Audra Schwalk

Audra Schwalk, M.D., M.B.A., serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center within the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. Board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, and critical care medicine, she joined the faculty in 2020 after completing specialized training in interventional pulmonology at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her clinical practice focuses on advanced diagnostic/therapeutic bronchoscopy, pleural diseases, and central airway obstruction management.

Dr. Schwalk's educational background includes:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology from Texas A&M University (Waco)
• M.D. from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Lubbock)
• Internal Medicine Residency at Texas Tech
• Pulmonary/Critical Care Fellowship at Texas Tech
• Interventional Pulmonology Fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center
• M.B.A. in Health Organization Management from Texas Tech’s Rawls College of Business

Her research program centers on interventional pulmonology innovations, particularly pleural disease management and minimally invasive thoracic malignancy treatments. She investigates intratumoral medication efficacy and develops novel bronchoscopic techniques, bridging clinical practice with translational research to address complex airway pathologies. Current projects focus on nanoparticle-enhanced radiotherapy and stent development for airway reconstruction.

Dr. Schwalk's publication record (2015-2020) demonstrates expertise in airway interventions and pleural disorders, with notable contributions to bronchial stent design, EBUS-guided nanoparticle delivery, and pleural infection management. Her work combines preclinical modeling with clinical case studies, emphasizing practical solutions for refractory conditions like tracheal stenosis and malignant effusions while exploring rare disease presentations including coccidioidomycosis and symmetrical gangrene.

Professional recognition includes:

• MD Anderson IP Fellowship Award for Teamwork and Humanism (2019)
• American College of Chest Physicians Distinguished Educator designation

She maintains active clinical mentorship within UT Southwestern's training programs and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across pulmonary, critical care, and oncology services. Dr. Schwalk serves on committees related to procedural safety and quality improvement within the medical center's pulmonary division.

Professional affiliations encompass the American College of Chest Physicians, American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology, Texas Medical Association, and Dallas County Medical Society, where she contributes to guideline development and educational initiatives in interventional pulmonary medicine.