Kathleen Akgün, MD, MS
Hospice & Palliative Care, Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine, Pulmonary Critical Care
Titles
- Associate Professor of Medicine (Pulmonary)
- Associate Section Chief, VA Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine
- Co-Director, Network of Dedicated Enrollment Sites (NODES) Program, VA-Connecticut, Research
- Director, Medical Intensive Care Unit, VA CT Healthcare System, Department of Medicine
- Member, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Working Group, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Internal Medicine, PCCSM Section
Education & Training
- MSYale Graduate School of Public Health, Chronic Diseases and Epidemiology (2014)
- MDUniversity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (2001)
Additional Information
Honors & Recognitions
- Chair, ATS Ethics and Conflicts of Interest Committee: American Thoracic Society (2020)
- Fellow (ATSF): American Thoracic Society (2020)
Board Certifications
- AB of Internal Medicine, Hospice & Palliative Medicine (2012, recertified: 2023)
- AB of Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine (Internal Medicine) (2008, recertified: 2018)
- AB of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease (2007, recertified: 2017)
Professional Service
- American Thoracic Society (2020 - Present): Ethics and Conflict of Interest Committee
Publications
- Feder S, Zhan Y, Abel E, Smith D, Ersek M, Fried T, Redeker N, Akgün K. Validation of electronic health record-based algorithms to identify specialist palliative care within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2023 PMID: 37364737, DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.06.023.
- Sonntag E, Akgun K, Bag R, Rosensweig E, Bernardo R, Burnetti C, Chybowski A, de Jesus Perez V, Diwan J, Guthrie K, Halscott T, Lahm T, Vaught J, Ventetuolo C, Hemnes A. Access to Medically Necessary Reproductive Care for Individuals with Pulmonary Hypertension. American Journal Of Respiratory And Critical Care Medicine 2023 PMID: 37311249, DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202302-0230vp.
- Lee A, Maley J, Hibbert K, Akgün K, Hauschildt K, Law A, Kaminski N, Hayes M, Gesthalter Y, Bosslet G, Santhosh L, Witkin A, Hills-Dunlap K, Çoruh B, Gershengorn H, Hardin C. Medical Societies Must Choose Professional Meeting Locations Responsibly in a Post-Roe World. Annals Of The American Thoracic Society 2023, 20: 781-784. PMID: 36812378, PMCID: PMC10257035, DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202211-928ip.
- Feder S, Han L, Abel E, Zhan Y, Akgun K, Fried T, Ersek M, Redeker N. Delivery Characteristics for Facilities with High-Reach Specialist Palliative Care for Persons with Advanced Heart Failure: What Matters? (Sci222). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2023, 65: e651-e652. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.02.272.
- Bernstein E, DeRycke E, Han L, Bastian L, Bade B, Lerz K, Kravetz J, Carino M, Akgun K, Cain H, Rose M. Multiple Annual Low Dose CT Scans Needed to Detect Malignancy: Number Needed to Scan 蠅4. 2023, a2732-a2732. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2023.207.1_meetingabstracts.a2732.
- Bernstein E, DeRycke E, Han L, Bastian L, Bade B, Lerz K, Kravetz J, Carino M, Rose M, Cain H, Akgun K. Disparities in Lung Cancer Screening in a Sample of Veterans. 2023, a2733-a2733. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2023.207.1_meetingabstracts.a2733.
- Bernstein E, DeRycke E, Han L, Bastian L, Bade B, Lerz K, Kravetz J, Carino M, Rose M, Akgun K, Cain H. Time to Diagnosis and Treatment of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer in Patients Undergoing Lung Cancer Screening. 2023, a2734-a2734. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2023.207.1_meetingabstracts.a2734.
- Walenczyk K, Cavanagh C, Skanderson M, Feder S, Soliman A, Justice A, Burg M, Akgün K. Advance directive screening among veterans with incident heart failure: Comparisons among people aging with and without HIV. Heart & Lung 2023, 61: 1-7. PMID: 37023581, DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2023.03.018.
- Feder S, Iannone L, Wischik D, Zhan Y, Akgun K, Ersek M, Luhrs C, Allen L, Bekelman D, Goldstein N, Kavalieratos D. How To Design And Implement Outpatient Palliative Care Among Persons With Advanced Heart Failure: A Positive Deviance Analysis. Journal Of Cardiac Failure 2023, 29: 619. DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2022.10.180.
- Bernstein E, DeRycke E, Han L, Farmer M, Bastian L, Bean-Mayberry B, Bade B, Brandt C, Crothers K, Skanderson M, Ruser C, Spelman J, Bazan I, Justice A, Rentsch C, Akgün K. Racial, Ethnic, and Rural Disparities in US Veteran COVID-19 Vaccine Rates. AJPM Focus 2023, 100094. PMCID: PMC10038675, DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100094.
- Bernstein E, DeRycke E, Han L, Farmer M, Bastian L, Bean-Mayberry B, Bade B, Brandt C, Crothers K, Skanderson M, Ruser C, Spelman J, Bazan I, Justice A, Rentsch C, Akgün K. Racial, Ethnic, and Rural Disparities in US Veteran COVID-19 Vaccine Rates. AJPM Focus 2023, 100094. PMID: 37362395, PMCID: PMC10038675, DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100094.
