CHESTLearning & EventsBridging SpecialtiesTimely Diagnosis for NTM Pulmonary Disease and Bronchiectasis
Bridging Specialties on a tablet and laptop

Bridging Specialties®: Timely Diagnosis for NTM Pulmonary Disease and Bronchiectasis

Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis are complex, often underrecognized lung conditions that can mimic more common respiratory diseases, such as chronic bronchitis or TB. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

We’re working to provide primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and advanced practice providers with essential tools for earlier detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective management to help close care gaps and improve outcomes.

Self-paced online learning

Screenshots of the Decision-Making for NTM-B on a computer and tablet

Decision-Making for NTM-B

Walk through patient scenarios designed to teach you how to differentiate NTM-B from other causes; recognize key clinical features, radiologic findings, and microbiologic criteria associated with NTM-B; and initiate appropriate first-line therapy.

START LEARNING
Interactive infographic

Interactive Infographic for NTM-B

This interactive infographic serves as a quick reference guide for cross-specialty collaboration, emphasizing timely diagnosis, targeted testing, and evidence-based treatment strategies for NTM pulmonary infections and bronchiectasis.

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On-demand webinars

A tablet showing a screenshot of an airway clearance webinar, on a green background

Airway Clearance in Bronchiectasis

This webinar explores the pathophysiology and management of bronchiectasis, focusing on neutrophilic inflammation and mucus obstruction, while highlighting effective airway clearance techniques to improve symptoms and quality of life.

A laptop showing a screenshot of an radiology webinar, on a green background

Radiology in NTM and Bronchiectasis

Experts discuss key CT imaging features of bronchiectasis, highlight the varied radiologic presentations of NTM infections, and address common diagnostic challenges in interpreting imaging for bronchiectasis.
A laptop showing a screenshot of a webinar with three faces, on a green background

Living With Bronchiectasis and NTM: The Patient Perspective

This webinar highlights the patient journey, as told through interviews with patients living with NTM pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis. Hear about their day-to-day challenges and how they’ve adapted to living with their conditions.

Podcasts

Diagnosing NTM and Bronchiectasis: Best Practices for Early and Accurate Recognition

This podcast explores the challenges of diagnosing NTM and bronchiectasis, highlighting the importance of early symptom recognition, patient history, and testing.

Listen to the podcast »

Initial Treatment Strategies for Bronchiectasis and NTM Pulmonary Disease

In this episode, experts discuss the vital role of airway clearance therapy, the challenges of personalized treatments, the latest management guidelines, and strategies for addressing common drug toxicities and comorbidities.

Listen to the podcast »

Bronchiectasis Exacerbations and Management Strategies

This episode covers bronchiectasis exacerbations, including their definition, clinical significance, differentiation from COPD and asthma, management strategies, and prevention methods like airway clearance, macrolide and inhaled antibiotics, and emerging anti-inflammatory therapies.

Listen to the podcast »

Recalcitrant MAC Lung Disease and Resistant MAC and M abscessus

Explore the latest strategies for diagnosing and managing recalcitrant Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) pulmonary disease, antibiotic-resistant MAC, and Mycobacterium abscessus (M abscessus) infections, including US Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies, surgical options, and the critical role of patient compliance.

Listen to the podcast »

CHEST Clinical Perspectives® white paper

Read the results of a clinical survey among primary care physicians and pulmonologists to understand factors driving delays in diagnosis and optimal management of bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacteria.

READ THE WHITE PAPER »

Screenshots of the Bridging Specialties for NTM-B resources

Downloadable clinical resources

CLINICIAN TOOLS

These handy references clarify common misconceptions about MAC lung disease and offer practical, guideline-based approaches for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term patient support.

CLINICIAN MYTHBUSTER » | CLINICIAN INFOGRAPHIC »

LEARNING MATERIALS FOR PATIENTS

Help your patients learn about MAC lung disease with these easy-to-read, expert-developed resources that debunk common myths and guide them through treatment and self-advocacy.

PATIENT MYTHBUSTER » | PATIENT INFOGRAPHIC »

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STEERING COMMITTEE

Doreen J. Addrizzo-Harris, MD, FCCP, Chair

Doreen J. Addrizzo-Harris, MD, FCCP, Chair

Fiona and Stanley Druckenmiller Professor of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
Director, NYULH Bronchiectasis and NTM Clinical and Translational Program
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
New York, NY

Ashwin Basavaraj, MD, FCCP, Co-Chair

Ashwin Basavaraj, MD, FCCP, Co-Chair

Associate Professor of Medicine
Section Chief, Bellevue Hospital
Associate Director, NYULH Bronchiectasis and NTM Clinical and Translational Program
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
New York, NY

Keren Bakal, MD

Keren Bakal, MD

Clinical Attending, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Overlook Medical Center/Atlantic Health System
Summit Health
Livingston, NJ

Charles Daley, MD

Charles Daley, MD

Professor, Department of Medicine
Chief, Division of Mycobacterial and Respiratory Infections
National Jewish Health
Denver, CO

Nate Falk, MD, MBA, FAAFP

Nate Falk, MD, MBA, FAAFP

Assistant Dean, Graduate Medical Education
Professor, Family Medicine and Rural Health
Founding Residency Program Director
Florida State University College of Medicine Family Medicine Residency at BayCare Health System (Winter Haven)
Winter Haven, FL

Robert Flowers, MD

Robert Flowers, MD

Fellow in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
New York, NY

Hin Fai Lam, RRT

Hin Fai Lam, RRT

PFT Lab Supervisor
Pulmonary Critical Care Associates
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
New York, NY

Jane Ko, MD

Jane Ko, MD

Professor, Department of Radiology
Fellowship Director, Cardiothoracic Imaging Fellowship Program
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
New York, NY

Rudra Ramanathan, MD

Rudra Ramanathan, MD

Fellow in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
New York, NY

Amy Springer, MSN, FNP-C

Amy Springer, MSN, FNP-C

Senior Nurse Practitioner, NYULH Bronchiectasis and NTM Clinical and Translational Program
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
NYU Langone Health
New York, NY

CHEST gratefully acknowledges the following supporters of Bridging Specialties: Timely Diagnosis for NTM Pulmonary Disease and Bronchiectasis.
Sponsored by Insmed Incorporated