Updates by Specialty Division
Pulmonary
The mission of the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine is to provide the highest quality compassionate patient care, mentoring and training to the next generation of leaders in our discipline and to conduct research that improves the lives of our patients.
The division is comprised of more than 60 faculty who actively participate in research programs, community service and an extensive array of clinical activities. Clinical services include the treatment and management of cystic fibrosis, interstitial and immunologic lung disease, lung cancer and other pulmonary conditions.
Researchers in the division pursue a variety of basic, translational and clinical research projects in the fields of pulmonary and critical care medicine. Studies are conducted in facilities located on the school’s Indianapolis campus, its affiliated hospitals and in collaboration with investigators in other IU School of Medicine divisions and centers and at other academic institutions. Division research is funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Veterans Affairs, non-profit organizations, foundations and industry.
The division provides three active fellowship programs in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine, serves six major hospitals and several premier specialty clinics in the Indianapolis area, and educates learners in a wide array of medical and research programs. The program is led by Roberto Machado, MD, who is keenly aware of his responsibility as a Latino in a position of leadership and his role as an agent for positive change and a model for individuals that are underrepresented in the field. Inclusive excellence is one of the main pillars of our division’s strategic plan and we strive to recruit, nurture, and retain diverse and highly skilled individuals. We perform better on all aspects of our mission when faculty, learners and staff reflect the diversity, and understand the needs of the people we serve.
News from 2023-24
New population risk prediction model for likelihood of ICU admission and survival
A significant obstacle to improving care and outcomes for intensive care unit (ICU) patients is the unexpected nature of becoming seriously ill. Which groups of patients are likely to become severely ill and will they survive their ICU stay?
In a first step in creating infrastructure for further studies to identify and follow cohorts of patients who may become critically ill, researchers including Sikandar Khan, D.O., M.S., of Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University School of Medicine, have developed and conducted initial testing of the Prediction Risk Score. Harnessing information available in a health system’s electronic health records, this novel population health tool enables health systems and researchers to better identify groups of patients at risk of being admitted to an ICU in the future and their potential outcomes. ICU survivors are at risk for ICU-acquired cognitive and physical function impairments and may require extensive post-ICU care. Read More.
Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program Maintains Full Accreditation
The Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program at IU School of Medicine has been re-accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
The adult program, led by Cynthia Brown, MD, provides multidisciplinary care for its patients, including social work, nutrition, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, and pharmacy services. It has been an accredited program by the for more than a decade. In addition to clinical care, the Adult Cystic Fibrosis program has an active clinical research program that brings opportunities to participate in the newest developments in cystic fibrosis care. Read More.
Noteworthy Awards and Recognitions
Angelia Lockett, PhD
Featured Junior Investigator Speakers, Midwest Clinical & Translational Research Meeting
Sikandar Khan, DO
2023 Outstanding Investigator Award, Indiana University Center for Aging Research
2023 Delirium Champion Award, American Delirium Society
Roberto Bernardo, MD
Fellow, American Thoracic Society
Yen-Chun (Charly) Lai, PhD
Fellow, American Heart Association
Catherine Sears, MD
Merit Award, Veterans Affairs
Stephanie Stahl, MD
Golden Pillow Award, IU School of Medicine Sleep Medicine Faculty
Edwin Jackson Jr., DO
Golden Lung Award, IU School of Medicine Pulmonary Fellows
Heather Hennen, Division Administrator
Indy’s Most Pivotal Leaders, Open Pivot