Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Faculty
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Ashley Fuchs
Phone: 612-624-0999
Email: fuchs@umn.edu
Fax: 612-625-2174
Summary
Dr. Kim is the Director of the Interstitial Lung Disease program and supervises ILD clinical trials. She established the University of Minnesota ILD database in 2010 to answer questions about natural history and outcomes of ILD. She led the ILD program to achieve recognition as a Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Care Center Network site, which identifies pulmonary fibrosis centers that provide leading clinical care and research. She also organizes the University of Minnesota Pulmonary Fibrosis Patient Education Day, a biennial free symposium for patients and families with pulmonary fibrosis that provides the latest updates in pulmonary fibrosis care and research. Her clinical expertise centers on treating patients with interstitial lung disease, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, IgG4-related lung disease, airway-centered interstitial fibrosis, scleroderma lung disease, other connective tissue disease-related lung diseases and rare ILDs. Her research interests include natural history and outcomes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pharmacogenomics of anti-fibrotic medications, non-pharmacologic treatments for ILDs, and clinical trials in ILD.
Research Summary
Natural history of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; clinical predictors of disease progression and survival in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; clinical research in interstitial lung diseases. Predictors of survival in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; IgG4-related lung disease; risk factors for acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; treatment ourcomes of pulmonary hypertension in interstitial lung diseases; airway-centered interstitial fibrosis; biomarkers of disease progression in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; multiple ongoing and completed clinical trials in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Clinical Summary
All ILDs. Our ILD clinic provides comprehensive, patient-centered care for patients. Our ILD nurse and clinic coordinators work closely with the ILD physicians to ensure that patients get the best care available. We also provide opportunities for patients to participate in studies if they choose.
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Helen Rieger
Phone: 612-624-0999
Email: riege002@umn.edu
Fax: 612-625-2174
Summary
Dr. Kubbara's background is in Pulmonary and Critical Care with expertise in Interstitial Lung Disease, Pulmonary Vasculitis, and Medical Intensive Care. He completed a Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship from the University of Toleda (2015-2018). He has one year of experience at the Mayo Clinic Rochester in critical care, and one year in academic Pulmonary Critical Care at the University of Nevada Reno. Dr. Kubbara also has one year of community Pulmonary & Critical Care between Mayo Clinic Eau Claire & Aspirus Wausua Hospital. In addition, he had an advanced fellowship in Interstitial Lung Disease & Vasculitis from Mayo Clinic.
Research Summary
ILD/Vasculitis Shock Mechanical Ventilation
Clinical Summary
Interstitial Lung Disease; Pulmonary Vasculitis; Medical Intensive Care
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Helen Rieger
Phone: 612-624-0999
Email: riege002@umn.edu
Fax: 612-625-2174
Summary
Anupam Kumar MD FCCP is the Medical Director of the Lung Transplantation program at University of Minnesota Medical Center. His areas of expertise involve lung transplantation, interstitial lung diseases and rare lung disorders. He is driven by a strong desire to provide best outcomes for those with advanced lung diseases and those who are in need of organ transplantation. His contributions to the field of medicine encompass clinical research, peer-reviewed published articles, and editorial responsibilities for text books and journals. He is a regular speaker at national conferences focused on pulmonary and critical care.
Research Summary
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; Connective Disease Interstitial Lung Diseases; Pulmonary alveolar Proteinosis; Cystic Lung Diseases; Primary graft dysfunction; Lung transplant rejection
Creative Activity Summary
American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP)-CHEST; The International Society for Heart & Lung Transplantation (ISHLT); American Thoracic Society (ATS)
Service Summary
Distinguished CHEST Educator (DCE), American College of Chest Physicians, (2023); Faculty of the Year, Pulmonary & Critical Care, Baylor College of Medicine (2022-2023); Distinguished CHEST Educator (DCE), American College of Chest Physicians (2022); Cleveland Clinic, “Excellence in teaching for academic year 2014-2015”
Clinical Summary
Diagnosis and management of interstitial lung diseases including pulmonary fibrosis of all types, connective tissue disease lung disorders, sarcoidosis, rare lung disorders, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), assessment for lung transplant candidacy, optimization for lung transplantation, post-transplant management, intensive care unit management, cardiothoracic critical care, advanced bronchoscopy.
