What is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a doctor who specializes in the respiratory system. If you are having any difficulty with any part of your respiratory system, from your windpipe to your lungs, a pulmonologist can help diagnose what is wrong and determine the best treatment for you. 

Pulmonology is a medical field of study within internal medicine. After they receive their degree from medical school, pulmonologists complete their residency, and then several years as a fellow in pulmonology. Only after they have taken and passed certain specialty exams, they become Board-Certified Pulmonologists. 

Pulmonologists can specialize further on specific diseases like asthma or COPD, or they may focus on certain demographic groups, such as pediatrics or geriatrics. Pulmonologists often work closely with cardiologists during diagnosis because many heart and lung diseases present with similar symptoms.