Breathe Easy

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.

Nitin Seam, editor of ATS Scholar and a clinical professor at George Washington University, discusses AI's evolving role in medical research. He emphasizes how large language models might impact authorship and the publication process. The conversation explores the need for ethical considerations in using AI tools and the importance of adapting editorial policies. Seam also highlights AI's potential to revolutionize medical education while addressing concerns about accuracy and biases. Can AI enhance healthcare training? Tune in to find out!