- Goulet J, Warren A, Workman T, Skanderson M, Farmer M, Gordon K, Abel E, Akgün K, Bean‐Mayberry B, Zeng‐Treitler Q, Haderlein T, Haskell S, Bastian L, Womack J, Post L, Hwang U, Brandt C. Variation in firearm screening and access by LGBT status. Academic Emergency Medicine 2023, 30: 420-423. PMID: 36661348, DOI: 10.1111/acem.14664.
- Akgün K, Krishnan S, Tate J, Bryant K, Pisani M, Re V, Rentsch C, Crothers K, Gordon K, Justice A, team F. Delirium among people aging with and without HIV: Role of alcohol and Neurocognitively active medications. Journal Of The American Geriatrics Society 2023, 71: 1861-1872. PMID: 36786300, PMCID: PMC10258127, DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18265.
- Feder S, Murphy T, Abel E, Ersek M, Gandhi P, Fried T, Redeker N, Akgün K. Longitudinal Patterns of Specialist Palliative Care Provision in the HEART-PAL Cohort (GP716). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2022, 63: 1120-1121. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.04.107.
- Schwartz A, Tate J, Justice A, Lehmann L, King Jr. J, Harris K, Levin W, Feder S, Akgun K. Utilization of Advance Directives Among Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19. 2022, a2667-a2667. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2022.205.1_meetingabstracts.a2667.
- Bernstein E, DeRycke E, Han L, Bastian L, Bean-Mayberry B, Bade B, Brandt C, Farmer M, Crothers K, Skanderson M, Ruser C, Spelman J, Bazan I, Justice A, Rentsch C, Akgun K. Racial and Rural Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake in a National Sample of Veterans. 2022, a3695-a3695. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2022.205.1_meetingabstracts.a3695.
- Chen A, Runels T, DeRycke E, Bade B, Crothers K, Bastian L, Bazan I, Farmer M, Bean-Mayberry B, Bernstein E, Brandt C, Akgun K. Factors Associated with Influenza Vaccination Non-Adherence in a National Veteran Cohort. 2022, a5370-a5370. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2022.205.1_meetingabstracts.a5370.
- Mcginnis K, Skanderson M, Akgun K, Justice A, Tindle H, Wrona A, Farah K, Shahrir S, Freiberg M, Goetz M, Pisani M, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Crothers K, Veterans Aging Cohort Study. Comparison of Current Smoking Status Based on the Biomarker Cotinine, Two Types of Self-Report, and ICD-10 Codes in the Veterans Health Administration. 2022, a5362-a5362. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2022.205.1_meetingabstracts.a5362.
- Soliman A, Akgün K, Coffee J, Kapo J, Morrison L, Blatt L, Schulman-Green D, Feder S. The Quality of Telehealth-Delivered Palliative Care During the Initial COVID-19 Pandemic Surge (S530). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2022, 63: 921-922. PMCID: PMC9001042, DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.02.153.
- McGinnis K, Skanderson M, Justice A, Tindle H, Akgün K, Wrona A, Freiberg M, Goetz M, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Brown S, Crothers K. Using the biomarker cotinine and survey self-report to validate smoking data from United States Veterans Health Administration electronic health records. JAMIA Open 2022, 5 PMCID: PMC9154288, DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooac040.
- McGinnis K, Skanderson M, Justice A, Tindle H, Akgün K, Wrona A, Freiberg M, Goetz M, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Brown S, Crothers K. Using the biomarker cotinine and survey self-report to validate smoking data from United States Veterans Health Administration electronic health records. JAMIA Open 2022, 5: ooac040. PMID: 37252267, PMCID: PMC9154288, DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooac040.
- Gandhi P, Runels T, Skanderson M, Bastian L, Brandt C, Hauser R, Feder S, Rodwin B, Farmer M, Bean-Mayberry B, Akgun K. SEX DIFFERENCES IN NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE TESTING IN PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED WITH HEART FAILURE. Journal Of The American College Of Cardiology 2022, 79: 467. DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(22)01458-9.
- Feder S, Schulman-Green D, Akgün K. Palliative Care During a Pandemic. 2021, 345-372. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-81788-6_18.
- Bade B, DeRycke E, Kunitomo Y, Lerz K, Skanderson M, Rose M, DiDomenico P, Conti M, Taylor C, Crothers K, Federman D, Haskell S, Bean-Mayberry B, Brandt C, Bastian L, Akgun K, Cain H. "Lost to Follow-Up?" Barriers to Lung Cancer Screening Adherence in US Veterans. 2021, a4775-a4775. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2021.203.1_meetingabstracts.a4775.
- Kunitomo Y, Bade B, Gunderson C, Akgun K, Brackett A, Tanoue L, Cain H, Bastian L. A Systematic Review of Racial Disparities in Lung Cancer Screening Adherence. 2021, a1737-a1737. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2021.203.1_meetingabstracts.a1737.
- Datta R, Akgun K, Brandt C, Skanderson M, Workman T, Justice A, Womack J, VACS COVID-19 Clinical Workgroup. Machine Learning to Identify Symptoms Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a National Cohort of Veterans. 2021, a1504-a1504. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2021.203.1_meetingabstracts.a1504.
- Feder S, Abel E, Bade B, Brandt C, Akgün K. Sex Differences in the Use of Palliative Care Toward the End of Life Among Decedent Veterans from Contemporary Conflicts (SCI943). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2021, 61: 692-693. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.01.104.
