Each year, the CHEST Challenge Championship provides an unforgettable introduction to the rising stars of chest medicine.
Fellows from three pulmonary and critical care training programs have earned a spot in Tuesday night’s Jeopardy!-style trivia extravaganza after a highly competitive qualifying quiz earlier this year. But to emerge as the last team standing, fellows must answer similarly robust, peer-reviewed questions in front of an electric crowd at CHEST 2023. Throw in a handful of special activities and surprises, and it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that will put smiles on the faces of contestants and spectators alike, said CHEST Challenge Founder and 2023 Master of Ceremonies, William F. Kelly, MD, FCCP.
“In addition to serious competition, the event is exciting live theater where really anything can happen,” Dr. Kelly said.
All CHEST 2023 attendees are invited to join this educating and entertaining event at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom. Doors open at 7 pm on Tuesday, and the championship game begins at 7:30 pm. The teams will compete for the Rosen Cup—named in the memory of former host and CHEST Past President, Mark J. Rosen, MD, Master FCCP.
“It’s guaranteed that you will learn something new as you play along with the fellows answering questions—and see the fellows put through some hands-on, physical challenges that the world has never seen before, courtesy of the creative Training and Transitions Committee,” Dr. Kelly said.
Before they take the stage, get to know the individual members from the three teams in the finals from the University of Oklahoma, the University of Southern California, and the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston.
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Program Director: Houssein Youness, MD, FCCP
Fellows: Hiba Hammad Altaq, MD; Abdullah Jahangir, MD; and Shiwani Kamath, MD
Who or what has inspired you in your journey in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine?
Dr. Hammad Altaq: In my journey in pulmonary [and] critical care, I have been fortunate to come across several inspiring figures who have shaped my passion for this field. One of these figures is my attending, Dr. Jad Kebbe. His dedication, expertise, and compassion have not only influenced my career choice but have also instilled in me a deep sense of purpose and served as a significant source of inspiration. Furthermore, his ability to approach each patient with empathy and compassion, while maintaining a high level of professionalism, has deeply influenced my own patient care philosophy. Witnessing his dedication to improving the lives of his patients has instilled in me a sense of purpose and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those I serve.
Dr. Jahangir: The resilience of the health care workforce to rise to the challenges of an unprecedented COVID pandemic. The way, as residents, we bonded over a crisis remains a source of inspiration for the rest of my life.
Dr. Kamath: I’ve had some wonderful attendings demonstrate leadership, selflessness, and kindness during a pandemic that destroyed so much. It’s humbling yet empowering to help our patients during the most critical moments of their lives. Embracing the challenges we face with a close-knit team is the cherry on top.
What topics are you most interested in at CHEST 2023?
Dr. Hammad Altaq: The latest clinical advances, as well as newest scientific discoveries.
Dr. Jahangir: Recent practice-changing trials in sepsis and pneumonia management.
Dr. Kamath: I’m especially interested in learning more about pulmonary hypertension and seeing the interactive cases in interstitial lung disease. The rapid-fire case reports look exciting, too.
What’s an activity or hobby you enjoy when you’re not busy with studies or fellowship responsibilities?
Dr. Hammad Altaq: Photography allows me to freeze moments in time, preserving memories that can be cherished for years to come.
Dr. Jahangir: Playing with my 2-year-old.
Dr. Kamath: Picnics in the park and board game nights.
What’s your favorite study snack?
Dr. Hammad Altaq: Almonds
Dr. Jahangir: Chocolates
Dr. Kamath: Kettle popcorn
What’s your go-to hype music before a big event?
Dr. Hammad Altaq: “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey and “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
Dr. Jahangir: Silence
Dr. Kamath: “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
If you could compete on one TV game show, what would it be?
Dr. Hammad Altaq: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Dr. Jahangir: KBC (Kaun Banega Crorepati)
Dr. Kamath: The Amazing Race
What off-the-wall talent or odd knowledge can you fall back on during the skills portion of CHEST Challenge?
Dr. Hammad Altaq: I can generate random facts on a wide range of topics, tell jokes, or provide interesting trivia.
Dr. Jahangir: The knowledge that the procedure dummies cannot be killed!
Dr. Kamath: I’ve done enough escape rooms to figure out how to do things blindfolded or without looking.
Who would play you in the film version of CHEST Challenge 2023?
Dr. Hammad Altaq: Jim Parsons / Sheldon Lee Cooper in The Big Bang Theory
Dr. Jahangir: Javier Bardem / Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men
Dr. Kamath: Reese Witherspoon / Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (Me memorizing statistics: “When used appropriately, it has an 83% rate of return on a dinner invitation. It’s called the bend and snap.”)
University of Southern California
Program Director: May M. Lee, MD, FCCP
Fellows: Navi Kaur, MD; Mishaal Talish, MD; and Linda P. Vien, MD
Who or what has inspired you in your journey in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine?
Dr. Kaur: My journey into pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine (PCCSM) was actually inspired by Dr. Akram Khan, a PCCSM attending at OHSU when I was doing research with him during residency. He allowed me to join him on rounds at night, and that’s where I realized, why would I want to be anywhere else? My interest in pulmonary [medicine] was piqued when I attended my first CHEST conference in New Orleans and realized the vast world of pulmonary [medicine] out here.
