GET TO KNOW YOUR LEADERSHIP
Tejaswini Kulkarni, MD, MPH, FCCP
Diffuse Lung Disease and Lung Transplant Network Vice-Chair
August 13, 2026
Where do you work?
University of Alabama at Birmingham.
What are your research interests?
Imaging-based biomarkers and outcomes research in pulmonary fibrosis.
What led you to join your Network?
My interest in joining the Diffuse Lung Disease and Lung Transplant Network was driven by a commitment to advancing collaborative, multidisciplinary care in interstitial lung disease (ILD). CHEST provides a strong platform for knowledge exchange, education, and research collaboration that aligns closely with my focus on improving outcomes for patients with this complex disease.
What achievements are you most proud of contributing to within your Network?
Within my Network, I am most proud of contributing to education in ILD, particularly by creating and leading learner-centered discussions and translating emerging evidence into practical approaches for early recognition and management of complex ILD.
How has being in a Network benefited your career and your experience as a CHEST member?
Being part of the Network has strengthened my career through meaningful collaboration with colleagues working in multidisciplinary fields and ongoing educational exchange. It has provided a platform to share expertise in ILD, learn from diverse clinical perspectives, and contribute to education that directly impacts practice and improves care for patients with ILD.
What are your hobbies?
Painting and gardening.
What is something you cannot live without (after family and friends)?
A good playlist.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with your Network peers?
Collaboration and active engagement in CHEST Networks are strongest when we consistently share our experience, challenge each other’s thinking, and translate evidence into practice.
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Questions about this Network? Contact networks@chestnet.org.