Pulmonary & Critical Care Division Newsletter

June 2026

Welcome to the June 2026 edition of our division newsletter. Below you’ll find updates from each department including research highlights, clinical news, social updates, and more.

May Accomplishments

Leadership Appointment

Dr. Hidalgo-Hernandez was appointed to the APCCMPD Fellows-in-Training Committee this spring, a national leadership role within the Association of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Program Directors (APCCMPD).

This appointment recognizes her growing leadership in pulmonary and critical care medicine and provides opportunities to contribute to national initiatives in medical education, advocacy, networking, and fellow development.


ATS 2026 Highlights


ATS 2026 provided an opportunity for Henry Ford faculty and fellows to share research, clinical cases, and educational projects. The work presented reflected the breadth of activity across the division, from questions of equity in pulmonary testing to rare pulmonary diseases.




Meddha Cherabuddi qualified for a Poster Discussion session for a study examining how race-neutral pulmonary function equations may affect eligibility for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction









Kaitlyn Spinella presented findings on the utilization of Sjögren's antibodies in an interstitial lung disease (ILD) clinic







Henry Ford Pulmonary & Critical Care faculty, fellows, and trainees gathered during the ATS 2026 social event.







Courtney Kein presented a case of severe pneumonia and sepsis due to Rickettsia typhi in a non-endemic region of the United States








Kaitlyn Spinella presenting her poster with her mentors, on histology to help evaluate pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis.







Dan CottonTraumatic pneumatocele case and review of the literature







Rabia Mahmood Dendriform Pulmonary Ossification is a rare but important manifestation of lung disease.







Meddha Cherabuddi Managing refractory hypoxia in HRS







Sulmaz Zahedi The vanishing pulmonary vein, a case of pulmonary hypertension







Henry Ford faculty and fellows pause for a group photo during ATS 2026.






Teaching at the resident boot camp





Rana Awdish


Rana Awdish, MDRana Awdish, MD — Plenary Session Keynote Speaker, “After Shock: The Redemptive Power of Hope”



National Leadership Recognition


Congratulations to Dr. Debiane on his outstanding leadership and election as Secretary-Treasurer of the American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (AABIP). This prestigious national appointment reflects recognition of his significant contributions to the field and his role in helping shape the future of interventional pulmonology.
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CHEST Challenge National Recognition


Congratulations to Dr. Diaz-Mendoza and the fellowship team for being named one of the Top 25 programs nationally in the 2026 CHEST Challenge Online Quiz competition. This recognition highlights the program’s strong performance and academic excellence among pulmonary and critical care fellowship programs across the country.

National ILD Educational Leadership



Dr. Abu Sayf recently led and moderated a Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) network-wide Journal Club on the role of lung biopsy in interstitial lung disease (ILD). Through the power of cutting edge technology (Zoom), Dr. Abu Sayf was able to bring together participants from academic and community ILD programs across the country.

The invitation to lead this national discussion reflects recognition of Dr. Abu Sayf’s growing expertise and contributions to ILD education and multidisciplinary care.

Transplant

From ECMO to Veterinarian



Few in our transplant program have forgotten Daria Ehrenberg, who underwent bilateral lung transplantation on October 22, 2021, for severe ARDS suspected to be related to a Bactrim allergy.
Prior to transplant, Daria spent 79 days on ECMO while awaiting donor lungs.

Throughout her hospitalization, Daria remained focused on a single goal: returning to veterinary school and pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian.

That dream became reality. Just ten months after transplant, Daria returned to veterinary school and graduated from the Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2025. She is currently completing a veterinary internship in Edmonton, Alberta, caring for horses, cats, and dogs.



Daria celebrates another “lungiversary” and the remarkable journey since transplantation.





Daria performing her first surgery as a veterinarian.



A handstand in the Canadian Rockies marks a return to one of Daria's favorite activities.





Outside of work, Daria has returned to the active life she enjoyed before becoming ill, including hiking, running 5Ks, and even returning to handstands as a former gymnast.



Completing a 5K nearly four years after transplantation.



A Note from a Caregiver




Earlier this year, Daria's mother, Jeanne Ehrenberg, developed a caregiver support kit for families waiting in the hospital while their loved one awaits transplant, inspired by her own experience during Daria's hospitalization.


The kits include activity books, colored pencils, and a heartfelt note from one caregiver to another. Through this simple gesture, Jeanne hopes to provide moments of comfort and calm during an incredibly stressful time.



Dear Caregiver,

4½ years ago I was you. My daughter was on ECMO in the ICU, waiting for and then receiving a double lung transplant. People kept telling me to “take care of yourself.” What does that even mean?

I'm not sure I know the answer even now, but I have found that small distractions can help. I wasn't convinced about the dot-to-dot book until I tried it. It's strangely soothing. I hope this activity helps you find some calm in your days.

Sending you hugs & strength,

Jeanne

We are grateful to Jeanne for transforming her family's experience into a meaningful resource for future transplant families. Her generosity is a reminder that the impact of transplantation extends far beyond the operating room and continues long after recovery.