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Helen Rieger
Phone: 612-624-0999
Email: riege002@umn.edu
Fax: 612-625-2174
Summary
Dr. Lambert holds a B.A. from Middlebury College, a Ph.D. in Occupational Epidemiology and an M.D. from the University of Minnesota. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency and Pulmonary Critical Care Fellowship at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Lambert's research focuses on lung cancer risk prediction models and tobacco biomarkers. She works in the medical intensive care unit at both the University of Minnesota Medical Center and Fairview Southdale Hospital where she is involved in medical education for both the internal medicine and pulmonary critical care fellowship programs. She also works in the Lung Transplant Clinic and outpatient pulmonology clinic at the MHealth Fairview Clinical and Surgical Center (CSC).
Research Summary
- Lung cancer
- Biomarkers
- Risk prediction models
Teaching Summary
- Lung cancer
- Biomarkers
- Risk prediction models
Clinical Summary
- Lung cancer
- Lung transplant
- Medical Education
Education
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: GI Division
Phone: 612-625-8999
Email: gidivision@umn.edu
Mail: 420 Delaware Street SE, MMC 36, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Summary
I am a Transplant Hepatologist who has obtained additional training in Critical Care medicine. My passion is the treatment of critically ill patients with liver disease, particularly those with acute liver failure, and management of hospitalized patients before and after liver transplantation. My research focus is acute liver failure as well as outcomes in the pre and post transplant period.
Research Summary
- Acute Liver Failure
- Hepatitis B Advocacy
- Coagulopathy in Liver Disease
- Hospital Management of Hepatorenal Syndrome
- Alcoholic Liver Disease
- Hepatic Manifestations of Telomere Biology Disorders
Clinical Summary
Cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, auto-immune liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, liver transplantation, liver cancer, hospitalized patients with liver disease, liver disease in persons with HIV/AIDS
Education
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Honors and Recognition
Professional Memberships
Selected Publications
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Ashley Fuchs
Phone: 612-624-0999
Email: fuchs@umn.edu
Fax: 612-625-2174
Summary
Dr. Kathleen Mahan specializes in caring for adults with cystic fibrosis, and other chronic lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, lung transplant. Her clinical expertise includes the management and care of complex critically ill patients in the medical intensive care unit. She strives to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to all of her patients. As the co-director of Med 7532, she is actively engaged in teaching future physicians through the medical school and in the hospital and clinics.
Research interests include studying the effects of COVID-19 within the CF population, evaluation and better understanding of the lung microbiome and its effects on patient outcomes, particularly those who have undergone lung transplantation, and exploration of alternative therapies to antibiotics for chronic lung disease.
Research Summary
- Lung microbiome
- Post-covid lung disease
- COVID and CF
- Alternative antimicrobials
Teaching Summary
-
MED 7532 course co-director, medical student, resident and fellow education
Clinical Summary
Cystic fibrosis; Critical Care; Lung transplant
Education
Honors and Recognition
Professional Memberships
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Emily Awes Anderson
Phone: 612-624-0999
Email: awes0005@umn.edu
Fax: 612-625-2174
Summary
My pulmonary and critical care fellowship entailed a combined clinical and research training track at the University of Maryland Medical Center and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) at the NIH. Thus, my experience was inclusive of both general pulmonary and critical care medicine training as well as a focus on translational endothelial biology regarding rare autoinflammatory diseases that were associated with pulmonary vascular disease and interstitial lung disease.
Research Summary
Interstitial lung disease; pulmonary vascular disease; overlap of ILD and vascular disease; application of bioinformatics to investigate disease processes and to advance targeted therapeutics (precision medicine).
Professional Memberships
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Ashley Fuchs
Phone: 612-624-0999
Email: fuchs@umn.edu
Fax: 612-625-2174
Summary
Dr. Mesfin's clinical expertise is in the diagnosis, work-up, and management of critically ill patients, ventilator management, and multidisciplinary care coordination within the ICU. Dr. Mesfin is a health services researcher with an interest in observational studies assessing outcomes of critical illness with a focus on end-of-life care, goals of care communication, and health disparities during critical illness.
He is particularly interested in identifying risk factors for low-value care near the end of life and optimizing goals of care communication to mitigate potentially unwanted intensive care near the end of life. His prior work focuses on understanding the role of recommendation during goals of care conversations.
