A pulmonologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the respiratory system, which includes the lungs and other organs that help you breathe. They use procedures such as spirometry, bloodwork, chest X-rays, CT scans, bronchoscopies, and sleep studies to diagnose chronic lung conditions. Pulmonologists work with patients facing serious or chronic breathing problems, and they diagnose, treat, and manage complex illnesses that primarily affect the lungs. They treat conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, COPD, lung cancer, and sleep apnea, among others. Pulmonologists can also treat occupation-related lung diseases. They work with primary care doctors and other specialists to create treatment plans for their patients. To become a pulmonologist, one must first get a bachelor’s degree, pass the Medical College Admissions Test, and complete medical school, which usually takes about four years. After that, they must complete an internal medicine residency for three years, followed by specialized training as a fellow in pulmonary medicine for several years. Finally, they must pass specialty exams to become board-certified in pulmonology. Pulmonologists use tests such as CT scans, pulmonary function tests, and sleep studies to diagnose lung diseases, and they may perform procedures such as thoracentesis and tracheal or bronchial stent placement to treat lung conditions.