The Department of Medicine

Rajiv Dhand, MD, FCCP, FACP, FAARC, FRSM

Professor and Chair
Division of Pulmonary Medicine
Section of Critical Care Medicine

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3621-2422

Research Focus

Dr. Dhand is an internationally recognized researcher in the area of aerosolized medicine particularly with regard to the delivery of medications designed to treat chronic obstructive lung disease. Recent initiatives include (1) a critical analysis of the microbiome of nebulizers and related respiratory devices, which may lead to a change in the way in which we re-use tubing and aerosol chambers, and (2) the development of a tool that can be used to select the optimal inhaler device based on patient characteristics (i.e. a new approach to precision medicine applied to COPD treatment). Additionally, he is interested in muscle weakness and outcomes in patients admitted to the hospital.

Education

Medical School
Postgraduate Institute, Chandigarh, India, 1978
National Board of Examinations (New Delhi, India) Degree in Respiratory Medicine, 1979

Residency
Postgraduate Institute, Chandigarh, India

Postgraduate School
Research Associate, Virginia Mason Research Center
Research Associate, University of Washington-Seattle, WA

Fellowship
Pulmonary, Postgraduate Institute, Chandigarh, India
Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, VA Medical Center, Boise, ID and University of Washington-Seattle, WA
Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, IL

Certifications

American Board of Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease
American Board of Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine

Professional Affiliations

Fellow, American College of Chest Physicians
Fellow, American College of Physicians
Fellow, American Association of Respiratory Care
Elected to America's Top Physicians

Books and Book Chapters

Dhand R. Inhaled Anticancer Agents. In: Advances in Pulmonary Drug Delivery. Boca Raton: CRC Press. Chapter 5, p. 67-92.

Current Publications

Swanson CS, Dhand R, Cao L, Ferris J, Elder CS, He Q.
Microbiome-scale analysis of aerosol facemask contamination during nebulization therapy in hospital J Hosp Infect. J Hosp Infect. 2023 Apr;134:80-88. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.01.008. Epub 2023 Jan 20.

Terry PD, Heidel RE, Dhand R.
The association of preexisting severe asthma with COVID-19 outcomes Curr Opin Pulm Med. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2023 May 1;29(3):215-222. doi: 10.1097/MCP.0000000000000954. Epub 2023 Mar 17.

Swanson CS, Dhand R, Cao L, Ferris J, Elder CS, He Q.
Microbiome-Scale Analysis of Aerosol Facemask Contamination during Nebulization Therapy in the Hospital J Hosp Infect. 2023 Jan 20:S0195-6701(23)00019-1. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.01.008. Online ahead of print.

Swanson CS, Dhand R, Cao L, Ferris J, Elder CS, He Q.
Microbiome Profiles of Nebulizers in Hospital Use. J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv. J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv. 2022 Aug;35(4):212-222. doi: 10.1089/jamp.2021.0032. Epub 2022 Feb 25.

Li J, Alolaiwat A, Fink JB, Dhand R.
Aerosol-Generating Procedures and Virus Transmission. Respir Care. Respir Care. 2022 Aug;67(8):1022-1042. doi: 10.4187/respcare.10160. Epub 2022 Apr 6.

Harnois LJ, Alolaiwat AA, Jing G, Fink JB, Dhand R, Li J.
Efficacy of Various Mitigation Devices in Reducing Fugitive Emissions from Nebulizers. Respir Care. Respir Care. 2022 Apr;67(4):394-403. doi: 10.4187/respcare.09546. Epub 2021 Nov 9.

Li J, A Alolaiwat A, J Harnois L, Fink JB, Dhand R.
Mitigating Fugitive Aerosols During Aerosol Delivery via High-Flow Nasal Cannula Devices. Respir Care. Respir Care. 2022 Apr;67(4):404-414. doi: 10.4187/respcare.09589. Epub 2021 Nov 17.