Research Summary
- Critical illness outcomes
- End-of-life care in seriously ill patients
- Goals of care communication
Clinical Summary
Critical illness outcomes; End of life care in seriously ill patients; Goals of care communication
Education
Professional Memberships
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Emily Olmsted-Morales
Phone: 612-624-0999
Email: olmst111@umn.edu
Fax: 612-625-2174
Summary
My specialty is Allergy/Immunology and I have been in clinical practice for 12 years. 8 years at a multi-specialty clinic in Dubuque, Iowa and 5 years at Midwest Allergy & Asthma in the East Metro. My focus has been primarily an outpatient practice seeing patients with allergy concerns (environmental (indoor and outdoor), food, or drug allergy) as well as asthma concerns. In addition, many patients have skin concerns such as rashes, hives (urticaria) or eczema.
Professional Memberships
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Emily Olmsted-Morales
Phone: 612-624-0999
Email: olmst111@umn.edu
Fax: 612-625-2174
Summary
Dr. Nathani’s clinical expertise is in interventional pulmonology and care of critically ill patients. He practices at the University of Minnesota Medical Center as well as Southdale Hospital in Edina. Dr. Nathani is enthusiastic about providing the very best care to his patients.
Research Summary
- Point of care ultrasound
- Lung cancer screening
- Outcome improvement in the intensive care unit
Clinical Summary
- Lung nodule evaluation
- Endobronchial valves for COPD
- Chest tube placement
- Lung biopsies
- Thoracentesis
- Medical pleuroscopy for pleural effusion
- Management of the critical ill patient
- Complex airway diseases requiring debulking or stent placement
Education
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Professional Memberships
Bio
Angela Panoskaltsis-Mortari, PhD is a Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy. She is also a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep. Dr. Panoskaltsis-Mortari is the Director of the Cytokine Reference Laboratory, the Director of the 3D Bioprinting Facility at the University of Minnesota and Vice Chair for Research for the Department of Pediatrics.
Dr. Panoskaltsis-Mortari received her PhD from the University of Western Ontario. She was a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Pathology at the University of Alabama and a post-doctoral research associate in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota. She joined the University of Minnesota faculty in 1995.
Dr. Panoskaltsis-Mortari has board certification from the American Board of Medical Laboratory Immunology. She is a member of numerous immunology, pulmonary, and hematology professional societies, and the author of over 275 articles which have appeared in such publications as Advanced Materials, Journal of Clinical Investigation, Blood, Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, and American Journal of Physiology (Lung, Cell. & Mol. Physiol.).
Research Summary
With 25 years of experience in animal models of stem cell transplant, lung injury, mesenchymal stem/stromal cell therapy and the biology of graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) after bone marrow transplant, Dr. Angela Panoskaltsis-Mortari's work has evolved into the bioengineering field, and she is recognized as one of the thought leaders in lung bioengineering. Dr. Panoskaltsis-Mortari's laboratory research currently focuses upon 2 major themes: 1) bioengineering autologous tissues such as trachea and esophagus using 3D bioprinting and customized hydrogels including decellularized extracellular matrix; and 2) 3D bioprinting of cancer models.
Dr. Panoskaltsis-Mortari established and directs the 3D Bioprinting Facility at the University of Minnesota. She also directs the UMN Cytokine Reference Laboratory (a CLIA-licensed facility). She is a member of the Stem Cell Institute, the Institute for Engineering in Medicine, the Lillehei Heart Institute, the Masonic Cancer Center, the Center for Immunology, and the Robotics Institute. She is funded by the NIH, has mentored many post-docs, MD trainees, graduate students and undergrads in various training programs. Her goal is to realize the potential of regenerative medicine by converging the fields of stem cell biology, mechanical & biomedical engineering, biomaterials, physiology, robotics, and surgery to bioengineer autologous tissues/organs for transplant using a patient's own cells that would not be rejected by their immune system.
Education
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Licensures and Certifications
Honors and Recognition
Selected Publications
Contact
Address
Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular TherapyMayo Mail Code 366
420 Delaware Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Administrative Contact
Janelle Willard
Administrative Phone: 612-626-2961
Administrative Email: traut001@umn.edu
Administrative Fax Number: 612-626-4074
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Emily Olmsted-Morales
Phone: 612-624-0999
Email: olmst111@umn.edu
Fax: 612-625-2174
Clinical Summary
General pulmonary medicine; Transplant and critical care medicine
Education
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Emily Olmsted-Morales
Phone: 612-624-0999
Email: olmst111@umn.edu
Fax: 612-625-2174
Summary
Dr. Katie Pendleton is a Minnesota native who joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota in 2017. She is trained in both pulmonary and critical care medicine and practices in both arenas by seeing patients in the ICU as well as general pulmonary clinic. Dr. Pendleton's research interests include quality improvement, implementation science, and outcomes research in ICU medicine. She is specifically interested in improving practices surrounding management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and hospital-acquired delirium in ICU patients. Dr. Pendleton also plays an active role in medical education and serves as a Core Faculty Member for the Internal Medicine Residency Program, with a specific focus on curriculum development and design.
