How to Be Pulmonary Physiologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 25, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The number of people suffering from pulmonary diseases has increased significantly over the past few decades, due to higher levels of air pollution. This has led to an increased demand for pulmonary physiologists, who are specialized medical professionals responsible for assessing, diagnosing and treating various pulmonary conditions. They analyze clinical data such as lung capacity, airflow, and oxygen saturation levels to measure how well the lungs are functioning.

In addition, they provide education on how to reduce the risk of developing respiratory illnesses and educate patients on how to better manage their existing conditions. By using a variety of tests and treatments, pulmonary physiologists can improve their patients quality of life and even help them avoid the need for more intensive medical interventions.

Steps How to Become

Earn a bachelors degree in a scientific field, such as biology, chemistry, or physics.
Complete a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.
Complete a residency in pulmonary medicine. This typically lasts between three to four years.
Pass the pulmonary medicine board certification exams.
Obtain a state license to practice medicine.
Pursue a fellowship in pulmonary physiology, if desired. This typically lasts two to three years and can focus on research, teaching, or clinical practice.
Participate in continuing education courses to stay up-to-date on advances in the field.

The efficiency and reliability of Pulmonary Physiologists is largely determined by their level of education, training, and experience. A Pulmonary Physiologist must have a high level of knowledge and understanding of the respiratory system, and this is typically obtained through extensive education in the field. In addition, a Pulmonary Physiologist must have extensive training in order to understand the complexities of the respiratory system and how it works, as well as the technology used for diagnosing and treating respiratory problems.

Finally, experience is essential for a Pulmonary Physiologist to be able to effectively work with a variety of patients, as well as to stay up-to-date on the latest medical treatments and technologies. As such, the combination of education, training, and experience are essential for a Pulmonary Physiologist to be reliable and efficient in their profession.

You may want to check Physiology Technician, Comparative Physiologist, and Clinical Exercise Physiologist for alternative.

Job Description

Design and execute pulmonary function studies and interpret results.
Develop and implement pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
Educate and counsel patients and their families regarding their pulmonary condition.
Perform and interpret arterial blood gas analysis.
Monitor patient responses to medical treatments.
Manage and monitor mechanical ventilatory support.
Perform sleep studies and analyze results.
Provide technical guidance and support to other healthcare professionals.
Assist with the diagnosis, management, and treatment of respiratory diseases.
Assist physicians in the evaluation of new and existing patients.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of pulmonary anatomy and physiology
Ability to perform and interpret pulmonary function tests
Familiarity with laboratory and medical equipment used for pulmonary function testing
Understanding of the pathophysiology of lung diseases
Ability to diagnose and evaluate respiratory problems
Knowledge of pharmacology related to respiratory conditions
Ability to communicate effectively with patients and their families
Understanding of the principles of ventilation and oxygenation
Ability to establish evidence-based treatment plans for respiratory disorders
Knowledge of sleep apnea and its management
Ability to monitor patients with chronic respiratory conditions
Knowledge of respiratory emergencies and their management
Ability to provide patient education and support in self-management of respiratory conditions

Being a pulmonary physiologist requires a wide range of skills in order to succeed. One of the most important skills is the ability to interpret data accurately, as this will help to inform decisions about patient care. A pulmonary physiologist must also have excellent communication skills, as they need to be able to explain complex data to both medical staff and patients in an understandable way.

They should also have strong problem-solving skills, as they often need to think quickly and come up with solutions to complex medical problems. Finally, a pulmonary physiologist should have the necessary technical skills to be able to use the latest technology in their work, such as computerized diagnostic tools and specialized equipment. Having these skills can help a pulmonary physiologist provide the best care for their patients and help to improve their overall health.