Dr. Talish: I was inspired mainly by the critical care aspect of it, through medical school and residency—mainly with regards to pathophysiology of critical care disease processes. Exposure to ventilator physiology got me interested in pulmonary medicine, and here I am today!
Dr. Vien: My experiences with patients, both inpatient and in clinic, have inspired my journey in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine.
What topics are you most interested in at CHEST 2023?
Dr. Kaur: I’m interested in discussing interstitial lung diseases and pulmonary hypertension and learning about the innovations in critical care.
Dr. Talish: I’m most interested in case reports regarding uncommon disease presentations, as well as infectious disease updates in critical care.
Dr. Vien: I’m most interested in learning about interstitial lung diseases, asthma, lung transplantation, and pulmonary hypertension.
What’s an activity or hobby you enjoy when you’re not busy with studies or fellowship responsibilities?
Dr. Kaur: I enjoy hiking with my friends, soaking up the sun at the beach, and watching movies in my time away from responsibilities.
Dr. Talish: I enjoy music—playing the drums/guitar or jamming out with friends when I have some time.
Dr. Vien: I enjoy being outdoors, whether it be jogging, hiking, or sitting outdoors enjoying the nice breeze.
What’s your favorite study snack?
Dr. Kaur: I would love to say almonds, but it’s cookies or chips depending on whether I want sweet or savory.
Dr. Talish: Howlin’ Ray’s chicken wings (medium-plus heat) with Mario fries (sometimes)
Dr. Vien: Smartfood Flamin’ Hot White Cheddar Popcorn
What’s your go-to hype music before a big event?
Dr. Kaur: It depends on my mood, but hip-hop or Punjabi music are my go-to before a big event.
Dr. Talish: “Animals” by Martin Garrix
Dr. Vien: “We Will Rock You” by Queen
If you could compete on one TV game show, what would it be?
Dr. Kaur: The Amazing Race
Dr. Talish: Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Dr. Vien: Family Feud
What off-the-wall talent or odd knowledge can you fall back on during the skills portion of CHEST Challenge?
Dr. Kaur: My Bhangra skills
Dr. Talish: I can maybe wiggle one of my ears just hard enough to distract the other teams.
Dr. Vien: Writing backwards
Who would play you in the film version of CHEST Challenge 2023?
Dr. Kaur: Mirabel Madrigal from Encanto
Dr. Talish: Aaron Paul—someone who can be both very serious (Black Mirror / Breaking Bad) as well as comical (BoJack Horseman).
Dr. Vien: Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy
University of Texas Health Science Center Houston
Program Director: Mark T. Warner, MD, FCCP
Fellows: Khalid Ahmed, MBBS; Maria Azhar, MD, MBBS; and Saad Farooq, MD
Who or what has inspired you in your journey in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine?
Dr. Ahmed: Dr. Ibrahim Fawzi, who was my first critical care attending. He was very enthusiastic and truly inspirational.
Dr. Azhar: Every patient whom I have helped breathe better has inspired me to learn more. Each challenging case has humbled and motivated me to continue this lifelong journey of commitment, knowledge, and excellence.
Dr. Farooq: My patients
What topics are you most interested in at CHEST 2023?
Dr. Ahmed: Pulmonary vascular disease (advances in pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary embolism management)
Dr. Azhar: Interstitial lung disease (changes/updates in treatment landscape), COPD/asthma updates, bronchiectasis
Dr. Farooq: I’m excited to learn about interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension.
What’s an activity or hobby you enjoy when you’re not busy with studies or fellowship responsibilities?
Dr. Ahmed: Reading, mainly history.
Dr. Azhar: Gardening, reading, cooking, spending time with my family and close friends, hiking, and kayaking.
Dr. Farooq: I really like to travel and hike.
What’s your favorite study snack?
Dr. Ahmed: CHEST SEEKTM
Dr. Azhar: Chai with honey graham crackers, samosa
Dr. Farooq: Chocolate chip cookies
What’s your go-to hype music before a big event?
Dr. Ahmed: Traditional Sudanese music
Dr. Azhar: “Jazba-e-Junoon (The Spirit of Passion)” by Pakistani Sufi rock band Junoon
Dr. Farooq: “Stand Up (for the Champions)” by Right Said Fred
If you could compete on one TV game show, what would it be?
Dr. Ahmed: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Dr. Azhar: Master Chef
Dr. Farooq: Wipeout
What off-the-wall talent or odd knowledge can you fall back on during the skills portion of CHEST Challenge?
Dr. Ahmed: I can grapple, in case things get physical.
Dr. Azhar: Acting and knowledge of the TV show Friends.
Dr. Farooq: I can sleep off any problem.
Who would play you in the film version of CHEST Challenge 2023?
Dr. Ahmed: Sylvester Stallone / Rocky Balboa from Rocky
Dr. Azhar: Julia Roberts
Dr. Farooq: Kal Penn