing in a social science home in an ever-changing environment that has led him to become extremely adaptable and discusses his keys to success and advice. 

Dr. Naftali Kaminski chats with Dr. Jose Heraza Maya as he discusses his trajectory in becoming a Division Chief, how his international background influences his work-style approach and his fascination with heights and planes. 

In the Elevator Pitch, we talk to scientists behind recent studies to understand how their research can impact the way we practice in the ICU. 

Drs. Khushboo Goel and Kathryn del Valle have a conversation with Drs. Stephen Chan and Andrea Frump, Pulmonary Circulation Assembly Programming Chairs for the ATS 2024, about the sessions and events they are most looking forward to in San Diego…and also how to make the most of #ATS2024 as a trainee or early career attendee!

American Thoracic Society-Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology is pleased to present the new podcast, Sleep Pioneers. Join us as we get to know trailblazers in the field better through conversations about their insights working in the field of sleep.

American Thoracic Society-Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology is pleased to present the new podcast, Sleep Pioneers. Join us as we get to know trailblazers in the field better through conversations about their insights working in the field of sleep.

The AI in Sleep Medicine Podcast series (2 episodes) will help users apply the principles of machine learning to clinical care and conceptualize future applications of AI in pediatric and adult sleep medicine. In episode 2, the guest speakers delve into current use cases,  potential opportunities, and possible challenges of AI in sleep medicine. 

American Thoracic Society-Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology continues its podcast series, Sleep Pioneers. Join us as we get to know trailblazers in the field better through conversations about their insights working in the field of sleep.

In this "Breathe Easy Critical Perspective" podcast, Dr. Dominique Pepper interviews Dr. Nida Qadir and Dr. Sareena Sahetya. They discuss their recent Blue journal publication on updated management guidelines for adults with ARDS. Dr. Qadir is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Associate Director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. D. Sahetya is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins.

Despite well-established evidence of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR)effectiveness, inadequate US reimbursement has resulted in challenges that negatively impact PR financial stability, equity and access. The road to equitable payment and access to PR is a long and complex journey. All major pulmonary societies are working together to improve equity of PR reimbursement. ATS recently published a PR clinical practice guideline to update the evidence base of PR and further substantiate and define PR's highly effective impact. As the evidence base of effectiveness improves, we all play a role in understanding and working toward improving patient program access, awareness, and adequate payment.

Dr. Patrick Lyons sits down with Dr. Lekshmi Santhosh, the originator and chair of the ATS ICU-PAUSE program, to discuss this innovative new program.  The ATS ICU-PAUSE program is a communication framework that aims to educate health care providers, including trainees, intensivists, hospitalists, and advanced practice providers around patient safety, diagnostic uncertainty and implicit bias during transitions of care.  Dr. Lyons, an ICU-PAUSE co-investigator and collaborator, discusses the origins of this program with the ATS, some of the pitfalls of the ICU-to-ward transition, and how the ICU-PAUSE checklist has been used to improve communication across many institutions across the country! Show NotesThe ATS ICU-PAUSE toolkit and CME module are available on ATS Ed +.  This includes a CME-accredited video module featuring national patient safety experts, a downloadable implementation toolkit (including informational packet, .icutoward EHR dotphrase, print-ready post card, and print-ready flyer) as well as resources to get involved and become a participating site and implement the ICU-PAUSE at your own site.  To access these materials, please visit ATS Ed+ and create an account. ATS ICU-PAUSE

American Thoracic Society-Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology is pleased to present the new podcast, Sleep Pioneers. Join us as we get to know trailblazers in the field better through conversations about their insights working in the field of sleep.

This episode offers a CRUCIAL overview of the Medicare hospice benefit, utilization logistics for advanced lung disease patients, communication strategies, patient-focused methodology in discussions and additional resources to enhance providers' skill sets in caring for this important and vulnerable patient population.