Research Summary
- Sepsis
- ARDS
- ICU Sedation and Delirium
Clinical Summary
Critical Care Medicine; ARDS; ICU Delirium; Sepsis; General Pulmonary Medicine
Education
Honors and Recognition
Professional Memberships
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Ashley Fuchs
Phone: 612-624-0999
Email: fuchs@umn.edu
Fax: 612-625-2174
Summary
Dr. Perlman received his B.A. in biology from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota in 1989. After college he worked as a research assistant in the lab of Dr. Radovan Zak at the University of Chicago, working mainly on projects relating to the recovery from injury of skeletal and cardiac muscle. He subsequently returned to Minnesota to attend medical school and received his M.D. from the University of Minnesota in 1996. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Hennepin County Medical Center, he entered the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship program at the U of MN.
Clinical Summary
General pulmonary medicine; Critical care medicine; Pulmonary fibrosis; Environmentally-associated lung disease
Education
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Emily Olmsted-Morales
Phone: 612-624-0999
Email: olmst111@umn.edu
Fax: 612-625-2174
Summary
After receiving my medical degree, I completed my residency in Internal medicine in 2000. During my residency at Howard University, I was exposed to biomedical research and I became interested in pursuing clinical research for a career. However, for immigration reasons, I took a primary care position in a medically underserved rural area for a few years. From there, I became a research fellow in cardiovascular physiology at the Mayo Clinic. After spending two years doing clinical research, I completed a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in sleep medicine and began to publish research reports. Subsequently, I then took a faculty position at the University of Minnesota in the Division of Pulmonary/Critical Care/Sleep Medicine. Meanwhile, I have continued to collaborate with Dr. Virend Somers at Mayo Clinic. Sleep medicine is a developing field, with ample opportunity for clinical research. Though obstructive sleep apnea's (OSA) significant association with cardiovascular disease is well known, the pathophysiological mechanisms involved remain unclear. My plan is to pursue new biomarkers and other clinical indicators than will permit these pathophysiological mechanisms to become clearer. My aim is then to initiate a clinical research program that will use these biomarkers for early detection and, eventually, treatment of OSA.
Research Summary
Study pertaining to effects of changes in body fat composition on sleep and cardiovascular physiology (Mentor: Somers VK, MD); Study involving the relationship between sleep and acute myocardial infarction (Mentor: Somers VK, MD); Comparative analysis of cardiac inflammatory markers in Asian Indians vs. Caucasians (Mentor: Somers VK, MD)
Minnesota Medical Foundation Pusalavidyasagar (PI) 03/01/12-2/28/14
Determination of Endogenous Levels of Hydrogen Sulfide and Nitric Oxide in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Role: PI
Education
Professional Memberships
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Ashley Fuchs
Phone: 612-624-0999
Email: fuchs@umn.edu
Fax: 612-625-2174
Clinical Summary
Critical Care Medicine Obstructive lung disease Alpha-1 Antitrypsin
Professional Memberships
Bio
Dr. Timothy Rich is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota. He is trained in pulmonology, critical care, and sleep medicine, and currently practices for Essentia Health in Duluth, Minnesota. Dr. Rich has a research interest in acute lung injury, specifically ARDS in ICU patients.
Research Summary
- ARDS and the impact on patients in Intensive Care Units
Clinical Summary
- Lung disease
- Acute lung injury
- Sleep apnea
- Obstructive lung disease
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Emily Olmsted-Morales
Phone: 612-624-0999
Email: olmst111@umn.edu
Fax: 612-625-2174
Summary
Dr. Rovinski practices both Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine. His clinical interests are in the care and support of critically ill patients and their families. He has particular interests in clinical and translational research in the heterogeneous syndromes treated in the ICU, namely ARDS and sepsis.
