Chanel J. Fernandez
Chanel J. Fernandez
Clinical Assistant Professor Hs
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Internal Medicine; Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
Professional Summary:
As a pulmonologist, I bring a multidisciplinary perspective to the diagnosis and management of respiratory disease, shaped by a deep commitment to patient-centered care and a global understanding of health. Having traveled to 46 countries, I have cultivated a strong interest in pulmonary disease processes that intersect with infectious disease and epidemiology. This global perspective has guided my particular research interest in rare and challenging cases, including fungal infections and other atypical pulmonary presentations.
Prior to entering medicine, I worked for five years as a social worker, an experience that continues to guide my approach to care. In the critical care setting, where communication, empathy, and trust are paramount, I strive to bring a humanistic perspective to every patient and family interaction, balancing clinical expertise with compassionate support during times of need.
In addition to patient care, I’m passionate about teaching and mentorship. I enjoy working with medical students, residents, and fellows and am involved in ongoing efforts to improve education, communication, and clinical excellence within the field of pulmonary and critical care medicine.
Education and Training:
- Fellowship, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University at Buffalo (2024)
- Residency, Internal Medicine, University at Buffalo (2021)
- MD, Medical University of the Americas (2018)
- Bachelor of Arts, Gerontology, McMaster University
- Masters of Social Work, University at Buffalo
- Fellowship, Pulmonary Critical Care Fellowship, University at Buffalo
- Residency, Internal Medicine, University at Buffalo
Employment:
- Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2024-present)
- Intensivist, Buffalo General Medical Center (2024-present)
- Pulmonologist, Buffalo General Medical Center and Roswell Park Cancer Institute (2024-present)
- Pulmonologist, UBMD Internal Medicine (2024-present)
Awards and Honors:
- CHEST Physicians Diversity Grant Recipient Winner (2023)
- Gold Humanism Honor Society (2020)
- Medical University of the Americas, Service and Leadership Award (2014)
- Medical University of the Americas, Premier of Nevis Humanitarian Award (2014)
- University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Siegel Resident Teaching Award Nomination
Abstracts:
- C.J. Fernandez 1, D. Lapoint 1, A. Pasha 1, M. Ahmed 1, A. Monegro 1. (2023) Mycotic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Psoas Abscess Due to Mycobacterium Bovis After Intravesical BCG Therapy. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, American Thoracic Society. (May)
- C.J. Fernandez, S. Saha. (2023) A Rare Presentation of Atypical Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 2023;207:A1468, (May)
- ARIBA HASHMI ERIN GOULD ANNA JACQUINOT AND CHANEL FERNANDEZ. (2022) ASEPTIC LOCULATED EMPYEMA WITH FAILED DECORTICATION CONVERTED TO A THORACOPLASTY WITH LATISSIMUS DORSI AND SERRATUS ANTERIOR MUSCLE FLAP. Chest, (Oct)
- T. Kim 3, C. Fernandez 2, N.M. Ivanick 1. (2020) Freeze and Pull: Removing Organic Airway Foreign Body. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, American Thoracic Society. (May)
Evaluative Studies and Case Reports:
- C. Fernandez, S. Saha. (2022) A Rare Complication of Hepatopulmonary Syndrome after a Fontan Cardiac Surgery. (Oct)
- S. Soniwalaa, C. Fernandez MD, Y. Perry, S. Saha MD. (2022) The Macklin Effect in Recurrent Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in Systemic Lupus Erythematous & Covid-19. (Oct)
Professional Memberships:
- American College of Physicians
- American College of Chest Physicians
- American Thoracic Society
Presentations:
- "Prevena Vacuum device utilization during colorectal surgical intervention as a means of decreasing surgical site infections post operatively" Wyckoff Heights Medical Center
- "Ten-Hut!”: Assessing Efficacy of a Pre-Residency Virtual Boot Camp in Easing Learner Transition for a Cohort of Incoming Medicine Residents" University at Buffalo
- "The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Patients with Alzheimer’s, Dementia Type" Medical University of the Americas
Service Activities:
- Event Speaker; University at Buffalo Women In Medicine Panelist (2023–present)
- ; Diversity,Equity and Inclusion Committee member, Internal Medicine Residency Program (2020–2021)
- ; University at Buffalo Graduate Medical Education Resident Committee member (2020–2021)
- ; University at Buffalo Internal Medicine Physician Wellness Chief Resident (2020–2021)
- ; University at Buffalo Internal Medicine Big Siblings Program Member, University at Buffalo, Graduate Medical Education, Buffalo, NY. (2020–2021)
- University at Buffalo; Founder of the University at Buffalo Internal Medicine Intern Pre-Orientation Boot Camp (2020–2021)
- ; University at Buffalo Curriculum Committee Member, University at Buffalo, Graduate Medical Education (2019–2021)