Researcher Spotlight: Colin Swenson

What is your professional background? 
I am an assistant professor of medicine and section chief at Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital. My research interests include infectious pulmonary diseases, particularly nontuberculous mycobacterial disease, and clinical outcomes in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. I started the pulmonary clinical research program at Emory St. Joseph’s, where I conduct most of my clinical research. I also study severe asthma treatments, and this research is performed in collaboration with the Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Program. 

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I work in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, where I am mentored by Drs. Ruxana Sadikot, Eun-Hyung Lee, and Imran Iftikhar. 

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
Most of my research is clinically-focused, with an emphasis on drug trials, epidemiology, and quality of life matrices. Both nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis are considered rare and orphan diseases, respectively, and I hope that my work serves to fill in some of the large knowledge gaps that have hampered development of effective interventions. Through the use of online forums and social media, patients with these conditions are organizing and exchanging information, bringing to light these diseases that have historically not received much attention.

What do you like most about Emory?
The first thing that struck me about Emory during my interviews here was the strong sense of collaboration and camaraderie among the faculty and trainees. I sensed a general lack of braggadocio or ego; just a group of people who were inquisitive and enjoyed working together. Now that I have been on the faculty for over five years, I’m happy to say that my senses were spot-on!

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
My current favorite TV show is ‘Ozark,’ and my favorite movie is ‘The Color Purple.’

What do you like to do in your spare time? 
Over the years, I have found two things that help me maintain a healthy work-life balance: running and meditation. I also like to futz around in the garden when the mosquitoes aren’t swarming!

What is a fun fact about you? 
Before going into medicine, I worked in HR in Silicon Valley during the halcyon days of the early dot-com industry. The stories I could tell!