Q&A with Lisa Burns, MD, assistant professor, Division of Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine
Hometown: Forest Park, Illinois
Educational/professional background: I completed medical school at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine and residency training in internal medicine and pediatrics at St. Louis University and Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. I completed a dual fellowship in adult and pediatric pulmonary medicine at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
Previous position (title, institution): Assistant professor, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
What is your field of research or area of clinical care, and how did you get into it? I learned early in my medical training how satisfying it is to help someone be able to breathe better. My interest in pulmonary medicine has continued to grow and develop as I work with children and their families. My clinical interests include the care of children with cystic fibrosis and other chronic respiratory diseases. I have an interest in quality improvement and helping our teams deliver the best care to our patients and families.
How would you describe your work to a 5-year-old? I take care of the airways and lungs to help people breathe better.
What attracted you to UW–Madison? I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and was very excited to move closer to home. I love the changing seasons and the many outdoor activities available to enjoy throughout the year.
What is your favorite thing to do in Madison? Walking along the various trails throughout the area, especially Picnic Point, as well as watching the boats on the lake, visiting the Capitol Square, and exploring new restaurants.
What’s one thing you hope trainees will learn from you and your work? How to work with families to develop the best plan for their child.
Do you feel your work relates to the Wisconsin Idea? If so, please describe how. The Wisconsin Idea is the principle that education should influence people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the classroom. My understanding of the science of medicine is used to work together with patients and families to achieve their goals of care. I think the work we do with patients and families to understand their background and current living situation and how it impacts the health and well-being of their children can be applied to every interaction we have with people outside of the health care system.
What’s something interesting about your area of expertise you can share that will make us sound smarter during video chats and parties? The lungs are the largest organ to have intimate contact with the environment. The surface area of the alveolar membrane in the adult lungs is estimated to be about the size of a tennis court, and the lungs are the only organ to receive all of the blood from the right side of the heart with every heartbeat.
What are some of your hobbies and other interests? I love to bake and try new recipes, hike, go on bike rides, and read.