Swanson CS, Dhand R, Cao L, Ferris J, Elder CS, He Q.
Microbiome-based source identification of microbial contamination in nebulizers used by inpatients. J Hosp Infect. J Hosp Infect. 2022 Apr;122:157-161. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.01.008. Epub 2022 Jan 23.

Ohar JA, Ferguson GT, Mahler DA, Drummond MB, Dhand R, Pleasants RA, Anzueto A, Halpin DMG, Price DB, Drescher GS, Hoy HM, Haughney J, Hess MW, Usmani OS.
Measuring Peak Inspiratory Flow in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2022 Jan 6;17:79-92. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S319511. eCollection 2022.

Dhand R.
Inhaled Tobramycin for Treatment of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: The Interplay of Patient, Drug, and Device. Respiratory Care. Respiratory Care January 2022, 67 (1) 151-153; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.09852

Harnois L, Alolaiwat A, Jing G, Fink JB, Dhand R, Li J.
Efficacy of various mitigation devices in reducing fugitive emissions from nebulizers. Respiratory Care. 2021 Nov 9:respcare.09546. [Epub ahead of print]

Harnois L, Alolaiwat A, Jing G, Fink JB, Dhand R, Li J.
Efficacy of various mitigation devices in reducing fugitive emissions from nebulizers. Respiratory Care. 2021 Nov 9:respcare.09546. [Epub ahead of print]

Harnois L, Alolaiwat A, Jing G, Fink JB, Dhand R, Li J.
Efficacy of various mitigation devices in reducing fugitive emissions from nebulizers. Respiratory Care. 2021 Nov 9:respcare.09546. [Epub ahead of print]

Li J, Alolaiwat A, Harnois L, Fink JB, Dhand R.
Mitigating fugitive aerosols during aerosol delivery via high-flow nasal cannula devices. Respiratory Care. 2021 Nov 17:respcare.09589. [Epub ahead of print]

Li J, Alolaiwat A, Harnois L, Fink JB, Dhand R.
Mitigating fugitive aerosols during aerosol delivery via high-flow nasal cannula devices. Respiratory Care. 2021 Nov 17:respcare.09589. [Epub ahead of print]

Li J, Alolaiwat A, Harnois L, Fink JB, Dhand R.
Mitigating fugitive aerosols during aerosol delivery via high-flow nasal cannula devices. Respiratory Care. 2021 Nov 17:respcare.09589. [Epub ahead of print]

Li J, Scott JB, Fink JB, Reed B, Roca O, Dhand R.
Optimizing high-flow nasal cannula flow settings in adult hypoxemic patients based on peak inspiratory flow during tidal breathing. Annals of Intensive Care. 2021 Nov 27;11(1):164.

Li J, Scott JB, Fink JB, Reed B, Roca O, Dhand R.
Optimizing high-flow nasal cannula flow settings in adult hypoxemic patients based on peak inspiratory flow during tidal breathing. Annals of Intensive Care. 2021 Nov 27;11(1):164.

Li J, Scott JB, Fink JB, Reed B, Roca O, Dhand R.
Optimizing high-flow nasal cannula flow settings in adult hypoxemic patients based on peak inspiratory flow during tidal breathing. Annals of Intensive Care. 2021 Nov 27;11(1):164.

Chan AHY, Pleasants RA, Dhand R, Tilley SL, Schworer SA, Costello RW, Merchant R.
Digital inhalers for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A scientific perspective. Pulmonary Therapy. 2021 Aug 11. [Epub ahead of print]

Usmani OS, Dhand R, Lavorini F, Price D.
Why we should target small airways disease in our management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2021 Jun 25:S0025-6196(21)00240-8. [Epub ahead of print]

Soto FJ, Kravitz JN, Dhand R.
Inhaled treprostinil in group 3 pulmonary hypertension. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2021 May 13;384(19):1869-1870.

