Training Resources

The resources for the Section include large inpatient and outpatient services, state-of-the-art laboratory support, a carefully organized educational program with a foundation in basic sciences, and a close inter-relationship with other sections within the Department of Pediatrics and other departments within the School of Medicine.

Pulmonology Laboratories

Pediatric Pulmonary Function Testing

The Riley Hospital Pediatric Pulmonary Function Laboratory is the only facility in the state devoted to the evaluation of lung function in children. The laboratory is equipped for the most up-to-date testing and can measure lung volumes and airflow, gas transfer and distribution, airway resistance and thoracic gas volume. Bronchial provocation testing with exercise and methacholine are performed routinely. Cold air challenge as well as helium oxygen flow-volume curves are available. Pulmonary function results are reviewed daily by a faculty physician with teaching input to fellows on interesting or unusual result.

Flexible bronchoscopy

The section has an active program in pediatric flexible bronchoscopy with over 600 procedures completed yearly in the bronchoscopy suite. All attending physicians participate in the training of fellows to allow for proficiency in the technique of endoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage.

Clinical Program

Home Ventilator Program

The section follows a large group of children from infants to young adults who are ventilator dependent. This experienced team of ventilator specialists manages sixty children with chronic respiratory failure and the need for home ventilators. Many of these children were initially managed in the Nurture Center prior to their discharge to home.