- Wenger D, Triplette M, Shahrir S, Akgun K, Wongtrakool C, Brown S, Kim J, Hoo G, Rodriguez‐Barradas M, Huang L, Feemster L, Zifodya J, Crothers K. Associations of marijuana with markers of chronic lung disease in people living with HIV. HIV Medicine 2020, 22: 92-101. PMID: 33022830, DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12966.
- Hanberg JS, Team V, Akgün K, Hsieh E, Fraenkel L, Justice A. Incidence and Presentation of Sarcoidosis With and Without HIV Infection. Open Forum Infectious Diseases 2020, 7: ofaa441. PMID: 33123611, PMCID: PMC7576681, DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa441.
- Feder S, Ersek M, Kutney-Lee A, Redeker N, Bastian L, Akgun K. National Variation in Palliative Care and Associated Outcomes Among Decedents with Heart Failure in Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (RP503). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2020, 60: 230. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.04.095.
- Bade B, Bielawski M, DeRycke E, Skanderson M, Crothers K, Haskell S, Bean-Mayberry B, Brandt C, Bastian L, Akgun K. Sex Differences in Asthma Management in a Veteran Cohort. 2020, a1307-a1307. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2020.201.1_meetingabstracts.a1307.
- Bade B, DeRycke E, Lerz K, Skanderson M, Rose M, Obando A, Taylor C, Crothers K, Haskell S, Bean-Mayberry B, Brandt C, Bastian L, Akgun K, Cain H. Comorbidities in Veterans Undergoing Lung Cancer Screening. 2020, a5924-a5924. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2020.201.1_meetingabstracts.a5924.
- Ehteshami-Afshar S, McGinnis K, Farber S, Butt A, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Pisani M, Huang L, Soo Hoo G, Doyle M, Freiberg M, Crothers K, Akgun K, For VACS Project Team. Long Term Impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on Hospitalization and Mortality Among Persons Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus. 2020, a7159-a7159. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2020.201.1_meetingabstracts.a7159.
- Ehteshami-Afshar S, Brandt C, Akgun K. Sex Differences in Guideline Concordant Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Diagnosis and Management in a Primary Care Setting. 2020, a7158-a7158. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2020.201.1_meetingabstracts.a7158.
- Feder S, Ersek M, Kutney-Lee A, Luhrs C, Bastian L, Akgun K. End-of-Life Care Quality Varies Among Facilities in the Department of Veterans Affairs for Patients with Heart Failure (S732). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2020, 59: 546-547. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.12.294.
- McKellar MS, Kuchibhatla MN, Oursler KAK, Crystal S, Akgün K, Crothers K, Gibert CL, Nieves-Lugo K, Womack J, Tate J, Fillenbaum GG. Racial Differences in Change in Physical Functioning in Older Male Veterans with HIV. AIDS Research And Human Retroviruses 2019, 35: 1034-1043. PMID: 30963773, PMCID: PMC6862951, DOI: 10.1089/aid.2018.0296.
- Possick J, Akgün K. Teaching Communication Skills. 2019, 195-212. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-10680-5_11.
- Sung C, Feder S, Crothers K, Akgun K. The Intubated Patient's Experience: Are We Paying Attention? 2019, a6484-a6484. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2019.199.1_meetingabstracts.a6484.
- Bade B, DeRycke E, Ramsey C, Skanderson M, Crothers K, Haskell S, Bean-Mayberry B, Brandt C, Bastian L, Akgun K. Predictors of Pulmonary Function Test Acquisition in Veterans Hospitalized for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation. 2019, a1124-a1124. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2019.199.1_meetingabstracts.a1124.
- Gordon K, Crothers K, Butt A, Edelman E, Gilbert C, Pisani M, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Wyatt C, Justice A, Akgun K. Polypharmacy and Risk of Medical Intensive Care Unit Admission Among Hospitalized Participants with and Without HIV Infection. 2019, a2473-a2473. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2019.199.1_meetingabstracts.a2473.
- Wenger D, Triplette M, Shahrir S, Akgun K, Wongtrakool C, Brown S, Kim J, Soo Hoo G, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Huang L, Feemster L, Crothers K. Marijuana Use and Its Association with Markers of Lung Disease in People Living with HIV. 2019, a5185-a5185. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2019.199.1_meetingabstracts.a5185.
- Clark B, Roeder N, Akgün K. Pulmonary Health and Healthy Aging. 2019, 81-92. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-06200-2_8.
- Feder S, Tate J, Womack J, Akgün K, Justice A. Regional Variations in the Provision of Palliative Care in Patients Hospitalized with Heart Failure within the Veterans Health Administration (S730). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2018, 55: 672-673. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.12.384.
- Johnston J, Heavner M, Liu C, Topal J, Casal G, Akgun K. 929. Critical Care Medicine 2018, 46: 448. DOI: 10.1097/01.ccm.0000528936.68760.0d.
- Feder S, Akgün K, Jeon S, Tate J, Redeker N. Determinants of Palliative Care in HIV-Infected and Uninfected Adults Hospitalized with Heart Failure (S751). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2017, 53: 438. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2016.12.262.
- Feder S, Tate J, Womack J, Redeker N, Akgün K. Validation of the Diagnostic Code for Palliative Care in Patients Hospitalized with Heart Failure Within the Department of Veterans Affairs (S752). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2017, 53: 438-439. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2016.12.263.