Research Summary
Critical care clinical and translational research; ARDS; Mechanical Ventilation; Respiratory physiology; ECLS-ECMO; Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Clinical Summary
Critical Care (ARDS; Mechanical Ventilation; Sepsis); Pulmonary medicine (Obstructive airway diseases; Interstitial / Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Disease; Pulmonary Infectious Diseases; Pulmonary Vascular Disease)
Education
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Honors and Recognition
Professional Memberships
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Nephrology Division
Phone: 612-624-9444
Email: renaldiv@umn.edu
Summary
Dr. Sami Safadi is an assistant professor of medicine at the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension. He completed his nephrology fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, and his critical care fellowship at the University of Maryland. His clinical and research interests are in critical care nephrology, and point-of-care ultrasound.
Research Summary
- Critical Care Nephrology
- Point of Care Ultrasound
Teaching Summary
Critical Care Nephrology, Point of Care Ultrasound
Clinical Summary
Critical Care Nephrology, Point of Care Ultrasound
Education
Professional Memberships
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Emily Olmsted-Morales
Phone: 612-624-0999
Email: olmst111@umn.edu
Fax: 612-625-2174
Summary
Dr. Skolasinski completed his Internal Medicine residency and fellowships in Research, Pulmonary, and Critical Care at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He joined the faculty in 2021. His research interests include lung disorders, lung bioengineering, COPD, and small airway disease. Dr. Skolasinski’s clinical interests include general pulmonology, small airway disease, COPD, and critical care. In addition to seeing patients in the outpatient general pulmonary clinics he works in the medical intensive care unit.
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Emily Olmsted-Morales
Phone: 612-624-0999
Email: olmst111@umn.edu
Fax: 612-625-2174
Summary
After completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota, I received my medical degree from the University of North Carolina. I completed internal medicine residency at New York University prior to returning to Minnesota to complete my fellowship at the University of Minnesota. I am interested in medical education for all levels of trainees, critical care ultrasound, and ARDS. In addition to my clinical responsibilities, I am also the co-director for the pulmonary consult rotation for medical students and residents.
Teaching Summary
Ultrasound training; Medical student, resident, and fellow education, Respiratory physiology
Clinical Summary
ARDS; Ventilator Management; Shock
Education
Professional Memberships
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Emily Awes Anderson
Phone: 612-624-0999
Email: awes0005@umn.edu
Fax: 612-625-2174
Summary
Dr. Wacker combines medical training in emergency medicine, internal medicine and medical critical care with a research background in molecular biology and biophysics.
Research Summary
Shock, ARDS, Oncological emergencies
Clinical Summary
Shock, Respiratory failure, Oncological emergencies
Education
Honors and Recognition
Professional Memberships
Bio
Dr. Wendt has a long-standing interest in clinical and translational research in COPD, specifically focusing on biomarkers and pathways of disease. Dr. Wendt has participated on five large NIH COPD trials, three of which are ongoing and are a resource for developing trainees and junior faculty interested in clinical research. In addition, Dr. Wendt was recently the PI of a FAMRI award for a clinical trial related to the microbiome. This study provided a platform for a junior faculty (CDA awardee) to gain experience in clinical trials and to participate in the expansion to a multi-center trial. Dr. Wendt's current translational work has focuses on biomarkers and causal pathways in COPD leading to lung cancer (VA Lung Precision Oncology Program) and HIV associated COPD (NIH R01). These translational projects combine multiple investigators with expertise in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, computational and systems biology. Dr. Wendt also participates in a VA Cooperative Study (SHADE) to determine the respiratory effects of particulate matter in deployed Veterans and has a VA Collaborative Merit Award to phenotype exposure related pulmonary disease in the SHADE cohort. Through all this work Dr. Wendt has fostered cross-discipline collaborations, creating mentoring and collaborative opportunities for trainees and junior faculty. Dr. Wendt has and continues to accumulate a substantial and successful mentoring record. Dr. Wendt has mentored 5 graduate students,11 fellows, 3 PhD post-doctoral fellows and 5 faculty. Most notably are Dr. Alexa Pragman, recipient of VA CDA and recent VA Merit Award (microbiome in COPD), Dr. Theresa Laguna, recipient of NIH R01 (microbiome in CF infants) and recently recruited as Division Director of Pulmonary, Northwestern University, Dr. Maneesh Bhargava, recipient of CTSI K award and NIH R01, Dr. Arianne Baldomero, recipient of CTSI KL2 Award, Dr. Dwight Stoll, Professor and Co-Chair of Chemistry at Gustavus University and Dr. Filippo Colleti, Aerospace Engineering, recipient of NIH R22 (structure-function in COPD) and promoted to Associate Professor with tenure. Dr. Wendt also has extensive involvement with the American Thoracic Society (ATS) including chairing multiple assembly committees, which is a resource for networking and involvement for trainees and junior faculty.
