Ali A. El Solh MD, MPH

Ali El Solh

Ali A. El Solh
MD, MPH

Professor

Department of Medicine

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Specialty/Research Focus

Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine; Sleep Medicine

Contact Information
VA Western New York
Medical Research Bldg
3495 Bailey Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14215
Phone: (716) 862-6528
Fax: (716) 862-6526
solh@buffalo.edu
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View faculty website


Overview Research Publications Activities Latest News

Professional Summary:

I am a Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology and Environmental Health at the University at Buffalo, and I hold both a clinical appointment and an administrative position at the VA WNY Healthcare System. Aside from overseeing the Research operation at the VA Western New York, I attend and supervise the sleep clinic at the VA.

My research focuses on the association between sleep apnea and cardiovascular diseases. My laboratory examines the burden of oxidative stress on endothelial function and the link to endothelial apoptosis. As part of a VA merit review grant, we are engaged in determining the impact of obstructive sleep apnea with and without insomnia on the manifestations of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans and whether treatment of sleep apnea alleviates the debilitating symptoms of PTSD. Toward that goal, we have adopted a patented AI-based screening tool to identify patients with sleep apnea.

My research in the critical care arena involves the epidemiology and risk factors of the newly emergent COVID-19. In addition, I continue to participate in a collaborative study examining virulent factors of Pseudomonas infections with type III secretory system. The goal is to develop a rapid diagnostic tool to identify these organisms early in the course of infection. My other projects include studying the role of adjuvant treatment with corticosteroids in the management of severe community-acquired pneumonia, such as nursing home-acquired pneumonia, the management of morbidly obese critically ill patients, and the long-term outcomes of elderly patients after treatment from a critical care ailment.

Education and Training:
  • MPH, Public Health, Medical College of Wisconsin (2002)
  • MD, Medicine, American University of Beirut, Lebanon (1989)
  • American University of Beirut, Lebanon (1985)

Employment:
  • Data Safety, Monitoring Board, Clinical Service R&D, VHA (2017-present)
  • Professor of Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology, University at Buffalo (2011-present)
  • Research Professor of Epidemiology & Environmental Health, School of Public Health & Health Professions, University at Buffalo (2011-present)
  • Associate Fellowship Director, Sleep Medicine, University at Buffalo (2008-present)
  • Director, Western New York Sleep Research Center, University at Buffalo/VA Western New York (2001-present)
  • Associate Program Director, Sleep Medicine, Medicine, University at Buffalo
  • Associate Chief of Staff for Research and Devolpment, VA Western New York Healthcare System (2013-present)
  • Professor of Medicine, Medicine, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2011-present)
  • Research Professor, School of Health Related Professions, University at Buffalo School of Health Related Professions (2007-present)
  • Lead VISN2, Research Advisory Council, VHA (2020–2023)
  • Interim Chief of Staff, VA Western New York Healthcare System (2013–2016)
  • Attending Physician/Pulmonary Service, VAMC (1996–2013)
  • Associate Professor, Medicine, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2004–2011)
  • Director, James P. Nolan Clinical Research Center, University at Buffalo (2001–2008)
  • Director/Medical ICU, ECMC (1998–2008)
  • Attending Physician, Buffalo General Hospital (1996–2008)
  • Assistant Professor, Medicine, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1998–2004)
  • Clinical Assistant Professor, Medicine, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1997–1998)
  • Clinical Instructor, Medicine, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1996–1997)
See all (9 more)

Awards and Honors:
  • Barnwell Award Review Panel 2021/05 ZRD1 BARN-A(01) (2021)
  • Barnwell Award 2020/05 ZRD1 BARN-A(01) (2020)
  • Visionary Innovator (2012)
  • Visionary Innovator (2009)
  • NHLBI Study Section on Clinical Trials (2016-2026)

Research Expertise:
  • Health care associated pneumonia
  • Morbid obesity in the intensive care unit
  • Sleep disordered breathing in cardiovascular disease

Grants and Sponsored Research:
  • May 2019–May 2025
    Effectiveness of Combining Behavioral and Pharmacologic Therapy for Complex Insomnia in Veterans With PTSD (PRECEPT-D)
    US Department of Veterans Affairs
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $650,000
  • October 2012–September 2015
    A Randomized study comparing CPAP to oral appliance in patients with PTSD and sleep apnea
    US Department of Veterans Affairs
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 2010–January 2015
    Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Low-Dose Methylprednisolone in Hospitalized Veterans with Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia. VA Cooperative study Program #574.
    Veterans Affairs
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • May 2011–May 2013
    VA Cooperative Study No. 574ESCAPe [Extended Steroid (in) CAP(e)]
    Veterans Administration
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 2010–January 2011
    Sleep apnea screening in patients with ischemic cardiac diseases. HSR&D Merit Review: PPO 10-087-1
    US Department of Veterans Affairs
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 1999–December 2000
    Obstructive sleep apnea in ischemic heart disease
    Research for Health in Erie County
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 1998–December 1999
    The use of neural network in the diagnosis of sleep apnea
    Research for Health in Erie County
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 2007
    Tigecycline Inhibits Staphylococcal Exotoxin-Induced Cytokines: An Anti-Inflammatory Property.
    Wyeth
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 2005
    Linezolid In The Treatment Of Subjects With Nosocomial Pneumonia Proven To Be Due To Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Group.
    Role: Principal Investigator

