CHEST Guidelines-Giants-in-Chest-Medicine

Giants-in-Chest-Medicine_chest

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James E. Dalen, MD, MPH, ScD (hon), Master FCCP, is highlighted in an editorial by Richard S. Irwin, MD, Master FCCP, as a significant figure in chest medicine who made substantial contributions to the field. Dalen's career spanned various prominent positions at three medical schools, including Harvard Medical School, University of Massachusetts Medical School, and University of Arizona College of Medicine. <br /><br />At Harvard, Dalen worked on understanding and treating pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary embolism (PE), contributing seminal works on pulmonary angiography and urokinase treatment. Notably, he was involved in identifying and categorizing clinical syndromes related to PE and how best to manage pulmonary hypertension related to mitral valve disease.<br /><br />While at the University of Massachusetts, Dalen questioned the safety of the pulmonary artery flotation catheter and collaborated with Jack Hirsh to develop the first American College of Chest Physicians Antithrombotic Clinical Practice Guidelines. These guidelines were among the first evidence-based clinical guidelines and established the current practice of treating atrial fibrillation with anticoagulants, preventing thousands of strokes. Additionally, Dalen supported Jon Kabat-Zinn in founding the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, leading to the discipline of mindfulness-based stress reduction.<br /><br />As Dean of the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Dalen advocated for integrative medicine, leading to the creation of the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health. He also played a role in establishing the University of Arizona College of Public Health. Known for his mentorship and teaching, Dalen's influence remains significant in public health, social justice, and health-care reform. His creation of antithrombotic guidelines stands as his proudest achievement. Through video interviews, Dalen shares his wisdom, signifying his enduring impact on modern medicine.

Keywords

James E. Dalen

chest medicine

pulmonary hypertension

pulmonary embolism

antithrombotic guidelines

integrative medicine

mindfulness-based stress reduction

public health

health-care reform

medical education