My practice of pulmonary medicine began with an interest in the physiology (function) of the lungs. Shortly thereafter, I realized that becoming an excellent chest physician required not just an understanding of the mechanics of lung performance. It also meant having an appreciation of the day-to-day challenges of patients with lung disease.

Shortness of breath can be among the most frightening of medical symptoms. To live with this symptom chronically can seem unmanageable. My goal in the care of my patients is to minimize respiratory distress through judicious use of medications, procedures and education. My goal in my day-to-day interactions with families and staff is to treat others with respect, and to balance realism and hope as we negotiate difficult illnesses together.

Sleep problems in cancer patients are a particular interest of mine. This stems from my experience directing a sleep medicine laboratory before arriving at Fox Chase Cancer Center in 2007. I also maintain specialized certification in sleep medicine. This is a field on the cusp of major advancements and I hope to be a part of this progress.

Cancer patients are faced with unique sleep issues. As they survive longer, these patients are subject to the usual sleep-related problems that plague non-cancer patients, including sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome and insomnia. I hope to increase the awareness of sleep-related problems among my physician peers at Fox Chase and work towards improving the sleep health of our mutual patients.