Clinical Physiologist, Pathophysiologist, and Anatomical Physiologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the field of Pulmonary Physiology?
What techniques do you use to measure lung function?
What are your views on the current advances in Pulmonary Physiology?
How would you go about diagnosing pulmonary disorders?
What do you consider to be the most important qualities for a Pulmonary Physiologist?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest research and developments in the field?
What challenges have you faced while working in Pulmonary Physiology?
How do you ensure accurate data collection and analysis?
How do you prioritize patient care when working with multiple patients at the same time?
What methods do you use to educate patients about pulmonary health?

Common Tools in Industry

Spirometer. Measures the volume of air a person can inhale and exhale. (Eg: EasyOne Pro® Spirometer)
Oximeter. Measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. (Eg: Nonin GO2 Achieve Pulse Oximeter)
Lung Plethysmograph. Measures changes in lung size and volume. (Eg: Vmax Encore® Lung Plethysmograph)
Lung Function Testing Machine. Tests the airway resistance and lung capacity. (Eg: Jaeger Masterscreen PFT)
Respiratory Gas Analyzer. Measures the levels of gases in the expired air. (Eg: Medisoft Flow-Safe II Respiratory Gas Analyzer)
Body Plethysmograph. Measures changes in body size and volume. (Eg: Vmax Encore Body Plethysmograph)
Peak Flow Meter. Measures peak expiratory flow rate. (Eg: MicroMedical MicroPeak Peak Flow Meter)
Ventilator. Assists with breathing in patients with severe respiratory problems. (Eg: Hamilton G5 Ventilator)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for Respiratory Care
American Thoracic Society
European Respiratory Society
American College of Chest Physicians
American Physiological Society
International Society for Applied Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology
American Board of Respiratory Care
National Board for Respiratory Care
International Society for Clinical Hemodynamics
American Society of Echocardiography

We also have Cellular Physiologist, Neurophysiologist, and Molecular Physiologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Spirometry. The measurement of the air flow, volume and other related parameters of the lungs.
Oxygen Saturation. The amount of oxygen in the blood, usually expressed as a percentage.
Respiratory Mechanics. The study of how air moves through the lungs and how the lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Respiratory System. A system of organs that work together to facilitate breathing, including the nose, throat, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.
Lung Capacity. The amount of air that can be expelled from the lungs during a single breath.
Pulmonary Hypertension. High blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation, usually caused by a narrowing or blockage of the pulmonary arteries.
Bronchodilator. A medication that helps to open up narrowed airways in the lungs.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation. A program of exercise and education that helps people with lung disease to improve their ability to breathe.
Thoracic Surgery. Surgical procedures performed on the chest or abdomen to treat diseases or conditions affecting the lungs, heart or other organs in the chest.
Ventilator. A machine used to assist or control breathing for people who are unable to breathe on their own.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Pulmonary Physiologist do?

A Pulmonary Physiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of cardiopulmonary and respiratory disorders. They use a variety of tests, clinical assessments, and interventions to diagnose and manage illnesses such as COPD, asthma, and other pulmonary diseases.

What qualifications do Pulmonary Physiologists need?

Pulmonary Physiologists typically need a master's degree in respiratory therapy or related fields such as cardiopulmonary science, exercise physiology, or health science. Additionally, they must be licensed by the state in which they practice.

What equipment do Pulmonary Physiologists use?

Pulmonary Physiologists use a variety of specialized medical equipment to diagnose and treat respiratory disorders. This includes spirometers, peak flow meters, cardiopulmonary exercise testing equipment, pulmonary function testing devices, and more.

How do Pulmonary Physiologists help patients?

Pulmonary Physiologists assist patients by providing comprehensive evaluations and treatments for respiratory disorders. They assess patient symptoms, order tests, interpret results, develop treatment plans, provide education, and monitor patient progress.

What is the job outlook for Pulmonary Physiologists?

The job outlook for Pulmonary Physiologists is very positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11% job growth rate between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Web Resources

Pulmonary Physiology Course - UCLA Extension www.uclaextension.edu
Pulmonary Physiology - CHOP OPEN open.chop.edu
Pulmonary Exercise and Physiology | Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep ... www.bumc.bu.edu