Lung

UT Southwestern Medical Center’s pulmonologists (specialists in lung disorders) have advanced training and years of expertise in caring for people with all types of lung disease. Our physicians and their teams provide individualized care using the latest medical breakthroughs for diagnosis and treatment.

Advanced Care for Lung Disease

Lung disease describes a group of conditions that affect the lungs, airways (tubes leading into and out of the lungs), and blood vessels that carry blood into and out of the lungs. Also called respiratory disorders or pulmonary disease, lung disease is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States. If untreated, lung disease can lead to worsening symptoms and life-threatening health complications.

Through extensive clinical experience and innovative research programs, UT Southwestern has consistently earned widespread respect and recognition for excellence in the diagnosis and treatment of lung disease. Our clinicians and researchers are working to advance the science of lung disease through important developments that can change patients’ lives.

A comprehensive clinical practice, in unison with UT Southwestern’s research activities, enables us to provide patients with state-of-the-art diagnostic evaluations, risk assessments, treatments, and pulmonary rehabilitation services. Whether patients are experiencing symptoms related to a lung disorder or have already received a diagnosis, our specialists provide a thorough evaluation and advanced treatment options. We collaborate closely with UTSW experts in thoracic surgery, thoracic pathology, and thoracic radiology to provide comprehensive care to each patient.

Specialized Lung Programs

Our pulmonologists and their teams provide expert care for all types of lung conditions, and we have special expertise in treating: 

Interstitial Lung Disease

For more than a decade, our Interstitial Lung Disease Program has provided comprehensive evaluations and treatment for all ILDs. We are a nationally known program and a certified ILD Care Center through the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Our pulmonary hypertension team is known nationally for its medical care and clinical research. We develop a personalized plan for patients, using the latest advancements in heart and lung care to manage symptoms for improved health.

Interventional Pulmonology

Our Interventional Pulmonology Service offers minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat many lung diseases without the need for open surgery.

Lung Transplant

UT Southwestern’s dedication to excellence in treating lung disease is exemplified by a consistently high national ranking in lung transplants. Since our lung transplant program began in 1990, UT Southwestern has consistently been ranked among the top 10 in the United States.

Cystic Fibrosis

Designated as an accredited CF Care Center by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, our Cystic Fibrosis Clinic offers patients access to the latest therapeutic techniques to control symptoms and improve overall health.

Neuromuscular Pulmonary Disease

Our neuromuscular specialists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders affecting the lungs, and we’re active in research to develop new therapies.

Finding the Right Pulmonologist

Finding the right pulmonologist is a critical aspect to treating lung disease. A pulmonologist must have the expertise needed to effectively treat the condition, manage symptoms, and control risk factors to help prevent complications.

UT Southwestern’s lung specialists work in conjunction with each patient’s primary care physician to coordinate care and ensure its continuity during diagnostic examinations, lung treatments, surgery, and pulmonary rehabilitation after treatment.

Clinical Trials

As one of the nation’s top academic medical centers, UT Southwestern offers a number of clinical trials aimed at improving the outcomes of patients with lung disease. Our lung care teams are involved in clinical and outcomes research on interventional procedures, such as new treatment methods for central airway obstruction, management of persistent pulmonary air leaks, and volume reduction approaches for emphysema.

Clinical trials often give patients access to leading-edge treatments that are not yet widely available. Eligible patients who choose to participate in one of UT Southwestern’s clinical trials might receive treatments years before they are available to the public.