Since I first began studying pulmonology 40 years ago, the field has changed significantly. Over the last decade in particular, interventional pulmonology has experienced tremendous growth driven by innovation and research—much of which was led by the Temple Lung Center.

Here at Temple, we are at the forefront of advanced minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures involving airways, lungs and pleura. We are the national leader in performing Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction (BLVR). And in 2021, we led several clinical trials that may soon be the new standard of care including therapeutic procedures for bronchial rheoplasty, metered dose nitrogen cryospray, and targeted lung denervation.

Thanks to these new interventional pulmonary techniques, our patients have more life-saving options than ever before. I am excited for what the future holds, and have no doubt that the ambitious graduates from our fellowship program will continue to advance pulmonary medicine and surgery through their own research and practice. What an extraordinary opportunity it has been for them to get hands-on training in novel interventional procedures that so few centers are performing.

In 2021, we saw strong outcomes from newer treatment options such as BLVR, and promising results from breakthrough clinical trials. We will only continue to innovate our technology and techniques to further elevate patient care.

Thank you for being part of this impactful work.

Gerard J. Criner, MD, FACP, FACCP

Chair, Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Director, Temple Lung Center

Read more in the Winter 2022 edition of the Pulmonary & Thoracic Medicine Newsletter for Temple Lung Center alumni: