The seven CHEST Networks will highlight the accomplishments of early career members during CHEST 2024 by handing out the inaugural Network Rising Star Awards. These awards recognize individual contributions in the areas of clinical care, education, research, and/or other scholarly activity and someone who has shown growth and potential within a particular Network and CHEST.

Each Network will celebrate its respective awardee during the concurrent Network Open Forums, Tuesday, October 8, from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm ET in the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

Hear from one of the Rising Stars their own words, below, and click here to read Q&As with the six other recipients.

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2024 Pulmonary Vascular and Cardiovascular Network Rising Star

Gaurav Manek, MBBS

Attending Physician
MedStar Medical Group

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What have been your main focuses in the field? Which contributions or accomplishments are you most proud of?

I recently graduated from my fellowship and was involved in several exciting research projects relating to pulmonary vascular disease. The one that I am most proud of involves the prediction of high intrathoracic pressures by using fat measurements on computed tomography scans in patients undergoing right heart catheterization for diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. The idea is to correctly identify the subset of patients who need additional maneuvers to accurately record intrathoracic pressures which can subsequently aid in the measurement of pulmonary pressures which impacts diagnosis and treatment. I also had the opportunity to teach medical students cardiopulmonary physiology as a resident and a fellow, which was a gratifying experience.

What sparked your interest in the field? What excites you most about the future of this area and your involvement in it?

I have been obsessed with cardiopulmonary physiology since medical school. I remember looking forward to waking up early to explain Frank-Starling curves to my study group. I still have the same fascination for the subject. I also had the fortune of finding great mentors along the way who encouraged my interest. Whether it be right heart failure in the ICU or newer therapies for pulmonary hypertension, there is increasing awareness in the field which is important and helps us serve our patients better. As an early career physician, I still have a lot to learn, and I look forward to continuing to grow as an educator and pursue my research interests in the field.

What have the Networks and CHEST meant to you?

Being part of the Pulmonary Vascular and Cardiovascular Network has truly expanded my horizon. I joined as a fellow-in-training and gave an Experience CHEST presentation in 2022, which had a huge turnout and honestly made me feel like a rockstar. I would highly recommend this experience to other fellows, as it has helped me connect with faculty and peers across the country. The Network leadership has been incredibly supportive and my Network mentor was always just a text or a phone call away. I look forward to continuing to be involved and am truly honored to be chosen for this award.