- Hui F, Kapo J, Akgün K. Integrating Palliative Care into the ICU: Experiences, Attitudes and Barriers of ICU Clinicians (TH310C). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2016, 51: 321-322. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2015.12.138.
- Rodriguez-Barradas M, Akgun K, Brown S, Butt A, Fine M, Goetz M, Graber C, Huang L, Mcginnis K, Rimland D, Justice A, Crothers K. Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) Requiring Hospitalization in HIV Infected (HIV+) and Un-Infected (HIV−) Patients: Evaluation of Patients Identified By ICD-9 Codes. Open Forum Infectious Diseases 2015, 2: 1583. DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofv133.1136.
- Nhundu B, Weber U, Robinson J, Anderson N, Knies A, Huang K, Akgun K, Hwang D. 571. Critical Care Medicine 2015, 43: 144. DOI: 10.1097/01.ccm.0000474399.09363.f0.
- Hui F, Kapo J, Akgun K. 360. Critical Care Medicine 2015, 43: 91-92. DOI: 10.1097/01.ccm.0000474188.65536.6b.
- Barakat LA, Juthani-Mehta M, Allore H, Trentalange M, Tate J, Rimland D, Pisani M, Akgün KM, Goetz MB, Butt AA, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Duggal M, Crothers K, Justice AC, Quagliarello VJ. Clinical outcomes of HIV‐infected men with CAP. HIV Medicine 2015, 16: 421-430. PMID: 25959543, PMCID: PMC5015437, DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12244.
- Kunisaki K, Akgün K, Fiellin D, Gibert C, Kim J, Rimland D, Rodriguez‐Barradas M, Yaggi H, Crothers K. OSA and HIV infection. HIV Medicine 2014, 16: 105-113. PMID: 25230851, PMCID: PMC4300288, DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12182.
- Federman DG, Kravetz JD, Lerz KA, Akgǖn K, Ruser C, Cain H, Anderson EF, Taylor C. Implementation of an Electronic Clinical Reminder to Improve Rates of Lung Cancer Screening. The American Journal Of Medicine 2014, 127: 813-816. PMID: 24769298, DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2014.04.010.
- Shahrir S, McGinnis K, Tindle H, Fiellin D, Goulet J, Akgun K, Gibert C, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Engelberg R, Crothers K. Receptiveness To Smoking Cessation Among HIV-Infected And Uninfected Patients. 2012, a2589-a2589. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2012.185.1_meetingabstracts.a2589.
- Crothers K, McGinnis K, Wongtrakool C, Lee P, Guidot D, Hoo G, Goetz M, Huang L, Sharafkhaneh A, Akgun K, Shahrir S, Rimland D, Brown L. Predictors Of Elevated Oxidative Stress In Exhaled Breath Condensates Of HIV-Infected Patients. 2012, a4059-a4059. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2012.185.1_meetingabstracts.a4059.
- Akgun K, Tate J, Pisani M, Butt A, Gibert C, Rimland D, Huang L, Justice A, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Crothers K. Prediction Of 30-Day Mortality After MICU Admission Among HIV-Infected Patients. 2012, a2549-a2549. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2012.185.1_meetingabstracts.a2549.
- Norman B, Pipavath S, Sigel K, Shahrir S, Akgun K, Kim J, Hoo G, Brown S, Rimland D, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Sharafkhaneh A, Huang L, Crothers K. Risk Factors For Incidentally Detected Lung Nodules On Chest CT Scan In HIV-Positive And HIV-Negative Veterans. 2012, a4051-a4051. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2012.185.1_meetingabstracts.a4051.
- Akgün K, Crothers K. Lung Disease in Older Patients with HIV. 2011, 227-252. PMCID: PMC7120014, DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60761-727-3_12.
- Akgun K, Pisani M, Fried T, Butt A, Gibert C, Rimland D, Huang L, Justice A, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Crothers K. Impact Of Age On Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) Admissions In HIV-Infected Patients. 2011, a6270-a6270. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2011.183.1_meetingabstracts.a6270.
- Shahrir S, Tindle H, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Au D, Wongtrakool C, Hoo G, Akgun K, Huang L, Crothers K. Smoking Behaviors And Utilization Of Smoking Cessation Therapies With Quit Attempts Among Current Compared To Former Smokers. 2011, a5456-a5456. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2011.183.1_meetingabstracts.a5456.
- Campo M, Shahrir S, Oursler K, Rimland D, Hoo G, Brown S, Goetz M, Huang L, Au D, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Sharafkhaneh A, Akgun K, Crothers K. Respiratory Symptoms Are Associated With Decreased Performance On 6-Minute Walk Test Among HIV-Infected Patients. 2011, a6268-a6268. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2011.183.1_meetingabstracts.a6268.
- Akgun K, Pisani M, Fried T, Butt A, Gibert C, Rimland D, Justice A, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Crothers K. Risk Factors For MICU Admission Among HIV+ Patients. 2010, a5199-a5199. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2010.181.1_meetingabstracts.a5199.
- Akgun K, Pisani M, Butt A, Gibert C, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Justice A, Rimland D, Crothers K. Incidence And Mortality Of MICU Admission In HIV Infected (HIV+) And Non-Infected (HIV-) Veterans. 2010, a5200-a5200. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2010.181.1_meetingabstracts.a5200.
- Akgun K, Roux F. Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pregnancy. 2009, 123-133. DOI: 10.1007/978-1-59745-445-2_9.