Research Summary
Dr. Wendt’s research has focused on both clinical and translational research in COPD and associated contributors including tobacco, HIV, air pollution and COPD as a causal pathway to lung cancer. Dr. Wendt has participated on five large NIH COPD trials, including the NIH COPD Clinical Research Network and COPDGene. A significant area of focus includes identifying biomarkers and pathways of disease, particularly in lung cancer and HIV associated COPD. This translational program combines multiple investigators with expertise in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, computational and systems biology. Much of this work has included applying mass spectrometry techniques to measure proteins and metabolites in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). This includes the development of a robust protocol to perform mass spectrometry, high throughput proteomics on small volumes of BALF. This workflow is highlighted in a recent publication and part of Dr. Wendt’s participation in an ATS document on BALF. Using this robust technique has led to new discoveries in proteomic and metabolic pathways in HIV-associated COPD and the role of complicated protease networks.
Dr. Wendt’s interest in air pollution and chronic lung disease dates to her participation as a delegate for the University of Minnesota and Chinese Academy of Science to address the health effects of air pollution in China. This resulted in two publications on the effects of air pollution exposure on lung disease and biomarkers of lung disease. Following this she became a Site PI for the VA Cooperative Study #595 Service and Health Among Deployed Veterans (SHADE). SHADE is an epidemiology study to determine the effects of deployment-related air pollution exposure, including burn pits, on lung function and symptoms. This study uses sophisticated modeling to identify individual air pollution exposure to correlate to lung function and symptoms. To further characterize this population, Dr. Wendt was awarded a VA Merit Award as part of a Cooperative Merit Award to characterize biomarkers of airway injury and inflammation in a subset of SHADE participants with respiratory symptoms. These biomarkers in combination with assessment of anatomical and structural changes on chest computed tomography and airway physiology in the same Veteran population will allow detailed characterization of respiratory endotypes related to PM2.5 exposure. In addition, using the VA Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW) we have identified over 1.2 million Veterans with COPD and using this unique cohort is in collaboration with Dr. Berman, Environmental Sciences, to determine the association of air pollution and mortality in a vulnerable population.
Clinical Summary
Clinical Interests COPD; Critical Care Clinic Focus My major clinical focus has been on advanced therapies for emphysema. I am the Co-Director of the Lung Volume Reduction Surgery Program and I am currently participating on the NIH COPD Clinical Research Network. The University of Minnesota has been designated the clinical coordinating center for this network.
Bio
Administrator Info
Name: Emily Olmsted-Morales
Phone: 612-624-0999
Email: olmst111@umn.edu
Fax: 612-625-2174
Summary
Dr. Jennifer Wong practices general pulmonary medicine seeing patients in both the clinic and hospital setting along with treating patients in the medical intensive care unit. She completed additional training in interventional pulmonary medicine and spends a portion of her clinical time performing airway, pleural, and diagnostic procedures in the operating room and bronchoscopy suite along with seeing patients in an interventional pulmonary clinic. Dr. Wong has previously completed research evaluating patient preferences in regards to life sustaining treatment, which remains an area of interest. She is also actively involved in evaluating new techniques as it relates to interventional pulmonary procedures.
Research Summary
- Code status
- Novel interventional pulmonary techniques
Teaching Summary
- Resident Education
Clinical Summary
- General Pulmonary
- Interventional Pulmonary
- Critical Care
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Professional Memberships
Deep understanding of molecular pathogenesis is the key to finding cures to complex conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, emphysema and lung cancer. Maneesh Bhargava MBBS, PhD completed doctoral training in Biomedical Informatics and Computational Biology at the University of Minnesota. His research couples state-of the-art mass spectrometer studies with advanced computational algorithms to uncover novel mechanisms involved in acute and chronic lung diseases.
PACCS intensivists care for critically ill patients and teach medical trainees in three different hospitals in the Twin Cities. We also provide tele-ICU services to six other M Health-Fairview hospitals.