When a child is having trouble breathing, experience matters! Pediatric pulmonologists specialize in treating respiratory conditions in children, whose airways are significantly smaller and more delicate than those of adults. This necessitates a unique approach to diagnosis and treatment. Our two primary partners in addressing this medical field are the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Medical University of Graz.
From April 27 to May 3, 2025, seven expert pediatricians gathered at Schloss Arenberg to educate a vibrant group of 38 young colleagues from 27 countries worldwide. Course director Dr. Danna Tauber (CHOP) collaborated with co-course director Dr. Ernst Eber (Medical University of Graz) to lead this impactful seminar, which takes place every third year. They were joined by CHOP’s Division Chief of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Dr. Lisa R. Young, Dr. Jessica Rice (CHOP), Dr. Ambika Shenoy (CHOP), Dr. Florian Singer (Medical University of Graz), and senior physiotherapist Mrs. Marlies Wagner (Medical University of Graz).
The course began with core lectures in respiratory physiology and ventilator management that progressed to include application of such principles to specific pediatric lung and airway disorders. The focus was to approach medical care in a practical manner by outlining a framework for clinical management of common symptoms and disease entities. Topics presented ranged from respiratory infections to genetic disorders affecting lung development and function. Participants presented challenging clinical cases that they experienced in their home institutions to facilitate robust discussions about differential diagnosis and treatment strategies, keeping a global perspective in mind. Fellows were fully engaged throughout the course and keenly participated in the Q&A sessions after each of the talks.
Dr. Tauber explained that “the seminar was an incredibly immersive experience. It centered on education about pulmonary medicine in a friendly manner that facilitated an exchange of ideas and collaboration.” Her pro bono work plays an important role in her career and personal life. She elaborates, “Most children experience lung diseases of some type in their childhood, and these illnesses are a leading cause of death globally. We also know that lung problems in early life have lasting health consequences. Thus, the OMI’s efforts to improve pulmonary care will greatly benefit children’s health and also impact the health of the adult population worldwide.”
Caroline Oku, MD
OMI fellow from Ghana
“Dr. Tauber’s lecture on mechanical ventilation was extremely insightful, and her natural talent for teaching and mentoring became immediately evident. As I spend time caring for patients in the intensive care unit, I found this lecture very relevant to my practice back home.”
Katalin Parázsó, MD
OMI fellow from Hungary
“Dr. Young taught us about the detailed aspects of childhood interstitial lung diseases, a rare but all the more important disease group. The talk was very concise and helped me to realize what I should be aware of in my everyday practice.”
Adrijana Ugrinoska Pandeva, MD
OMI fellow from North Macedonia
“Dr. Eber’s lecture on lung malformations was particularly inspiring. I immediately had ideas for meeting proposals in my country to discuss congenital lung malformations. The talk felt like one of those moments where knowledge translates directly into motivation for change.”