Usmani OS, Hickey AJ, Guranlioglu D, Rawson K, Stjepanovic N, Siddiqui S, Dhand R.
The impact of inhaler device regimen in patients with asthma or COPD. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. In Practice. 2021 Apr 23:S2213-2198(21)00464-5. [Epub ahead of print]

Dhand R.
Mitigating viral dispersion during respiratory support procedures in the ICU. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2021 Feb 22. [Epub ahead of print]

Terry PD, Heidel RE, Dhand R.
Asthma in adult patients with COVID-19: Prevalence and risk of severe disease. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2021 Jan 25. [Epub ahead of print]

Li J, Fink JB, Moran EM, Kiourkas RD, McLaughlin R, Vines DL, Jing G, Porszasz J, Dhand R.
Airborne particulate concentrations during and after pulmonary function testing. CHEST. 2020 Nov 1. Available in PubMed: Dec 2020. [Epub ahead of print]

Li J, Fink JB, Augustynovich AE, Mirza S, Kallet RH, Dhand R.
Effects of inhaled Epoprostenol and prone positioning in intubated coronavirus disease 2019 patients with refractory hypoxemia. Critical Care Explorations. 2020 Dec 16;2(12):e0307. eCollection 2020 Dec.

Biney I, Dudney T, Ferris J, Shamiyeh J, Peeke J, Dhand R.
CT findings in 30-day COPD readmissions. CHEST. 2020 Oct;158(4):A2491. Available in Scopus: Nov 2020.

Dhand R.
Reproducible dosing with a jet nebulizer during invasive mechanical ventilation. Respiratory Care. 2020 Aug;65(8):1223-1224.

Fink JB, Ehrmann S, Li J, Dailey P, McKiernan P, Darquenne C, Martin AR, Rothen-Rutishauser B, Kuehl PJ, Häussermann S, MacLoughlin R, Smaldone GC, Muellinger B, Corcoran TE, Dhand R.
Reducing aerosol-related risk of transmission in the era of COVID-19: An interim guidance endorsed by the International Society of Aerosols in Medicine. Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery. 2020 Aug 12. [Epub ahead of print]

Li J, Fink JB, MacLoughlin R, Dhand R.
A narrative review on trans-nasal pulmonary aerosol delivery. Critical Care (London, England). 2020 Aug 17;24(1):506.

Dhand R, Li J.
Coughs and sneezes: Their role in transmission of respiratory viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2020 Jun 16. [Epub ahead of print]

Terry PD, Dhand R.
Maintenance therapy with nebulizers in patients with stable COPD: Need for reevaluation. Pulmonary Therapy. 2020 May 20. [Epub ahead of print]

Terry PD, Dhand R.
Inhalation therapy for stable COPD: 20 years of GOLD reports. Advances in Therapy. 2020 Apr 3. [Epub ahead of print]

Beeh KM, Dhand R.
Pulmonary therapy 2020 update and podcast: Meet the journal's editors-in-chief. Pulmonary Therapy. 2020 Apr 9. [Epub ahead of print]

Niederman MS, Alder J, Bassetti M, Boateng F, Cao B, Corkery K, Dhand R, Kaye KS, Lawatscheck R, McLeroth P, Nicolau DP, Wang C, Wood GC, Wunderink RG, Chastre J.
Inhaled amikacin adjunctive to intravenous standard-of-care antibiotics in mechanically ventilated patients with Gram-negative pneumonia (INHALE): A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3, superiority trial. Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2020 Mar;20(3):330-340. Epub 2019 Dec 19.

Clark AR, Weers JG, Dhand R.
The confusing world of dry powder inhalers: It is all about inspiratory pressures, not inspiratory flow rates. Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery. 2020 Feb;33(1):1-11. Epub 2019 Oct 31.

Wong FJ, Dudney T, Dhand R.
Aerosolized antibiotics for treatment of pneumonia in mechanically ventilated subjects. Respiratory Care. 2019 Aug;64(8):962-979.

Dhand R, Eicher J, Hansel M, Jost I, Meisenheimer M, Wachtel H.
Improving usability and maintaining performance: Human-factor and aerosol-performance studies evaluating the new reusable Respimat inhaler. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. 2019 Mar 5;14:509-523. eCollection 2019.

