USA Health residents and fellows present at national CHEST conference

Representing USA Health, from left, are Muhammad Dawood Sheikh, M.D.; Sangya Sharma, D.O.; Philip Almalouf, M.D.; José Acevedo Echevarría, M.D.; Aman Dutta, M.D.; Taylor Cook, M.D.; and Chibuzo Clement Odigwe, M.D.

By Michelle Ryan

Three internal medicine residents, one med/peds resident, and a pulmonary critical care fellow from USA Health presented research posters at the 2025 CHEST annual meeting last month in Chicago. Each year, the national conference brings together thousands of physicians, researchers and healthcare professionals specializing in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. 

Residents and fellows had opportunities to engage with leading experts in pulmonary and critical care medicine, showcase ongoing research efforts, and collaborate with peers from across the United States. 

Taylor Cook, M.D.

“I’m honored to represent USA Health at the CHEST Annual Meeting with our poster presentation,” said Taylor Cook, M.D., a pulmonary/critical care fellow. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to share our work and learn from so many leaders in pulmonary and critical care.”  

In her presentation, Cook analyzed a rare marine-related infection that led to rapid sepsis and shock in an immunocompromised patient, underscoring the urgency of early recognition and treatment of uncommon bacterial pathogens in patients with chronic conditions. 

Sangya Sharma, D.O.

“It was truly a surreal experience to represent USA Health at CHEST,” said Sangya Sharma, D.O., a third-year internal medicine resident. “I’m extremely grateful for my colleagues and mentors for their unwavering encouragement and enthusiasm.” 

Sharma’s poster detailed a rare instance of stress-induced cardiomyopathy linked to cancer immunotherapy, emphasizing the importance of recognizing potential cardiac side effects in patients receiving advanced oncologic treatments. Her case stressed the value of multidisciplinary collaboration in identifying and managing complex therapy-related complications. 

José Acevedo Echevarría, M.D.

“It is always an honor to represent our program, and I proudly celebrate the success of my colleagues,” said José Acevedo Echevarría, M.D., a third-year med/peds resident. “Participating in CHEST was a valuable opportunity that advanced our growth as physicians.” 

Echevarria explored a complex case of metabolic acidosis and highlighted the importance of a systematic, evidence-based approach to identifying underlying causes. By emphasizing comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, the report reinforced how careful clinical reasoning can guide timely and effective treatment for critically ill patients. 

Pavel Hurtado Cabrera, M.D.

Pavel Hurtado Cabrera, M.D., a third-year internal medicine resident, presented a case involving a patient with pancreatitis who developed life-threatening systemic inflammation, who was ultimately diagnosed as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) using established clinical criteria and biopsy findings. It noted the importance of early recognition and treatment of HLH, especially in patients with severe inflammatory complications of pancreatitis, to improve outcomes and prevent fatal progression. 

Muhammad Dawood Sheikh, M.D.

Muhammad Dawood Sheikh, M.D., also a third-year internal medicine resident, shared a rare and compelling case of non-germinal center B-cell diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with direct cardiac invasion. The patient initially presented with breathing difficulty and chest discomfort, and imaging revealed extensive pulmonary masses along with involvement of the heart. Diagnosis was confirmed through biopsy, and urgent treatment including chemotherapy and effusion management was initiated. Sheikh concluded that clinicians should consider lymphoma in severe cardiopulmonary presentations, as early recognition and intervention are critical for improving patient outcomes. 

Aman Dutta, M.D., a pulmonary/critical care fellow; Aariez Khalid, D.O., a second-year internal medicine resident; and Philip Almalouf, M.D., and Chibuzo Clement Odigwe, M.D., both attending physicians in pulmonary/critical care medicine and assistant professors of internal medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine, were also part of USA Health’s presence at the national event. 

CHEST, hosted annually by the American College of Chest Physicians, features groundbreaking research presentations, hands-on clinical sessions, and networking opportunities that advance the field of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. The American College of Chest Physicians is the global leader in advancing best patient outcomes through innovative chest medicine education, clinical research, and team-based care.