In this podcast, Dr. Ally Larkin, Dr. Carol Mansfield, and Dr. Robyn Cohen discuss their experience implementing Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (known as "SMART" or "MART"). SMART is included in the 2020 updates to the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Asthma Management Guidelines and the 2021 updates to the Global Initiative for Asthma Strategy. In this discussion, they cover how they implemented SMART into their clinical practice, challenges they've faced making the change, how SMART has improved asthma management and control for their patients, and advice for providers seeking to implement SMART into their own practices. References:New NAEPP/NHLBI Guidelines (2020): Expert Panel Working Group of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) administered and coordinated National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Coordinating Committee (NAEPPCC); Cloutier MM, Baptist AP, Blake KV, Brooks EG, Bryant-Stephens T, DiMango E, Dixon AE, Elward KS, Hartert T, Krishnan JA, Lemanske RF Jr, Ouellette DR, Pace WD, Schatz M, Skolnik NS, Stout JW, Teach SJ, Umscheid CA, Walsh CG. 2020 Focused Updates to the Asthma Management Guidelines: A Report from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Coordinating Committee Expert Panel Working Group. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020 Dec;146(6):1217-1270. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.10.003. Erratum in: J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2021 Apr;147(4):1528-1530. PMID: 33280709; PMCID: PMC7924476.  New GINA Guidelines (2021): Reddel HK, Bacharier LB, Bateman ED, Brightling CE, Brusselle GG, Buhl R, Cruz AA, Duijts L, Drazen JM, FitzGerald JM, Fleming LJ, Inoue H, Ko FW, Krishnan JA, Levy ML, Lin J, Mortimer K, Pitrez PM, Sheikh A, Yorgancioglu AA, Boulet LP. Global Initiative for Asthma Strategy 2021: Executive Summary and Rationale for Key Changes. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2022 Jan 1;205(1):17-35. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202109-2205PP. PMID: 34658302; PMCID: PMC8865583.  Articles on Implementation: Reddel HK, Bateman ED, Schatz M, Krishnan JA, Cloutier MM. A Practical Guide to Implementing SMART in Asthma Management. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2022 Jan;10(1S):S31-S38. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.10.011. Epub 2021 Oct 16. PMID: 34666208.  Cloutier MM, Teach SJ, Lemanske RF Jr, Blake KV. The 2020 Focused Updates to the NIH Asthma Management Guidelines: Key Points for Pediatricians. Pediatrics. 2021 Jun;147(6):e2021050286. doi: 10.1542/peds.2021-050286. Epub 2021 May 3. PMID: 33941586; PMCID: PMC8168603.  Article on the Implementation Gap: Krings JG, Sekhar TC, Chen V, Blake KV, Sumino K, James AS, Clover AK, Lenze EJ, Brownson RC, Castro M. Beginning to Address an Implementation Gap in Asthma: Clinicians' Views of Prescribing Reliever Budesonide-Formoterol Inhalers and SMART in the United States. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2023 Sep;11(9):2767-2777. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.05.023. Epub 2023 May 26. PMID: 37245736.  

Dr. Kathryn del Valle has a conversation with Dr. Hilary DuBrock about Pulmonary Hypertension fellowship, including what it entails, who is eligible to apply, and why it can be beneficial for those pursuing a career in PH.

The AI in Sleep Medicine Podcast series (2 episodes) will help users apply the principles of machine learning to clinical care and conceptualize future applications of pediatric and adult sleep medicine. Episode 1 focuses on the definitions and applications of AI in sleep medicine. References: Sendak MP, Gao M, Brajer N, Balu S. Presenting machine learning model information to clinical end users with model facts labels. NPJ digital medicine. 2020 Mar 23;3(1):41.Rajpurkar P, Chen E, Banerjee O, Topol EJ. AI in health and medicine. Nature medicine. 2022 Jan;28(1):31-8.s 

Katie O'Grady shares her journey with Cystic Fibrosis and how running saved her life. Hear Katie's highs and lows of running, and tips on how to support your patients to exercise.

Dr. Naftali Kaminski chats with Dr. Lynn Schnapp as she discusses how she became interested in triathlons, her passion for faculty development and mentorship, her journeys as President of the ATS during the Covid pandemic and what's next in her career.