Lung Institute's Podcast

DescriptionDr. 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-LUNGBaylor 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-LUNGBaylor 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-LUNGBaylor 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-LUNGBaylor 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

Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Executive Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute, and Dr. David B. Corry explore the complexities of immunology, allergy, and rheumatology with a focus on airway mycosis. Drawing on Dr. Corry’s pulmonary critical care expertise, they discuss fungal sinusitis, diagnostic techniques, and the future of allergic airway disease care. This episode offers a deep dive into managing fungal infections in the airway and the future of care in this field.Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Executive Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute, and Dr. Ivan Rosas, Section Chief of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, discuss the Advanced Lung Disease clinic and its vital role for patients with conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis. They cover the journey to diagnosis, early detection, and the crucial role of genetics in identifying at-risk individuals. They also explore actionable steps for those at-risk and treatment strategies, highlighting the promising future of genetic therapies. Additionally, they explain the differences between the Advanced Lung Disease clinic and the lung transplant clinic, including patient eligibility criteria.Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Executive Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute, and Dr. Meera Patel, director of the Tumor Board and lead for lung cancer in the oncology department at Baylor College of Medicine, discuss key developments in lung cancer care. Topics include Dr. Patel’s clinical practice, current trends in incidence and prognosis, and cases presenting without traditional risk factors.The episode highlights the Baylor College of Medicine Imagine Project, which utilizes whole genome and exome sequencing to identify novel genetic targets. Ongoing clinical trials such as NeoADAURA and IMforte are also discussed, along with comparisons between targeted therapy and immunotherapy. The conversation offers insight into emerging treatment strategies and research aimed at improving outcomes for patients with small cell lung cancer.Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

In this episode, Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Executive Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute, speaks with Dr. Thomas Milner, PhD, director of the Biophotonics Program at Baylor College of Medicine. Together, they explore how nano-sized structures are being used to bioengineer light for innovative patient treatments. Their discussion highlights collaborative research across institutions and disciplines focused on advancing care for patients with lung disease. Dr. Milner also shares insights into his current work harnessing light-based technologies to address challenges in cardiology, ophthalmology, and dermatology.Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

In this episode, Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Executive Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute, sits down with Dr. Richard Gibbs, founding director of Baylor College of Medicine’s Human Genome Sequencing Program. Dr. Gibbs shares the story behind the creation of the program, its pivotal role in sequencing the human genome, and the exciting advancements shaping the future of genetic research.Together, they explore how genomic science is transforming patient care—particularly in the treatment of rare lung diseases—and discuss innovative projects such as Baylor’s IMAGINE initiative, which is harnessing DNA sequencing for therapeutic applications. The conversation also touches on CRISPR technology, Dr. Gibbs’ collaboration with Dr. Ivan Rosas on COPD treatment, and the evolving value of genetic testing in modern medicine.Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

In this episode, Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Executive Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute, sits down with Dr. Zaid Ali Siddiqui to explore the evolving field of lung radiation oncology therapy. Dr. Siddiqui shares what drew him to radiation oncology and offers insight into how the treatment landscape for lung cancer continues to advance. The conversation covers key topics such as navigating clinical trials, selecting optimal treatment plans, and the nuances between stereotactic radiation approaches including Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), proton radiation, and photon radiation. They also discuss how chemotherapy and immunotherapy intersect with radiation therapy, the intriguing concept of the abscopal effect, and radiation’s important role in palliative care for lung cancer patients.Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Executive Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute, and Dr. Nicola A. Hanania, a leading expert in adult-onset asthma and airway diseases, delve into the complexities of asthma in adults. They discuss how adult asthma differs from childhood asthma, covering treatment strategies, management plans, and the impact of comorbidities. Dr. Hanania shares insights on assessing asthma control—from evaluating symptoms and lung function testing to advanced methods for cases that are hard to manage with standard treatments. They explore cutting-edge approaches, including identifying asthma phenotypes through specialized tests and using targeted therapies like biologics for severe cases. Tune in to hear about his ongoing research and recent breakthroughs in the field, offering a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of asthma care.Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

In this episode, Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Executive Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute, and Dr. Subhasis Chatterjee explore the critical role of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and advanced lung support in managing severe respiratory failure. They explain what ECMO is, how it works, and the clinical decision-making behind its use. The discussion covers how ECMO can give the lungs time to recover, serve as a bridge to lung transplantation, and when it may be contraindicated.Dr. Chatterjee also shares insights into the challenges associated with ECMO, including patient selection, management complexities, and clinical outcomes. The conversation highlights Baylor College of Medicine’s increasing ECMO volume, improvements in survival rates, and innovations that have advanced program success. Additionally, they discuss ongoing research, findings from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the evolving future of advanced lung support therapies.Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

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 Lung Institute, introduces Dr. Taylor Ripley, a leading expert in thoracic surgery and lung cancer research. Dr. Ripley specializes in complex conditions such as mesothelioma, esophageal cancer, and mediastinal masses. In their discussion, they focus on mesothelioma, a rare cancer often caused by asbestos exposure, highlighting its causes, latency period, and diagnostic challenges. Dr. Ripley explains how mesothelioma typically affects the chest lining and shares insights into patient evaluation, including the importance of fluid analysis and surgical biopsy for accurate diagnosis. The conversation also touches on environmental risks and historical exposure, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of mesothelioma in clinical practice and research.Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Executive Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute, interviews Dr. Philip Alapat. Dr. Alapat is an expert and leader within the Sleep Section of the Pulmonary Division at Baylor College of Medicine. Together, they explore how sleep affects daily life, memory, and health. They discuss how to optimize lung health and sleep. Dr. Alapat gives tips from his years of experience coaching patients to enhance their sleep. He discusses specific disorders of sleep and ways to medically treat diseases that affect sleep. Stay with us as we explore with a deep dive into sleep from the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute "On Air" Podcast.Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Executive Director of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute, interviews Dr. Julina Ongkasuwan about her work with restoring function to the vocal folds. Patients who suffer from loss of voice due to injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Dr. Ongkasuwan is one of only a few surgeons in the world who has extensive experience transferring nerves to the recurrent laryngeal nerve to restore voice, prevent aspiration and protect the lungs.Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

In this episode of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute Podcast Series “On Air”, Executive Director Dr. Shanda Blackmon sits down with Dr. Gabriel Loor, Surgical Director of Baylor’s Lung Transplant Program, to explore the evolving world of lung transplantation.They discuss patient selection criteria, the remarkable growth of the lung transplant program at Baylor, and the supportive measures available before transplant, including ECMO and ventilator assistance. Dr. Loor also explains the innovative use of ex-vivo lung perfusion, a transformative technology that allows assessment and optimization of donor lungs before transplantation—reshaping the future of lung transplant care.Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG

In the inaugural episode of the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute Podcast Series “On Air”, Executive Director Dr. Shanda Blackmon speaks with Dr. Cyrus Vahdatpour about the Baylor Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic and the complex condition of pulmonary hypertension.They explore how pulmonary hypertension presents in patients, its prognosis, and current approaches to patient management. The conversation covers screening and diagnosis, the different types of pulmonary hypertension, and the role of ECMO in managing severe cases. Drs. Blackmon and Vahdatpour also discuss outcomes after lung transplant in patients with pulmonary hypertension and look ahead to the future of care, including emerging and novel therapies.Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute (713)798-LUNG