GET TO KNOW YOUR LEADERSHIP
Q&A With Salim Surani, MD, MSc, FCCP
Chest Infections and Disaster Response Network Chair
CHEST member since 1996
August 26, 2024
Where do you work?
Valley Coastal Bend VA Medical Center.
What are your research interests?
Chest infection, sleep-related breathing disorder, artificial intelligence (AI) in sleep and critical care, burnout, and health care-related violence.
What led you to join your Network?
I joined the Chest Infections and Disaster Response Network, driven by a profound interest in infections, especially in critical care. My focus is particularly on the role of AI in preventing, diagnosing, and treating chest infections. I believe that AI has the potential to revolutionize how we approach these challenges, improving patient outcomes and optimizing health care delivery.
Furthermore, CHEST provides an unparalleled platform for professional growth. It offers extensive opportunities to network, collaborate, and exchange knowledge with other experts and professionals who share my passion for this field. Through active participation in CHEST, I aim to contribute to advancing our understanding and management of chest infections and disaster response while also staying at the forefront of emerging trends and innovations in health care.
What achievements are you most proud of contributing to within your Network?
My involvement in the Chest Infections and Disaster Response Network has been incredibly rewarding. Over the past few years, the Network has been especially vital amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hawaiʻi fires, and global challenges resulting from conflicts. The Network has played a crucial role in keeping members informed about the latest developments through various resources, including podcasts, infographics, Chest Physician® articles, and frequent communications.
As a team, we have successfully educated and informed our members, ensuring they remain updated with the latest knowledge and advancements in the field. The collaborative efforts within this Network have enhanced our professional capabilities and strengthened our collective response to critical health care challenges worldwide.
How has being in a Network benefited your career and your experience as a CHEST member?
My involvement has provided me with invaluable opportunities to network and learn from leaders in the field. It has also allowed me to observe and adopt best practices from other esteemed institutions, bringing these insights back to our institution. This exchange of knowledge and expertise has significantly enhanced our patient care protocols, benefiting our patients and improving outcomes. Through these interactions, I have gained a deeper understanding of innovative approaches and cutting-edge strategies instrumental in advancing our institution's health care standards.
What are your hobbies?
Traveling, writing, watching movies, and cricket.
What is something you cannot live without (after family and friends)?
I am deeply passionate about patient care and find great purpose and positive energy through interactions with my colleagues.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with your Network peers?
CHEST is the premier forum for networking, building new friendships, finding mentors and mentees, socializing, and having fun.
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Questions about this Network? Contact networks@chestnet.org.