Patient Care Organizations
Titles
- Associate Professor of Medicine (Pulmonary)
- Associate Section Chief, VA Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine
- Co-Director, Network of Dedicated Enrollment Sites (NODES) Program, VA-Connecticut, Research
- Director, Medical Intensive Care Unit, VA CT Healthcare System, Department of Medicine
- Member, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Working Group, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Internal Medicine, PCCSM Section
Education & Training
- MSYale Graduate School of Public Health, Chronic Diseases and Epidemiology (2014)
- MDUniversity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (2001)
Additional Information
Honors & Recognitions
- Chair, ATS Ethics and Conflicts of Interest Committee: American Thoracic Society (2020)
- Fellow (ATSF): American Thoracic Society (2020)
Board Certifications
- AB of Internal Medicine, Hospice & Palliative Medicine (2012, recertified: 2023)
- AB of Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine (Internal Medicine) (2008, recertified: 2018)
- AB of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease (2007, recertified: 2017)
Professional Service
- American Thoracic Society (2020 - Present): Ethics and Conflict of Interest Committee
Publications
- Feder S, Zhan Y, Abel E, Smith D, Ersek M, Fried T, Redeker N, Akgün K. Validation of electronic health record-based algorithms to identify specialist palliative care within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2023 PMID: 37364737, DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.06.023.
- Sonntag E, Akgun K, Bag R, Rosensweig E, Bernardo R, Burnetti C, Chybowski A, de Jesus Perez V, Diwan J, Guthrie K, Halscott T, Lahm T, Vaught J, Ventetuolo C, Hemnes A. Access to Medically Necessary Reproductive Care for Individuals with Pulmonary Hypertension. American Journal Of Respiratory And Critical Care Medicine 2023 PMID: 37311249, DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202302-0230vp.
- Lee A, Maley J, Hibbert K, Akgün K, Hauschildt K, Law A, Kaminski N, Hayes M, Gesthalter Y, Bosslet G, Santhosh L, Witkin A, Hills-Dunlap K, Çoruh B, Gershengorn H, Hardin C. Medical Societies Must Choose Professional Meeting Locations Responsibly in a Post-Roe World. Annals Of The American Thoracic Society 2023, 20: 781-784. PMID: 36812378, PMCID: PMC10257035, DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202211-928ip.
- Feder S, Han L, Abel E, Zhan Y, Akgun K, Fried T, Ersek M, Redeker N. Delivery Characteristics for Facilities with High-Reach Specialist Palliative Care for Persons with Advanced Heart Failure: What Matters? (Sci222). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2023, 65: e651-e652. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.02.272.
- Bernstein E, DeRycke E, Han L, Bastian L, Bade B, Lerz K, Kravetz J, Carino M, Akgun K, Cain H, Rose M. Multiple Annual Low Dose CT Scans Needed to Detect Malignancy: Number Needed to Scan 蠅4. 2023, a2732-a2732. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2023.207.1_meetingabstracts.a2732.
- Bernstein E, DeRycke E, Han L, Bastian L, Bade B, Lerz K, Kravetz J, Carino M, Rose M, Cain H, Akgun K. Disparities in Lung Cancer Screening in a Sample of Veterans. 2023, a2733-a2733. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2023.207.1_meetingabstracts.a2733.
- Bernstein E, DeRycke E, Han L, Bastian L, Bade B, Lerz K, Kravetz J, Carino M, Rose M, Akgun K, Cain H. Time to Diagnosis and Treatment of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer in Patients Undergoing Lung Cancer Screening. 2023, a2734-a2734. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2023.207.1_meetingabstracts.a2734.
- Walenczyk K, Cavanagh C, Skanderson M, Feder S, Soliman A, Justice A, Burg M, Akgün K. Advance directive screening among veterans with incident heart failure: Comparisons among people aging with and without HIV. Heart & Lung 2023, 61: 1-7. PMID: 37023581, DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2023.03.018.
- Feder S, Iannone L, Wischik D, Zhan Y, Akgun K, Ersek M, Luhrs C, Allen L, Bekelman D, Goldstein N, Kavalieratos D. How To Design And Implement Outpatient Palliative Care Among Persons With Advanced Heart Failure: A Positive Deviance Analysis. Journal Of Cardiac Failure 2023, 29: 619. DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2022.10.180.
- Bernstein E, DeRycke E, Han L, Farmer M, Bastian L, Bean-Mayberry B, Bade B, Brandt C, Crothers K, Skanderson M, Ruser C, Spelman J, Bazan I, Justice A, Rentsch C, Akgün K. Racial, Ethnic, and Rural Disparities in US Veteran COVID-19 Vaccine Rates. AJPM Focus 2023, 100094. PMCID: PMC10038675, DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100094.
- Bernstein E, DeRycke E, Han L, Farmer M, Bastian L, Bean-Mayberry B, Bade B, Brandt C, Crothers K, Skanderson M, Ruser C, Spelman J, Bazan I, Justice A, Rentsch C, Akgün K. Racial, Ethnic, and Rural Disparities in US Veteran COVID-19 Vaccine Rates. AJPM Focus 2023, 100094. PMID: 37362395, PMCID: PMC10038675, DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100094.