Dhand R, Mahler DA, Carlin B, Hanania N, Ohar J, Pinto-Plata V, Shah T, Eubanks D, Braman SS.
Results of a patient survey regarding COPD knowledge, treatment experiences, and practices with inhalation devices. Respiratory Care. 2018 Jul;63(7):833-839. Epub 2018 Mar 20.

Braman SS, Carlin BW, Hanania NA, Mahler DA, Ohar JA, Pinto-Plata V, Shah T, Eubanks D, Dhand R.
Results of a pulmonologist survey regarding knowledge and practices with inhalation devices for COPD. Respiratory Care. 2018 Jul;63(7):840-848. Epub 2018 May 1.

Dhand R.
The rationale and evidence for use of inhaled antibiotics to control pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery. 2018 Jun;31(3):121-138. Epub 2017 Oct 27.

Dhand R, Cavanaugh T, Skolnik N.
COPD in primary care: Key considerations for optimized management: Considerations for optimal inhaler device selection in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Journal of Family Practice. 2018 Feb;67(2 Suppl):S19-S27.

Dhand R, Cavanaugh T, Skolnik N.
Considerations for Optimal Inhaler Device Selection in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2018 Feb;85(2 Suppl 1):S19-S27.

Current Presentations

Sharma N, Bhagat M, Dudney T, Dhand R, Bevill B, Branca P, McCormack M, Heidel R, Green J, Soto F. Use of Inhaled Epoprostenol Delivered by High-Flow Nasal Cannula in Patients with Severe Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure Secondary to COVID-19. Presented at American Thoracic Society 2022 Conference; 2022 May-13; San Francisco, California.

Shali L, Terry P, Kumar G, Worth H, Ferris J, Norwood D, Heidel E, Dhand R. Associations Among Social Determinants of Health and Quality of Life in Rural Appalachia. Presented at American Thoracic society ; 2022 May-15; San Fransisco, California.

Treat S, Maroun R, DePolo J, Dhand R. When to pull the trigger – Persistent upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the setting of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm and cystogastrostomy stent ultimately requiring coil embolization. Presented at CHEST; 2021 Oct 17-20; Orlando, FL.

Bhagat MK, Mowery SR, Dudney TM, Branca P, McCormack MT, Dhand R, Heidel RE, Soto FJ. High-flow nasal cannula requirements in hypoxemic respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19: Identifying FIO2 cutoffs that predict a higher risk for ICU admission, mechanical ventilation and death. Presented at CHEST; 2021 Oct 17-20; Orlando, FL.

Dhand R, Terry PD, Heidel E. Asthma in adult patients with COVID-19: Prevalence and risk of severe disease. Presented at American Thoracic Society International Conference; 2021 May 14-19; San Diego, CA.

Treat S, Biney I, Ferris J, Heidel RE, Terry P, Dhand R. Comparing discharge and readmission medication regimen for AECOPD. Presented at American Thoracic Society International Conference; 2021 May 14-19; San Diego, CA.

Baveja S, Porter J, Martin E, Williams A, Akpa B, Ferris J, Heidel E, Dhand R. Do plasma levels of biomarkers correlate with muscle weakness in patients admitted for medical illnesses? Presented at American Thoracic Society International Conference; 2021 May 14-19; San Diego, CA.

Baveja S, Akpa B, Ferris J, Hecht J, Heidel RE, Zeng R, Dhand R. Correlation of ultrasound measurement of muscle thickness, muscle weakness, and functional limitation in patients admitted for medical illness. Presented at *American Thoracic Society; 2020 May 15-20; Philadelphia, PA.

Dhand R. Recent advances in inhalation therapy for mechanically ventilated patients. Presented at European Respiratory Society International Congress (Invited Lecture); 2019 Sep 28 - Oct 2; Madrid, Spain.

