“`html
WASHINGTON, December 24, 2025 – Understanding the U.S. burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been a decades-long pursuit for physician-scientist David Mannino, MD, and his work has fundamentally shaped how we approach this debilitating lung disease.
A Career Dedicated to respiratory Health
Table of Contents
Dr. ManninoS extensive research has spanned from the CDC to academia, impacting national programs and scientific understanding of asthma and COPD.
- Dr.Mannino played a key role in developing the National Asthma Program.
- He led efforts on landmark surveillance reports detailing the prevalence of asthma and COPD in the U.S.
- His career includes over 350 publications and contributions to pivotal reports on tobacco use.
- He has held leadership positions at the COPD Foundation for nearly two decades.
After completing his medical training as a pulmonary care specialist, Dr. Mannino joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Branch. While at the CDC, he was instrumental in the development of the National Asthma Program. he also spearheaded the creation of Surveillance Reports that meticulously described the U.S.burden of asthma in 1998 and COPD in 2002, providing critical data for public health initiatives.
From the CDC to Academia
Dr. Mannino retired from the CDC in 2004 and transitioned to the University of Kentucky, where he balanced clinical work in the Collage of Medicine with teaching, research, and administrative roles in the College of Public Health. From 2012 to 2017, he served as professor and chair in the department of preventive medicine and environmental health, alongside a joint appointment in the department of epidemiology.
What are the long-term effects of COPD? COPD is a progressive lung disease that makes it increasingly challenging to breathe, impacting quality of life and potentially leading to notable health complications.
A Founding Force at the COPD Foundation
In 2004, Dr. Mannino was a key figure in launching the COPD Foundation, dedicating years of service to the institution. He served as a board member from 2004 through 2015, then as chairman of the Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee from 2010 to 2015. He later took on the role of chief scientific officer from 2015 to 2017, further solidifying his commitment to advancing COPD research and patient care.
A Prolific Researcher and Educator
Dr.mannino’s contributions to the field extend beyond his administrative and leadership roles. he boasts a remarkable publication record, with over 350 publications to his name. He currently serves as an associate editor or editorial board member for several prestigious journals, including the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical care Medicine, Chest, Thorax, European Respiratory Journal, and the Journal of the COPD Foundation. His expertise was also sought for the Surgeon General’s Report on Tobacco in both 2008 and 2014, demonstrating his influence on national health policy.
