Pulmonology - Critical Care Physician

* Managing chronic respiratory diseases: They handle conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease, and cystic fibrosis. * Outpatient care: APPs see patients in pulmonary clinics, monitor disease progression, adjust medications, order tests like pulmonary function tests, and educate patients on disease management. * Diagnostic procedures: They may assist with or conduct bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, and lung biopsies, depending on state practice regulations and institutional policies. * Sleep medicine support: Some APPs manage sleep apnea patients and coordinate sleep studies. * Critical Care Responsibilities: * Managing critically ill patients: They care for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) who may be dealing with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, multi-organ failure, or traumatic injuries. * Ventilator management: APPs are skilled in managing mechanical ventilation and non-invasive ventilation for patients with respiratory failure. * Procedures: They often perform procedures like central venous catheter placement, arterial line insertion, intubation, and chest tube placement. * REQUIREMENTS (state license, life support, DEA, etc.): PA license Required; DEA; BLS, ACLS