Drew Harris, MD
An assistant professor and rural-health focused pulmonologist, Drew Harris, MD, was featured in a New York Times article about the increased prevalence of black lung among younger coal miners.
Once a month, Dr. Harris drives over 300 miles from Charlottesville, Va., to treat current and potential black lung patients in St. Charles. As the only pulmonologist for Stone Mountain Health Services’ two clinics in southwest Virginia, his schedule is packed. Patients often travel over an hour to see him.
He performs breathing tests, reviews CT scans, and monitors disease progression, especially in the sickest patients who rely on portable oxygen. New patients undergo X-rays, breathing tests, and exercise trials to assess their blood oxygen levels — key steps in qualifying for black lung benefits.
Read New York Times article (subscription may be required).
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