- Goulet J, Warren A, Workman T, Skanderson M, Farmer M, Gordon K, Abel E, Akgün K, Bean‐Mayberry B, Zeng‐Treitler Q, Haderlein T, Haskell S, Bastian L, Womack J, Post L, Hwang U, Brandt C. Variation in firearm screening and access by LGBT status. Academic Emergency Medicine 2023, 30: 420-423. PMID: 36661348, DOI: 10.1111/acem.14664.
- Akgün K, Krishnan S, Tate J, Bryant K, Pisani M, Re V, Rentsch C, Crothers K, Gordon K, Justice A, team F. Delirium among people aging with and without HIV: Role of alcohol and Neurocognitively active medications. Journal Of The American Geriatrics Society 2023, 71: 1861-1872. PMID: 36786300, PMCID: PMC10258127, DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18265.
- Feder S, Murphy T, Abel E, Ersek M, Gandhi P, Fried T, Redeker N, Akgün K. Longitudinal Patterns of Specialist Palliative Care Provision in the HEART-PAL Cohort (GP716). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2022, 63: 1120-1121. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.04.107.
- Schwartz A, Tate J, Justice A, Lehmann L, King Jr. J, Harris K, Levin W, Feder S, Akgun K. Utilization of Advance Directives Among Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19. 2022, a2667-a2667. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2022.205.1_meetingabstracts.a2667.
- Bernstein E, DeRycke E, Han L, Bastian L, Bean-Mayberry B, Bade B, Brandt C, Farmer M, Crothers K, Skanderson M, Ruser C, Spelman J, Bazan I, Justice A, Rentsch C, Akgun K. Racial and Rural Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake in a National Sample of Veterans. 2022, a3695-a3695. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2022.205.1_meetingabstracts.a3695.
- Chen A, Runels T, DeRycke E, Bade B, Crothers K, Bastian L, Bazan I, Farmer M, Bean-Mayberry B, Bernstein E, Brandt C, Akgun K. Factors Associated with Influenza Vaccination Non-Adherence in a National Veteran Cohort. 2022, a5370-a5370. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2022.205.1_meetingabstracts.a5370.
- Mcginnis K, Skanderson M, Akgun K, Justice A, Tindle H, Wrona A, Farah K, Shahrir S, Freiberg M, Goetz M, Pisani M, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Crothers K, Veterans Aging Cohort Study. Comparison of Current Smoking Status Based on the Biomarker Cotinine, Two Types of Self-Report, and ICD-10 Codes in the Veterans Health Administration. 2022, a5362-a5362. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2022.205.1_meetingabstracts.a5362.
- Soliman A, Akgün K, Coffee J, Kapo J, Morrison L, Blatt L, Schulman-Green D, Feder S. The Quality of Telehealth-Delivered Palliative Care During the Initial COVID-19 Pandemic Surge (S530). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2022, 63: 921-922. PMCID: PMC9001042, DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.02.153.
- McGinnis K, Skanderson M, Justice A, Tindle H, Akgün K, Wrona A, Freiberg M, Goetz M, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Brown S, Crothers K. Using the biomarker cotinine and survey self-report to validate smoking data from United States Veterans Health Administration electronic health records. JAMIA Open 2022, 5 PMCID: PMC9154288, DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooac040.
- McGinnis K, Skanderson M, Justice A, Tindle H, Akgün K, Wrona A, Freiberg M, Goetz M, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Brown S, Crothers K. Using the biomarker cotinine and survey self-report to validate smoking data from United States Veterans Health Administration electronic health records. JAMIA Open 2022, 5: ooac040. PMID: 37252267, PMCID: PMC9154288, DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooac040.
- Gandhi P, Runels T, Skanderson M, Bastian L, Brandt C, Hauser R, Feder S, Rodwin B, Farmer M, Bean-Mayberry B, Akgun K. SEX DIFFERENCES IN NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE TESTING IN PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED WITH HEART FAILURE. Journal Of The American College Of Cardiology 2022, 79: 467. DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(22)01458-9.
- Feder S, Schulman-Green D, Akgün K. Palliative Care During a Pandemic. 2021, 345-372. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-81788-6_18.
- Bade B, DeRycke E, Kunitomo Y, Lerz K, Skanderson M, Rose M, DiDomenico P, Conti M, Taylor C, Crothers K, Federman D, Haskell S, Bean-Mayberry B, Brandt C, Bastian L, Akgun K, Cain H. "Lost to Follow-Up?" Barriers to Lung Cancer Screening Adherence in US Veterans. 2021, a4775-a4775. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2021.203.1_meetingabstracts.a4775.
- Kunitomo Y, Bade B, Gunderson C, Akgun K, Brackett A, Tanoue L, Cain H, Bastian L. A Systematic Review of Racial Disparities in Lung Cancer Screening Adherence. 2021, a1737-a1737. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2021.203.1_meetingabstracts.a1737.
- Datta R, Akgun K, Brandt C, Skanderson M, Workman T, Justice A, Womack J, VACS COVID-19 Clinical Workgroup. Machine Learning to Identify Symptoms Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a National Cohort of Veterans. 2021, a1504-a1504. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2021.203.1_meetingabstracts.a1504.
- Feder S, Abel E, Bade B, Brandt C, Akgün K. Sex Differences in the Use of Palliative Care Toward the End of Life Among Decedent Veterans from Contemporary Conflicts (SCI943). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2021, 61: 692-693. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.01.104.
