Pulmonologist

A pulmonologist is a medical doctor that specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the lungs and respiratory system. These include bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, pneumonia and cancer. They often work as part of a medical team.

A significant part of a pulmonologist’s job is carrying out physical examinations on patients to assess their condition. They use a stethoscope to study breathing sounds, a bronchoscope to observe the airways and a spirometer to gauge the lung capacity. Breathing difficulties are evaluated and a treatment plan devised. If the physical examination is unconvincing or needs further investigation, the pulmonologist will order other medical tests to be carried out. These could include blood tests, ultrasounds and biopsies.

Treatment methods include medication taken orally or by inhalation. Surgical treatment, if required, is performed by a surgeon, and not the pulmonologist. Pulmonologists also use oxygen therapy to manage various respiratory disorders, and in more acute cases, utilise mechanical ventilation.

A pulmonologist must have a good understanding of all aspects of internal medicine and how problems with the respiratory system can impact on overall patient health.

A paediatric pulmonologist treats children from infants up to the age of twenty-one years, that have lung problems, lung disease or breathing problems.

Some of the many problems for which a pulmonologist treats children are:

when premature infants have chronic or acute lung conditions that need monitoring and treatment
cystic fibrosis, one of the most common congenital diseases, where very thick mucus clogs the child’s lungs, pancreas and intestines and so far, there is no known cure for it
chronic coughing or noisy breathing
apnoea – where a child stops breathing for a prolonged time
recurring pneumonia and lung infections – sometimes caused by bacteria, irritants or viruses
conditions or diseases where children require special equipment to help them breathe or to monitor their breathing at home
asthma, which is characterised by chronically inflamed airways and wheezing, often triggered by an allergen.

Transplant pulmonologists help prepare transplant recipients for the stresses their bodies and lungs are about to undergo. Often they specialise in lung transplants, but they may consult on other challenging transplant procedures. Screenings of potential recipients are carried out to ensure that their lungs are strong enough to survive the stresses of surgery and recovery. Often they are present in the operating room to help assess the patient’s progress. After the procedure is complete they aid in preparing the patient’s lungs and breathing systems for the transition back into normal, healthy life.

Personal Requirements

able to perform well under pressure
work well as part of a team
above average communication skills
have concern for the well-being of others
emotionally balanced, patient and calm
tactful, able to put patients at ease
able to make quick, sound decisions in an emergency
responsible and ethical

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Science
Recommended subjects: Life Sciences
Additional:

Pass matric with a Bachelor's pass
Meet the admission requirements (APS) set by the university
All applications for admission to MBChB and Medical degrees are subject to selection.
Due to the limited number of spaces available, only a small percentage of applicants are admitted.

What to Study

MBChB degree at UP, UCT, UFS, Wits, US, UL,
UKZN:

Theoretical training: 6 years
Student internship: 1 year
Internship: 2 years
Community Service: 1 year at an approved medical faculty.

Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is mandatory for this occupation. Registration as an Independent Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA will only be permitted once all the necessary criteria have been met.

Specialisation in Pulmonology

To specialise in this area, a number of years of post-graduate study will be required.
Consult the HPCSA website for the most up-to-date information relating to this area of specialisation. This information can be found in the various sections under the Professional Board for Medical and Dental (and medical science) professionals.
Refer to the medical faculty of the relevant university for additional information.

Employment