COPD

We provide diagnostic and therapeutic services for patients with COPD. We also conduct epidemiologic, genetic, clinical, and basic research into the causes, mechanisms, and management of COPD. For those patients with an inherited form of COPD due to alpha-1 anitrypsin deficiency we staff a dedicated clinical Alpha-1 Center providing complete care of individuals and families carrying the ‘alpha-1’ gene mutation. Our mission is to improve the lives of all persons with COPD by providing state-of-the-art patient care along with research aimed at understanding the pathogenesis of and optimizing the management of this common condition.

All staff physicians and fellows in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine participate in the outpatient care of patients with COPD. We provide education about smoking cessation, the use of inhaled medications, the use of supplemental oxygen, and other key topics relevant to the management of COPD. Patients with COPD are referred from the large primary care internal medicine practice at Boston Medical Center and from the BMC’s network of affiliated neighborhood health centers. We have a full pulmonary function testing laboratory located in our clinic, a BMC Pulmonary Rehabilitation program, and an Alpha-1 Clinical Center.

Clinical Activities:

  • Diagnosis and initial assessment of patients with COPD
  • Management of complex cases of COPD and COPD complicating other conditions such as lung cancer or heart disease
  • Ongoing COPD management including smoking cessation, education, supplemental oxygen, and medications
  • Participation in epidemiologic studies and clinical trials with the goal of advancing knowledge about the pathogenesis and treatment of COPD
  • Complete diagnostic and therapeutic care of individuals or families with inherited alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency through our Alpha-1 Center—an official ‘Clinical Resource Center’ of the national ‘Alpha-1 Foundation.’

Faculty with clinical and/or research specialty in COPD:

Ehab Billatos, MD
Darrell Kotton, MD
Marc Lenburg, PhD
Hector Marquez, MD
George T. O’Connor, MD, MS
Avrum Spira, MD, MSc
Katrina Steiling, MD, MSc
Andrew Wilson, MD

For Patients:

To schedule a clinic visit or refer a patient, please contact us at:

Shapiro Center
725 Albany St., Suite 9B
Boston, MA 02118
Phone 617-638-7480
Fax 617-638-7486