Elana J. Bernstein, MD, MSc
Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons
Dr. Bernstein is studying the outcomes of lung transplants in adults with autoimmune diseases like mixed connective tissue disease. These patients are at risk for lung diseases that sometimes require lung transplants. Many transplant programs are hesitant to offer the treatment because of concerns about the disease’s impact on survival. There is limited data to support or confirm those concerns, but Dr. Bernstein hopes to change that. Her study aims to identify and address modifiable risk factors, so that a successful lung transplant might be more of an option for patients like Katherine if she ever needed it.