Patents:
  • Articial Network Artificial neural network for predicting respiratory disturbances (1969)
  • CPAP, titration using artificial neural network
  • The use of neural networks in identifying patients with Cheyne-Stokes Respiration

Journal Articles:

See all (205 more)

Books and Book Chapters:

  • Provost K, El Solh AA. (2012) Principles and Practice of Mechanical Ventilation. In: Complications Associated with Mechanical Ventilation. McGraw-Hill
  • El Solh AA. (2010) Anaerobic infections. In: Anaerobic infections. Book chapter in Encyclopedia of Intensive Care Medicine. (In press). Vincent and Hall (Eds).
  • El Solh AA. (2010) Health Care Associated Pneumonia. In: Health Care Associated Pneumonia. Book chapter in Respiratory Infections. Informa, Health Care
  • El Solh AA. (2010) What are the special considerations in the management of the morbidly obese patients in the ICU?. In: What are the special considerations in the management of the morbidly obese patients in the ICU? Book Chapter in The Evidenced Based Practice of Critical Care. In Press. Neligan and Deutshman
  • El Solh AA. (2006) Aspiration syndromes (chapter of Respiratory Emergencies). Fine, Kamholz, Ost eds. Hodder Co..
  • Shucard D., Parmenter B., El Solh AA. (2006) Computer Analysis of Sleep. In: Computer Analysis of Sleep. Chapter in Encyclopedia of Medical Devices and Instrumentation, 2nd Edition. Webster J, Ed. John Wiley & Sons, 213-224.

Abstracts:

  • El Solh AA, Sikka P., Davies J., Aquilina AT, Naughton BJ, Ramadan F, Grant BJ. (2000) Etiology of severe pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation in the elderly. (abstract). Am J Respir Crit Care Med, (Jan)
  • El Solh AA, Hsiao CB, Goodnough S., Grant BJ. (1999) Outcome of patients with Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia predicted by recursive partitioning. (abstract). Chest, (Jan)
  • El Solh AA, Mylotte JM, Sherif S., Serghani J., Aquilina AT, Hsiao CB, Grant BJ. (1999) Prediction of active pulmonary tuberculosis using artificial neural network. (abstract). Am J Respir Crit Care Med, (Jan)
  • Ten Brock E, El Solh AA, Miller M., Schnapp M., Graham S., Houck J., Grant BJ. (1998) The effect of partial ventriculectomy on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. (abstract). Chest, (Jan)
  • El Solh AA, Mador MJ, Ten Brock E, Shucard D, Grant BJ. (1998) Validity of an artificial neural network in predicting sleep apnea. (abstract). Am J Respir Crit Care Med, (Jan)
  • El Solh AA, Mylotte JM, Sherif S., Serghani J., Grant BJ. (1997) Validity of decision tree for predicting active pulmonary tuberculosis from clinical and radiographic data. (abstract). Am J Respir Crit Care Med, (Jan)
  • Grant BJ, El Solh AA, Stein P.D. (1997) Artificial neural network for diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism. (abstract). Am J Respir Crit Care Med, (Jan)
  • El Solh AA, Nopper J., Sherif S., Aquilina AT, Grant BJ. (1997) Comparison of clinical and radiographic manifestations of uncommon nontuberculous mycobacterial disease in AIDS patients. (abstract). Am J Respir Crit Care Med, (Jan)
  • El Solh AA, Grant BJ. (1996) A comparison of severity of illness scoring systems for critically ill obstetric patients. (abstract). Am J Respir Crit Care Med, (Jan)
  • Kumar M.N., El Solh AA, Nair M.P.N., Schwartz SA, Lwebuga-Mukasa JS. (1995) Induction of protooncogenes and apoptosis in uninfected lung alveolar epithelial cells by HIV-1 derived peptides. (abstract). Great Lakes Lung Conference, Ontario, Canada., (Jan)
  • El Solh AA, Stubeusz D.L., Grant BJ. (1995) Outcome of patients with AIDS requiring mechanical ventilation predicted by recursive partitioning. (abstract). Am J Respir Crit Care Med, (Jan)
  • El Solh AA, Kumar N.M., Lwebuga-Mukasa JS. (1995) HIV-1 derived peptides modulate expression of protooncogenes in human bronchoalveolar carcinoma cell line, A549. (abstract). Am J Respir Crit Care Med, (Jan)
  • Kumar, N.M., El Solh AA, Schwartz SA, Lwebuga-Mukasa JS. (1994) HIV-1 TAT and GP120-derived peptides modulate rat lung alveolar epithelial cell protooncogenes, and cytokine gene expression. (Abstract). Great Lakes Lung Conference, Ontario, Canada, (Jan)
See all (3 more)

