GET TO KNOW YOUR LEADERSHIP
Ritwick Agrawal, MD, MS, FCCP
Read through a Q&A with one of the CHEST Network leaders, Sleep Medicine Network Member-at-Large, Ritwick Agrawal, MD, MS, FCCP.
July 17, 2023
Where do you work?
I work at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center Pavilion.
What are your research interests and how does this apply to your position within the Networks?
My primary research interests include sleep-disordered breathing and the application of big data analysis and machine learning methodologies in health care. I am part of the Artificial Intelligence in Health Lab at Baylor College of Medicine. Learn more about our collaborators.
My research has significant implications for my involvement with the Sleep Medicine Network at CHEST. It allows me to collaborate with a broader membership, understand their needs, and translate these needs into a thriving collaborative community.
How did you become interested and involved in the Sleep Medicine Network?
As a sleep medicine-trained specialist myself, I always found it funny that the saying "you snooze, you lose" never really applied to us. In fact, it's quite the opposite! The more we snooze, the more we learn, and the Sleep Medicine Network is the perfect place to embrace our shared passion for slumber.
I joined the Network because I wanted to work and contribute in a collaborative environment where people have a genuine passion for what they do. It's like joining a dream team (pun intended) of sleep experts!
This Network is undoubtedly one of the most engaging and lively professional groups around, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this community of sleep-savvy doctors who not only work hard but also know how to keep things light and enjoyable.
Are you involved in any other activities or volunteer positions at CHEST?
Yes! I review CHEST research grants and help evaluate research proposals and contribute to the allocation of resources for innovative projects. I've also created infographics to visually communicate important sleep medicine concepts to a broader audience.
In addition, I have participated in panel discussions related to sleep, where I've had the opportunity to engage in lively debates and share my insights with other professionals. Furthermore, I've been honored to serve as a speaker at CHEST Annual Meetings, where I've presented my research findings and discussed the latest advancements in sleep medicine with colleagues from around the world.
What clinical research is most interesting to you right now?
At the moment, I find the potential impact of big data on sleep medicine to be most intriguing. Historically, we have made decisions based on our individual training and experiences. However, with the increasing availability of large-scale clinical data, there's an opportunity to revolutionize sleep medicine in numerous ways.
I believe that, in the foreseeable future, we can leverage the vast amount of clinical data to make more precise and personalized clinical decisions. By harnessing the power of big data and implementing advanced analytics (such as machine learning and artificial intelligence), we can improve patient outcomes, optimize treatment plans, and identify patterns that might have been previously overlooked.
This integration of big data into sleep medicine is an exciting and promising development, and I'm eager to see how it will transform the field and enhance patient care.
What are your hobbies?
Amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I discovered a newfound love for tennis. This sport has since become one of my favorite hobbies, and I try to hit the courts twice or thrice a week. Not only is tennis an engaging and competitive activity, but it also serves as a fantastic form of exercise.
What is something you cannot live without (after family and friends)?
Besides my awesome family and friends, I just can't imagine life without audiobooks. They've become a must-have for me. Whether I'm commuting, doing chores, or just relaxing, I love having a great story or some interesting facts read to me. Audiobooks are like a fun sidekick that keeps me entertained and learning, no matter where I am or what I'm doing. Honestly, they're just the best!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with your Network peers?
To all my fellow Network peers, I just want to say that I'm grateful to be a part of such a vibrant and supportive community. It's been an incredible journey so far, and I'm looking forward to collaborating, learning, and growing together in the future. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any ideas, questions, or simply want to chat. Let's keep the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie alive as we continue to make strides in sleep medicine!
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