UChicago Medicine AdventHealth GlenOaks Unveils New Clinic to Help Patients Manage COPD Effectively

UChicago Medicine AdventHealth GlenOaks has announced the opening of its new COPD Diagnostic and Treatment Clinic, a specialized unit designed to empower patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to manage their condition effectively.

The clinic offers comprehensive services, including patient evaluations, risk assessments, ongoing care, and essential education on COPD and self-management techniques, aimed to prevent readmissions for acute exacerbations of COPD and pneumonia. Key diagnostic services include spirometry, pulmonary function tests, and six-minute walk tests to assess oxygen needs. Additionally, blood tests, chest X-rays, and CT scans are available as needed. The clinic also provides follow-up care for patients treated for pneumonia, ensuring they are on the path to recovery after hospital discharge.

“Our goal with the clinic is to prevent readmissions and provide enhanced, patient-centered care to our communities,” said Vladimir Radivojevic, President and Chief Executive Officer of UChicago Medicine AdventHealth GlenOaks. “By offering these critical services, we aim to improve patients' quality of life and support their ongoing health and well-being.”

The clinic is staffed by a team of specialists, including Dr. David You, the clinic’s Medical Director and an expert in critical care medicine and pulmonary disease. He is joined by Drs. Arnon Rubin, Paul Jagielo, Vasantha Samala, Usman Khan, and the GlenOaks respiratory therapy team. The clinic welcomed its first patients on August 6 and is now open on the first and third Tuesday of every month.

COPD is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, affecting more than 12 million diagnosed individuals, with another 12 million potentially undiagnosed. This chronic condition can significantly impact daily activities and requires lifelong management.

“We established this clinic because we recognized the need to support COPD patients in our community by increasing their access to specialized pulmonary care,” said Dr. You. “Our approach ensures that patients receive timely, comprehensive care that addresses their unique needs, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.”

The Glendale Heights hospital held a special ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on August 20, celebrating the clinic's launch with staff and community partners. For more information about the clinic and COPD, please call 630-545-7214.