I provide intensive care to patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at the Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC), I care for adult patients with pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/emphysema, asthma, sarcoidosis, cough, lung nodules, pneumonitis and bronchitis, and patients with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia and restless legs syndrome.

I have a special interest in the value of good physician-patient communication, and its effect on outcomes. Explaining disease process to patients, listening to their concerns and involving them in their medical decisions may have a positive effect on the results of treatment and interventions, and on their outcomes. I emphasize the importance of physician-patient communication with the students, residents and fellows I teach, train and mentor.

I teach medical students in small group sessions in their first and second years, including courses in respiratory pathophysiology. Third- and fourth-year students rotate with me in the ICU and on the pulmonary service. I also supervise residents in the ICU and on the pulmonary consult service, and I mentor pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine fellows in all aspects of their training.

My sleep medicine research interest is focused on the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease in patients with sleep breathing disorders, and on the interplay between PTSD and sleep disorders. My pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine research focuses on the relation between PTSD and Critical illness, and on pneumonia. Fellows are welcome to work with me on research projects.