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-LUNG

Baylor 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