Pulmonologist: Caring for the Breath of Life

  By: Dhyan Patel

Pulmonology


Note: This article is part of a student-run educational series on medical specialties, based on research and/or shadowing (in person or virtual), in order to educate other students who are interested in healthcare careers and may lack the ability to shadow specialists in their areas.

Background

Every breath that we take is something we rarely think about until it becomes difficult to do so. Our lungs work continuously to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream and remove carbon dioxide from the body. This exchange is essential for survival, fueling every organ and cell in the body. When this exchange becomes impaired, the effects can be life threatening.


Pulmonology is the branch of internal medicine dedicated to diagnosing and treating diseases of the respiratory system. Pulmonologists specialize in conditions affecting the lungs airways, and respiratory muscles. Their work ranges from managing chronic lung diseases to caring for patients who require ventilator support.

So, what do they do?

Pulmonologists evaluate patients who experience breathing difficulties, chronic coughs, chest tightness, or abnormal imaging findings. Because the lungs interact closely with the heart and immune system, pulmonologists often collaborate with cardiologists, infectious disease specialists, and clinical care physicians.


Some common conditions treated by pulmonologists include:

  • Asthma

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Pneumonia

  • Tuberculosis

  • Lung cancer

  • Acute respiratory distress syndromes (ARDS)


Treatment plans may include inhaled medications, oral therapists, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation or advanced life support such as mechanical ventilation. Pulmonologists may also manage patients in intensive care units.

Additional Information

The respiratory system includes the nose, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Within the lungs there are millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli, where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. Even small amounts of inflammation or fluid buildup in these areas can significantly affect breathing.

Required education and training

To become a pulmonologist, a person must first complete their bachelor’s degree followed by four years of medical school. After earning their medical degree, they must complete a three-year residency in internal medicine.


Following residency, physicians pursue a 2-to-3-year fellowship in pulmonary medicine. Many choose to combine pulmonary training with critical care fellowship training. During fellowship, physicians gain hands-on experience with managing complex lung diseases, performing bronchoscopies, and caring for critically ill patients that require ventilator support.

Importance

Breathing is one of the most fundamental aspects to life, yet lung disease remains a leading cause of illnesses worldwide. Pulmonologists play a crucial role in diagnosing respiratory conditions early and managing chronic lung diseases.

References

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, September 6). What Is a Pulmonologist? When To See One & What To Expect. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22210-pulmonologist

Hansen, K. (2018, April 17). What Does a Pulmonologist Do? Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-a-pulmonologist

Matrix. (2026). Pulmonologist - Lakeside Medical Group. Lakemedicalgroup.com. https://www.lakemedicalgroup.com/specialties-we-excel/pulmonologist

Spader, C. (2020, January 25). Pulmonologist: Your Lung Doctor. Healthgrades. https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/lungs-breathing-and-respiration/pulmonologist-your-lung-doctor

WebMD Editorial Contributor. (2020, December 4). What Is a Pulmonologist? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-pulmonologist

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