Respiratory viruses have put a significant strain on the healthcare system for nearly three years. More patients than ever need pulmonary care as a result of COVID-19, but Maimonides is staying ahead of the curve.

Our patient-centered approach to medicine naturally leads to improved clinical outcomes—but there’s always room for improvement. As a result, Maimonides has recently undertaken expansion efforts to bolster the Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Department.

Pulmonologists at Maimonides Have Skills and Experience Treating Many Different Symptoms and Diagnoses

Physicians in Maimonides’ Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Department have extensive experience and training that benefits patients with all sorts of lung concerns. “We provide a comprehensive evaluation and treatment for patients with lung problems ranging from cough to pre-lung transplant assessment,” explains William Pascal, MD, Division Director of Pulmonary Medicine.

The department embraces technology, utilizing many diagnostic tools and procedures in their practice. Patients can come to one place for many different screenings and procedures from low-dose CT, comprehensive sleep studies, pulmonary function testing (PFT), endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), and more.

“We also offer lung cancer screening routinely,” Dr. Pascal shares. “The newest addition to our outpatient pulmonary staff is Dr. Odai Sinokrot who will be heading our Lung Cancer Screening Program along with our thoracic surgery department.”

Maimonides’ Newest Pulmonologists Give the Department an Edge and Patients Peace of Mind

Ravi Patti, MD joined Maimonides after an accomplished medical school experience, beginning his residency and then pulmonary and critical care fellowship right here at Maimonides. He’s honed his practice, advancing his career in the process.

“I was a resident at Maimonides before beginning my pulmonary and critical care fellowship,” Dr. Patti said. “Now, working independently as an attending is a different experience.”

Most of Dr. Patti’s patients are seen in outpatient settings like the chest clinic or Maimonides Doctors Multispecialty Pavilion. There, patients may also see Odai Sinokrot, MD, for cancer screenings, rare lung diseases, and other specialty care.

“I get to provide care that addresses some race and gender disparities,” Dr. Sinokrot explains. “The work we do significantly reduces the impact that healthcare disparities would otherwise have on patients with lower socioeconomic status — especially for patients who need lung cancer screening, or who have severe end-stage lung disease and rare lung diseases.”

Many Different Patients Benefit from Pulmonary Evaluations with Highly Skilled Pulmonologists

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has increased awareness of the work pulmonology specialists do, there are many other patients who need their help.

“Doctors should consider referring any patient with chronic cough, shortness of breath or any ongoing respiratory symptoms suspected to be caused by a primary lung problem,” Dr. Pascal urges. “The conditions we receive the most referrals for include cough, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, COPD, and more. We also see many patients experiencing shortness of breath, interstitial lung diseases, lung cancer and sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea.”

Preventive medicine is also a priority for the Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Department. Patients who smoke have access to a comprehensive smoking cessation program. It utilizes nicotine replacement and behavior change modification to give patients their best shot at quitting.

The Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine Department – A Truly Collaborative Environment for Both Patients and Providers

Maimonides’ approach to patient care is great for all parties involved. Physicians have the opportunity to learn from leaders in medicine, while patients get top-notch care that’s genuinely life changing.

“Pulmonary and critical care has always been close to my heart,” shared Dr. Patti. “We have one of the best critical care teams and learning from them has been such a wonderful experience.”

Dr. Sinokrot agrees. “The Maimonides Pulmonary department is a very tight knit and wonderful department with great leadership. I have been very warmly welcomed and feel right at home here!”

Excellent patient care is a priority for this highly collaborative and supportive team. It’s no wonder their work ranks Maimonides among the best hospitals in the nation for COPD and pneumonia care, according to US News & World Report.