Last year I wrote to you about the status of the Temple Lung Center as a national innovator and pillar of population health as it relates to lung cancer screening. This year, I recognize the same values as I look at our work as one of the busiest hubs of pulmonary research in the country.

With over 50 active clinical trials and many more on the way, I’m happy to share that we have hit the ground running in 2024. Our basic, translational, and clinical research are actively advancing the treatment of a wide range of lung diseases, and our team continuously pioneers effective therapies that bring hope to patients with serious and debilitating lung diseases — especially those in underserved and minority communities.
 
Here at Temple, our doctors have long been dedicated to not only advancing scientific knowledge but also ensuring that the benefits of our research reach all segments of our population, particularly those who have historically faced healthcare disparities. No eligible patient should be excluded from medical advancements, and our clinical trials impact not only clinical standards of care, but also the well-being of our community.
 
I look forward to seeing the continued progress of our research teams and how their discoveries will translate to better care for more patients from all backgrounds.”

Gerard J. Criner, MD, FACP, FACCP

Chair, Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Director, Temple Lung Center