Benjamin Smith, MD, MSc

I am a clinician-scientist and pulmonary physician. I received clinical and research training at McGill and Columbia Universities, and maintain research appointments at both institutions. My research uses translational epidemiology methods to identify, understand, and ultimately target novel COPD endotypes. My research expertise includes thoracic image analysis, respiratory physiology, and epidemiology.

My research focuses on investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms of obstructive lung diseases in order to improve clinically meaningful outcomes. Obstructive lung disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma) represents a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, and in Canada. My research integrates methods of population-based epidemiology, state-of-the-art-imaging, and physiology in order to understand disease pathogenesis and expose targetable mechanisms of functional impairment. My specific areas of interest include airway structure and developmental susceptibility to obstructive lung disease; the personalization of obstructive lung disease prevention and treatment based on airway anatomy; and the cardiotoxic effects of breathing mechanics in obstructive lung disease. My clinical and academic interests include improving the quality of lung cancer diagnosis and staging, and medical education.