Professional Memberships:
  • Member, Society of Critical Care Medicine (2011–present)
  • Fellow, American College of Chest Physicians (1998–present)
  • Fellow, American College of Physicians (1998–present)
  • Member, American Thoracic Society (1994–present)
  • American College of Physicians/Am. Soc. of Internal Medicine; Medicine (1993–1998)

Service Activities:
  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Trails Review Panel,; Standing Member (2022–2026)
  • ; National Institutes of Health; Special Emphasis Panel ZHL1 CSR-H(M2) 2 (2021)
  • NHLBI; Multisite Clinical Trials UG3/UH3;; Panel Member (2017–2019)
  • VA National Data Safety Monitoring Board; Member (2017–2021)
  • NIH; NHLBI Clinical Trial Pilot Studies;; Panel Member (2017–2019)
  • DOD; Sleep Disorders (SD) peer review discovery (DIS);; Panel Member (2017)
  • Dean's Executive Council; Member (2016–present)
  • NIH; Small Business Respiratory Sciences;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2016)
  • NIH; Respiratory Integrative Biology and Translational Research;; Grant Reviewer (2015–2016)
  • ; Cough Guidelines Development Panel, American College of Chest Physicians (2013–present)
  • ; Lead Physician, VA Critical Care Network (2013–present)
  • IRB; Co-Chair (2012–2013)
  • University at Buffalo; Promotional Committee, Department of Medicine (2011–2021)
  • Editorial Board Member for Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews; Editorial Board Member (2004–present)
  • Journal Reviewer Chest; Reviewer (2004–present)
  • Journal Reviewer Cochrane Anesthesia Review Group; Reviewer (2004–present)
  • Journal Reviewer Critical Care Medicine; Reviewer (2004–present)
  • Journal Reviewer Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy; Reviewer (2004–present)
  • Member, Laboratory Medicine Utilization Review, ECMC; Member (2003–2004)
  • Editorial Board Member for the Am. Jrn. of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine; Editorial Board Member (2003–present)
  • National Study Section Research Council, American Lung Association of New York; Member (2003–present)
  • Journal Reviewer Clinical Infectious Diseases; Reviewer (2003–present)
  • Journal Reviewer Journal of American Geriatrics Society; Reviewer (2003–present)
  • Faculty Senate Computer Services Committee; Member (2002–2004)
  • Member, Pharmacy&Therapeutics Committee, ECMC; Member (2001–2003)
  • Journal Reviewer American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine; Reviewer (2001–present)
  • Member, Clinical Pathway Committee, ECMC; Member (2000–2003)
  • Faculty Senate Executive Committee; Member (2000–2002)
  • Member, Medical Executive Committee, BGH; Member (1997–1998)
  • Member, Mortality & Morbidity Committee, ECMC; Member (1992–1993)
  • Member, Quality Assurance Committee, ECMC; Member (1992–1993)
  • Member, Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee, ECMC; Member (1992–1993)
  • Dean's Executive Council; Member
  • ; National Institutes of Health; Special Emphasis Panel 2021/05 ZHL1 CSR-H (M2)1
  • ; VA Merit Review Panel; Special Emphasis Panel 2021/08 ZRD1 URR-H (01)2
  • CDMRP PRMRP; DoD,; Chair Review Panel
  • ; National Institutes of Health; Specil Emphasis Panel 2022/01 (JA) 1
  • ; VA Merit Review Panel; Speical Emphasis Panel 2022/01 ZRD1 NURR-H (01) 1
  • ; National Institutes of Health; Special Emphasis Panel 2021/01 ZHL 1CSR-H (F2)2
  • ; National Institutes of Health; Special Emphasis Panel ZHL1 CSR-H(02)2-Clinical Trials SEP
  • ; Department of Defense; FY21 Military Operational Medicine Research Program; Intramural Peer Review
  • ; National Institutes of Health; Special Emphasis Panel ZHL1 CSR-H(M1) 1
  • ; National Institutes of Health; Special Emphasis Panel ZHL1 CSR-H(M2) 2
  • ; VA Merit Review Panel; Special Emphasis Panel 2020/08 ZRD1 NURR-H(01) 1

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Contact Information

VA Western New York
Medical Research Bldg
3495 Bailey Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14215
Phone: (716) 862-6528
Fax: (716) 862-6526
solh@buffalo.edu
View map
View faculty website

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