Professor Nick Hopkinson, Professor of Respiratory Medicine, discusses progress in the prevention and treatment of COPD.
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We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 28 January!
Imperial Inaugurals are term-time lectures that celebrate our newest Professors, recognising their academic journey and showcasing their research.
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death globally and is expected to affect 600 million people worldwide by 2050. COPD incorporates chronic bronchitis and emphysema and can be associated with debilitating breathlessness, cough and sputum production as well as acute exacerbations where symptoms flare up. The condition is caused by the inhalation of noxious materials, most especially tobacco smoke, as well as deprivation in early life that impacts lung development. As such, it is almost entirely preventable, has a range of high value evidence-based interventions that most people with the condition do not receive, and is neglected compared to other conditions that cause similar or lesser disease burdens.
In this inaugural lecture, Professor Hopkinson reflects on the way that COPD can usefully be thought of as a manifestation of structural violence, considered not as something that people have but as something that has been done to them. This occurs across five broad areas: avoidable lung harm, failure to diagnose, failure to provide care, low status impeding progress in research, and failure to provide support for people living with the condition. He will also discuss progress in approaches to the prevention and treatment of COPD, including around tobacco control and lung volume reduction.
Biography
Professor Nicholas Hopkinson is a Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College and has worked as a Consultant Chest Physician at The Royal Brompton Hospital. He qualified in medicine at Corpus Christi College Cambridge and then at The London Hospital Medical College, did his clinical training on the Southwest Thames respiratory rotation, completing his PhD at Imperial before being appointed here as a HEFCE Senior Lecture in 2006. His research has focussed on non-pharmacological approaches to COPD including lung volume reduction, dietary nitrate supplementation, rehabilitation and physical activity, as well as tobacco control. He is Chair of Action on Smoking and Health ASH(UK), and Medical Director of Asthma + Lung UK.
