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George A. Eapen, M.D.

Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine

About Dr. George A. Eapen

My academic and clinical career is devoted to the advancement of minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in pulmonary medicine, with a particular focus on lung cancer diagnosis, staging, and treatment. My expertise in interventional pulmonology, evidenced by extensive experience in endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) intrathoracic nodal staging has laid the foundation for my interest in and commitment to integrating robotic bronchoscopy into clinical practice as an additional minimally invasive tool for the early detection of lung cancer. The introduction of robotic bronchoscopy into clinical practice represents a significant leap forward, allowing for precise navigation and biopsy of peripheral lung lesions. I have been instrumental in evaluating its efficacy and safety, contributing to the broader adoption of this technology for early lung cancer detection.

My future research will continue to focus on refining diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for lung cancer, with an emphasis on integrating robotic bronchoscopy with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence for enhanced lesion detection and characterization, as well as integrating advanced molecular diagnostics into clinical use. Additionally, I plan to explore the potential of robotic bronchoscopy in the treatment of peripheral lung lesions, potentially opening new avenues for minimally invasive therapeutic interventions.

My involvement in various research projects, including as co-investigator in studies exploring the molecular profiles of airway fields in lung cancer biology and prevention, highlights my commitment to advancing the field of pulmonary medicine through research. My role in clinical trials assessing the safety and efficacy of innovative medical devices further demonstrates my dedication to improving patient care through scientific inquiry.

Primary Appointment

Professor, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment

Professor, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Research Interests

My clinical interests are in the clinical management and care of patients with pulmonary manifestations and complications of cancer and cancer therapy. My academic career has been devoted to the care of the lung cancer patient where as an interventional pulmonologist, I have focused on developing and integrating emerging advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques into cancer care. In an effort to improve the prognosis associated with a diagnosis of lung cancer, I focus on early lung cancer detection, mediastinal staging, treatment and chemoprevention for those at risk. This is best accomplished by a comprehensive approach that integrates minimally invasive diagnostic techniques along with use of biomarkers to provide a framework for the appropriate risk stratification of patients and subsequent evaluation of therapeutic options. This requires in depth collaboration with others who possess the diverse and complementary skill sets required, and share this common interest. I have worked on many clinical trials over the course of my career and have extensive experience in close cross-discipline collaboration. I also have extensive experience maintaining a multi-disciplinary endobronchial ultrasound database that has had a significant impact on the management of patients with lung cancer and mesothelioma and have ongoing clinical trials evaluating endobronchial ultrasound as a minimally invasive tool for lung cancer diagnosis and mediastinal staging. I have experience in multi institutional collaboration as one of the early contributors to the American College of Chest Physician’s AQuIRE registry. I actively participated and collaborated closely in field cancerization projects like the VANGUARD trial and biomarker driven projects like the BATTLE trial where bronchoscopic biopsies were used for sample acquisition.

Clinical Interests

My clinical interests are in the clinical management and care of patients with pulmonary manifestations and complications of cancer and cancer therapy. Since completing my clinical fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine, my academic career has been devoted to the care of the cancer patient where as an interventional pulmonologist, I have focused on developing and integrating emerging advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques into cancer care. In an effort to improve the quality of clinical care for cancer patients, I would like to better understand the factors that affect the clinical outcomes in cancer patients with pulmonary disorders in an effort to better provide cost-effective treatments and interventions. This is best accomplished by a careful analysis of practice patterns and subsequent outcomes, which can only be accomplished by collaborating with others who possess diverse and complementary skill sets and share this common interest. I have worked on many clinical trials over the course of my career and have experience in close cross-discipline collaboration. I also have extensive experience maintaining a multi-disciplinary endobronchial ultrasound database that has had a significant impact on the management of patients with lung cancer and mesothelioma. I also have experience in multi institutional collaboration as one of the early contributors to the American College of Chest Physician’s AQuIRE registry. This project was important in assembling the necessary infrastructure for comparative effectiveness research in cancer patients with pulmonary problems.

Education & Training

Degree-Granting Education

1990	College of Medical Sciences Medical School, University of Benin, Benin City, NG, MBBS in Medicine
1984	University of Benin, Benin City, NG, Pre-Med in Medicine

Postgraduate Training

2018-2019	Healthcare Change Leadership Certificate, Cornell University, N/A
2018-2019	Executive Healthcare Leadership Certificate, Cornell University, N/A
2005-2005	Endobronchial Ultrasound, Interventional Pulmonology, Chiba University, Chiba
2004-2004	Rigid Bronchoscopy and Endobronchial Laser Therapy, Interventional Pulmonology, Sainte Marguerite Hospital, Marseille
2003-2003	Interventional Bronchoscopy Course, Interventional Pulmonology, Faculte de Medecine, Lille
2003-2003	Interventional Pulmonology Course, Interventional Pulmonology, School of Medicine, Marseille
2001-2001	Clinical Fellowship, Sleep Medicine, Baylor Sleep Laboratory, Houston, Texas
1998-2001	Clinical Fellowship, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
1994-1997	Clinical Residency, Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois
1990-1991	Clinical Internship, Medicine, Central Hospital, Benin City

Board Certifications

2015	American Association for Bronchology & Interventional Pulmonology
2002	American Board of Internal Medicine - Critical Care
2001	American Board of Internal Medicine - Pulmonary
1998	American Board of Internal Medicine - Internal Medicine
1995	United States Medical Licensing Examination
1994	Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support

Experience & Service

Academic Appointments

Associate Professor, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2008 - 2014

Assistant Professor, Department of Critical Care Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2001 - 2007

Assistant Professor, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2001 - 2008

Fellowship, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 1998 - 2001

Chief Resident, Southern Illinois University SOM, Springfield, IL, 1997 - 1998

Residency, Southern Illinois University SOM, Springfield, IL, 1994 - 1997

Lab Assistant, University of Toronto, Toronto, 1991 - 1994

Medical Officer II, Sokoto General Hospital, Sokoto, 1991 - 1991

Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities

Deputy Department Chair, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2014 - 2020

Section Chief, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2014 - Present

Program Director, Interventional Pulmonology Fellowship Program, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2007 - Present

Director of Educational Programs, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2003 - Present

Director of Consult Services, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2003 - 2007

Other Appointments/Responsibilities

Colonel, United States Army Reserve, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1998 - 2021

Institutional Committee Activities

Member, DoIM Grand Rounds Committee, 2020 - 2020

Member, Executive Billing Compliance Committee, 2018 - Present

Member, PRS Clinical Revenue Cycle Committee, 2017 - Present

Member, CRFC, 2017 - 2020

Executive Member, Faculty Senate, 2016 - 2020

Member, CPC Steering Committee, 2015 - Present

Member, Capital Equipment Committee, 2015 - Present

Chair, DoIM Grand Rounds Committee, 2014 - 2019

Member, Clinical Research Committee, 2014 - 2017

Member, ECMS - Executive Committee of the Medical Staff, 2014 - 2017

Member, MD Anderson Cancer Network, 2014 - Present

Member, Internal Medicine Housestaff Training Program, 2011 - Present

Member, CME Advisory Committee, 2011 - Present

Associate Member, Institutional Review Board 2, 2011 - 2014

Member, DoIM Grand Rounds Committee, 2010 - 2014

Chair, Clinical Research Committee, 2009 - 2012

Member, Institutional Review Board, 2009 - 2012

Member, Clinical Research Committee, 2004 - 2009

Member, Graduate Medical Education Committee, 2004 - Present