Every breath you take, Lakeland Regional Health is caring for you. From treatment for chronic respiratory conditions to intensive care for a life-threatening event, the pulmonologists and critical care physicians of LRH are experts in up-to-date therapies + clinical trials to provide their patients with world-class care.
When Dr. James Brown moved from Philadelphia to join LRH, he was initially struck by the number and diversity of pulmonary diagnoses in the community — and how many people lacked adequate care.
“I found that many of these patients were unaware of the many advanced therapies that are now available,” Dr. Brown said. “I also think we have a disproportionately large number of patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), occupational lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension that go unrecognized or under-treated. We are hoping to change this.”
Working to meet the needs of Lakelanders
Many of the diagnoses and their management are complicated. Read: They require close attention and frequent collaboration between the patient, their family, and their pulmonary team.
“These diseases often involve a progressive process that can spread through both lungs over time,” Dr. Brown said. “The good news is that with a multidisciplinary and detailed approach, the quality of life and survival of these patients has significantly improved over the past several years.”
With a stellar pulmonary and critical care team, Lakelanders don’t need to travel outside of Swan City for care.
“I think it is crucial for patients to feel connected on a more personal and familiar level to their pulmonologist in a way that is not always possible when commuting to an outside city and health center. Our patients appreciate the local connection, too, as many of our new referrals come from patient family members, neighbors, church members, and friends.”
Inside the advanced lung care at LRH’s Grasslands Campus
- Expanded access: Growing from a team of four to a team of 11, this energetic growth is meeting even more of the community’s growing pulmonary needs.
- Diverse pulmonary services: LRH now has a dedicated center for interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension, advanced therapies for asthma and COPD, allergy care, and more.
- Pulmonary rehab: Participating in this new program offers many benefits, including symptom and quality of life, hospitalization reduction, and increased exercise capacity.