- Wenger D, Triplette M, Shahrir S, Akgun K, Wongtrakool C, Brown S, Kim J, Hoo G, Rodriguez‐Barradas M, Huang L, Feemster L, Zifodya J, Crothers K. Associations of marijuana with markers of chronic lung disease in people living with HIV. HIV Medicine 2020, 22: 92-101. PMID: 33022830, DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12966.
- Hanberg JS, Team V, Akgün K, Hsieh E, Fraenkel L, Justice A. Incidence and Presentation of Sarcoidosis With and Without HIV Infection. Open Forum Infectious Diseases 2020, 7: ofaa441. PMID: 33123611, PMCID: PMC7576681, DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa441.
- Feder S, Ersek M, Kutney-Lee A, Redeker N, Bastian L, Akgun K. National Variation in Palliative Care and Associated Outcomes Among Decedents with Heart Failure in Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (RP503). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2020, 60: 230. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.04.095.
- Bade B, Bielawski M, DeRycke E, Skanderson M, Crothers K, Haskell S, Bean-Mayberry B, Brandt C, Bastian L, Akgun K. Sex Differences in Asthma Management in a Veteran Cohort. 2020, a1307-a1307. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2020.201.1_meetingabstracts.a1307.
- Bade B, DeRycke E, Lerz K, Skanderson M, Rose M, Obando A, Taylor C, Crothers K, Haskell S, Bean-Mayberry B, Brandt C, Bastian L, Akgun K, Cain H. Comorbidities in Veterans Undergoing Lung Cancer Screening. 2020, a5924-a5924. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2020.201.1_meetingabstracts.a5924.
- Ehteshami-Afshar S, McGinnis K, Farber S, Butt A, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Pisani M, Huang L, Soo Hoo G, Doyle M, Freiberg M, Crothers K, Akgun K, For VACS Project Team. Long Term Impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on Hospitalization and Mortality Among Persons Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus. 2020, a7159-a7159. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2020.201.1_meetingabstracts.a7159.
- Ehteshami-Afshar S, Brandt C, Akgun K. Sex Differences in Guideline Concordant Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Diagnosis and Management in a Primary Care Setting. 2020, a7158-a7158. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2020.201.1_meetingabstracts.a7158.
- Feder S, Ersek M, Kutney-Lee A, Luhrs C, Bastian L, Akgun K. End-of-Life Care Quality Varies Among Facilities in the Department of Veterans Affairs for Patients with Heart Failure (S732). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2020, 59: 546-547. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.12.294.
- McKellar MS, Kuchibhatla MN, Oursler KAK, Crystal S, Akgün K, Crothers K, Gibert CL, Nieves-Lugo K, Womack J, Tate J, Fillenbaum GG. Racial Differences in Change in Physical Functioning in Older Male Veterans with HIV. AIDS Research And Human Retroviruses 2019, 35: 1034-1043. PMID: 30963773, PMCID: PMC6862951, DOI: 10.1089/aid.2018.0296.
- Possick J, Akgün K. Teaching Communication Skills. 2019, 195-212. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-10680-5_11.
- Sung C, Feder S, Crothers K, Akgun K. The Intubated Patient's Experience: Are We Paying Attention? 2019, a6484-a6484. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2019.199.1_meetingabstracts.a6484.
- Bade B, DeRycke E, Ramsey C, Skanderson M, Crothers K, Haskell S, Bean-Mayberry B, Brandt C, Bastian L, Akgun K. Predictors of Pulmonary Function Test Acquisition in Veterans Hospitalized for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation. 2019, a1124-a1124. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2019.199.1_meetingabstracts.a1124.
- Gordon K, Crothers K, Butt A, Edelman E, Gilbert C, Pisani M, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Wyatt C, Justice A, Akgun K. Polypharmacy and Risk of Medical Intensive Care Unit Admission Among Hospitalized Participants with and Without HIV Infection. 2019, a2473-a2473. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2019.199.1_meetingabstracts.a2473.
- Wenger D, Triplette M, Shahrir S, Akgun K, Wongtrakool C, Brown S, Kim J, Soo Hoo G, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Huang L, Feemster L, Crothers K. Marijuana Use and Its Association with Markers of Lung Disease in People Living with HIV. 2019, a5185-a5185. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2019.199.1_meetingabstracts.a5185.
- Clark B, Roeder N, Akgün K. Pulmonary Health and Healthy Aging. 2019, 81-92. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-06200-2_8.
- Feder S, Tate J, Womack J, Akgün K, Justice A. Regional Variations in the Provision of Palliative Care in Patients Hospitalized with Heart Failure within the Veterans Health Administration (S730). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2018, 55: 672-673. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.12.384.
- Johnston J, Heavner M, Liu C, Topal J, Casal G, Akgun K. 929. Critical Care Medicine 2018, 46: 448. DOI: 10.1097/01.ccm.0000528936.68760.0d.
- Feder S, Akgün K, Jeon S, Tate J, Redeker N. Determinants of Palliative Care in HIV-Infected and Uninfected Adults Hospitalized with Heart Failure (S751). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2017, 53: 438. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2016.12.262.
- Feder S, Tate J, Womack J, Redeker N, Akgün K. Validation of the Diagnostic Code for Palliative Care in Patients Hospitalized with Heart Failure Within the Department of Veterans Affairs (S752). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2017, 53: 438-439. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2016.12.263.