Swanson C, He Q, Wyckoff K, Ferris J, Elder S, Church D, Holbert L, Dhand R. Metagenomic characterization of microbial contamination in nebulizers. Presented at 22nd International Society for Aerosols in Medicine Congress; 2019 May 25-29; Montreaux, Switzerland.

Clark AR, Weers JG, Dhand R. The confusing world of dry powder inhalers; It is all about inspiratory pressures not inspiratory flow rates. Presented at 22nd International Society for Aerosols in Medicine Congress; 2019 May 25-29; Montreaux, Switzerland.

Dhand R, Hickey AJ, Guranlioglu D, Rawson K, Stjepanovic N, Siddiqui S, Usmani OS. Does inhaler continuity and familiarity provide clinical benefits for management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma? Presented at American Thoracic Society International Conference; 2019 May 17-22; Dallas, TX.

McLaurine T, He Q, Wyckoff K, Swanson C, Ferris J, Elder S, Church D, Holbert L, Dhand R. Serial changes in the microbiome on reusable nebulizers in hospitalized patients. Presented at American Thoracic Society International Conference; 2019 May 17-22; Dallas, TX.

Baveja S, Akpa B, Ferris J, Hecht J, Heidel E, Dhand R. Subjective assessment of perceived activity and weakness score (PAWS) correlates with objective assessments of muscle strength and endurance in patients admitted to a hospital with medical illness. Presented at American Thoracic Society International Conference; 2019 May 17-22; Dallax, TX.

Ball LR, Dhand R. Variables affecting successful treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in adults with MATRx oral appliance: A retrospective analysis. Presented at SLEEP; 2019 Jun 8-12; San Antonio, TX.

Baveja S, Akpa B, Ferris J, Hecht J, Heidel E, Dhand R. Recovery of muscle strength and endurance after hospitalization in patients with medical illness. Presented at American Thoracic Society; 2019 May 17-22; Dallas, TX.

McLaurine T, He Q, Wyckoff K, Swanson C, Ferris J, Elder S, Church D, Holbert L, Dhand R. Characterization of the microbiome on various nebulizer parts after short-term use by hospitalized patients. Presented at American Thoracic Society International Conference; 2019 May 17-22; Dallas, TX.

Akpa B, Baveja S, Ferris J, Hecht J, Heidel E, Dhand R. Relation of subjective assessment of Perceived Activity & Weakness Score (PAWS) to health outcomes up to 90 days after hospital admission for a medical illness. Presented at American Thoracic Society International Conference; 2019 May 17-22; Dallas, TX.

Baveja S, Akpa B, Ferris J, Amin S, McCormack M, Heidel E, Dhand R. A randomized, double dummy, crossover study comparing the bronchodilator effect of formoterol administered by nebulizer versus dry powder inhaler in patients recovering from severe exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Presented at American Thoracic Society International Conference; 2018 May 18-23; San Diego, CA.

Dewald JB, Qiang H, Wyckoff K, Ferris J, Elder S, Dhand R. Bacterial contamination of nebulizers after a single in-hospital use. Presented at American Thoracic Society International Conference; 2018 May 18-23; San Diego, CA.

Akpa B, Baveja S, Reynolds B, Ferris J, Singh A, Hecht J, Dhand R. Clinical outcomes in patients who develop muscle weakness during an acute hospital stay. Presented at American Thoracic Society International Conference; 2018 May 18-23; San Diego, CA.

Reynolds BH, Martin E, Williams A, Akpa B, Ferris J, Heidel E, Baveja S, Dhand R. Do plasma levels of biomarkers reflect muscle injury in patients admitted to the floors in acute care hospitals? Presented at American Thoracic Society International Conference; 2018 May 18-23; San Diego, CA.

Akpa B, Baveja S, Blair R, Singh A, Ferris J, Hecht J, Dhand R. Incidence and clinical features of muscle weakness in patients admitted to a tertiary Medical Center. Presented at American Thoracic Society International Conference; 2018 May 18-23; San Diego, CA.