Michigan Airways Program

The goal of the University of Michigan Airways Program (MAP) is to improve the lives of patients with airways disease by accessing our strength in airways research to accelerate the development of personalized patient therapies.

The program includes over 20 specialists with expertise in airway disease including:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Interventional Pulmonology
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Radiology
  • Pathology
  • Imaging

We are equipped to care for a wide range of patients with airways diseases including those with asthma, bronchiectasis and COPD. 

About Clinical Research Opportunities

There are many different types of studies that a person may qualify for within the Michigan Airways Program. These include interventional studies, observational studies and registries. In general, if you were to be involved in a screening for a research study, you would receive detailed information regarding the study from either a Principal Investigator or a clinical research coordinator. It is important to remember that your participation is completely voluntary. If you qualify for one of the studies and have had all your questions answered, you will sign a consent form before any procedures can be started.

In general, most studies for COPD and asthma will collect medical history, demographics, vital signs, spirometry testing, blood work and quality of life questionnaires. In some cases, you may also have a chest x-ray or cat scan of your lungs. Observational studies collect the data or information for the researchers whereas interventional studies may involve taking a medication or device intervention.  Clinical visits for the study could be anywhere from one hour to several hours. In any case you are compensated for your time and will receive free parking.

COPD and Asthma Studies

Specialized Research Programs

  • Asthma and COPD Phenotyping and Imaging
  • Airway Microbiome
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Exercise Interventions
  • Smoking Interventions
  • Precision Medicine

Additional Pulmonary Services

In addition to clinical research opportunities, the University of Michigan offers other clinics and services for those with lung and breathing problems. These include:

Asthma Clinic: The Michigan Medicine Asthma Program is designed to provide personalized treatment for all asthma patients, but we are especially focused on those with severe asthma. We perform a detailed history, physical examination and obtain tests that help us to understand the type of asthma that you have, and more importantly, how asthma is affecting your life.

Interventional Pulmonology: The Michigan Medicine Interventional Pulmonology Program offers the most advanced procedures to diagnose and treat both benign and malignant disorders of the lungs and airways. Using new endoscopic techniques, our multidisciplinary team performs minimally invasive interventions using tiny cameras or surgical tools passed through a bronchoscope.

Lung Transplantation: Lung transplantation is the surgical replacement of either one (single) or two (double) badly diseased lungs with healthy lungs from a human organ donor.

Lung Volume Reduction Surgery: Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is a surgical option to treat emphysema, and is only performed when the use of all medical treatments (medications, pulmonary rehabilitation) have been tried and symptoms still persist. During the surgery, 20% to 30% of the most diseased portions of the lung are removed. By reducing the size of the over-expanded lung, the diaphragm, chest wall, and rib cage are able to resume to a more normal shape and to work more efficiently.

Multispecialty COPD Clinic: The Michigan Medicine COPD Clinic is unique in that we have multi-disciplinary expertise including physicians, nursing, respiratory therapy, social work and nutrition all co-located and available at the point of care.  We have developed a standardized assessment but are prepared to develop individual therapy plans to meet the needs of individual patients.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation: This program brings together a dedicated team of experts to provide a supportive, attentive and compassionate environment using individualized treatments to help those with pulmonary disease reduce their symptoms and improve their lives. Located just across the street from our Women's Respiratory Clinic, our Pulmonary Rehabilitation facility provides therapy programs that may include an exercise regimen (strength and aerobic training), breathing training, smoking cessation, nutrition support, and/or counseling.

Patient Resources

Make an Appointment

For information on our research trials or to make an appointment to volunteer for research please call 877-893-1417 or local 734-936-6400. For information on our  Pulmonary Clinic or to make an appointment, please call us at (734) 615-3217.