- Hui F, Kapo J, Akgün K. Integrating Palliative Care into the ICU: Experiences, Attitudes and Barriers of ICU Clinicians (TH310C). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management 2016, 51: 321-322. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2015.12.138.
- Rodriguez-Barradas M, Akgun K, Brown S, Butt A, Fine M, Goetz M, Graber C, Huang L, Mcginnis K, Rimland D, Justice A, Crothers K. Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) Requiring Hospitalization in HIV Infected (HIV+) and Un-Infected (HIV−) Patients: Evaluation of Patients Identified By ICD-9 Codes. Open Forum Infectious Diseases 2015, 2: 1583. DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofv133.1136.
- Nhundu B, Weber U, Robinson J, Anderson N, Knies A, Huang K, Akgun K, Hwang D. 571. Critical Care Medicine 2015, 43: 144. DOI: 10.1097/01.ccm.0000474399.09363.f0.
- Hui F, Kapo J, Akgun K. 360. Critical Care Medicine 2015, 43: 91-92. DOI: 10.1097/01.ccm.0000474188.65536.6b.
- Barakat LA, Juthani-Mehta M, Allore H, Trentalange M, Tate J, Rimland D, Pisani M, Akgün KM, Goetz MB, Butt AA, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Duggal M, Crothers K, Justice AC, Quagliarello VJ. Clinical outcomes of HIV‐infected men with CAP. HIV Medicine 2015, 16: 421-430. PMID: 25959543, PMCID: PMC5015437, DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12244.
- Kunisaki K, Akgün K, Fiellin D, Gibert C, Kim J, Rimland D, Rodriguez‐Barradas M, Yaggi H, Crothers K. OSA and HIV infection. HIV Medicine 2014, 16: 105-113. PMID: 25230851, PMCID: PMC4300288, DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12182.
- Federman DG, Kravetz JD, Lerz KA, Akgǖn K, Ruser C, Cain H, Anderson EF, Taylor C. Implementation of an Electronic Clinical Reminder to Improve Rates of Lung Cancer Screening. The American Journal Of Medicine 2014, 127: 813-816. PMID: 24769298, DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2014.04.010.
- Shahrir S, McGinnis K, Tindle H, Fiellin D, Goulet J, Akgun K, Gibert C, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Engelberg R, Crothers K. Receptiveness To Smoking Cessation Among HIV-Infected And Uninfected Patients. 2012, a2589-a2589. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2012.185.1_meetingabstracts.a2589.
- Crothers K, McGinnis K, Wongtrakool C, Lee P, Guidot D, Hoo G, Goetz M, Huang L, Sharafkhaneh A, Akgun K, Shahrir S, Rimland D, Brown L. Predictors Of Elevated Oxidative Stress In Exhaled Breath Condensates Of HIV-Infected Patients. 2012, a4059-a4059. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2012.185.1_meetingabstracts.a4059.
- Akgun K, Tate J, Pisani M, Butt A, Gibert C, Rimland D, Huang L, Justice A, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Crothers K. Prediction Of 30-Day Mortality After MICU Admission Among HIV-Infected Patients. 2012, a2549-a2549. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2012.185.1_meetingabstracts.a2549.
- Norman B, Pipavath S, Sigel K, Shahrir S, Akgun K, Kim J, Hoo G, Brown S, Rimland D, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Sharafkhaneh A, Huang L, Crothers K. Risk Factors For Incidentally Detected Lung Nodules On Chest CT Scan In HIV-Positive And HIV-Negative Veterans. 2012, a4051-a4051. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2012.185.1_meetingabstracts.a4051.
- Akgün K, Crothers K. Lung Disease in Older Patients with HIV. 2011, 227-252. PMCID: PMC7120014, DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60761-727-3_12.
- Akgun K, Pisani M, Fried T, Butt A, Gibert C, Rimland D, Huang L, Justice A, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Crothers K. Impact Of Age On Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) Admissions In HIV-Infected Patients. 2011, a6270-a6270. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2011.183.1_meetingabstracts.a6270.
- Shahrir S, Tindle H, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Au D, Wongtrakool C, Hoo G, Akgun K, Huang L, Crothers K. Smoking Behaviors And Utilization Of Smoking Cessation Therapies With Quit Attempts Among Current Compared To Former Smokers. 2011, a5456-a5456. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2011.183.1_meetingabstracts.a5456.
- Campo M, Shahrir S, Oursler K, Rimland D, Hoo G, Brown S, Goetz M, Huang L, Au D, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Sharafkhaneh A, Akgun K, Crothers K. Respiratory Symptoms Are Associated With Decreased Performance On 6-Minute Walk Test Among HIV-Infected Patients. 2011, a6268-a6268. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2011.183.1_meetingabstracts.a6268.
- Akgun K, Pisani M, Fried T, Butt A, Gibert C, Rimland D, Justice A, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Crothers K. Risk Factors For MICU Admission Among HIV+ Patients. 2010, a5199-a5199. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2010.181.1_meetingabstracts.a5199.
- Akgun K, Pisani M, Butt A, Gibert C, Rodriguez-Barradas M, Justice A, Rimland D, Crothers K. Incidence And Mortality Of MICU Admission In HIV Infected (HIV+) And Non-Infected (HIV-) Veterans. 2010, a5200-a5200. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2010.181.1_meetingabstracts.a5200.
- Akgun K, Roux F. Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pregnancy. 2009, 123-133. DOI: 10.1007/978-1-59745-445-2_9.
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