R Graham Barr

R Graham Barr, MD, DrPH is the Hamilton Southworth Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at Columbia University. He leads the Division of General Medicine and serves as Chief Investigator for major studies including the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) Lung Study and SPIROMICS Heart Failure Study. His work focuses on respiratory epidemiology, integrating advanced imaging (CT/MRI) with multi-omic data to redefine cardiopulmonary interactions in COPD and emphysema.

• McGill University Faculty of Medicine (MD)
• Internship: New York University Medical Center
• Residency: Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center
• Fellowship: Massachusetts General Hospital

His research explores emphysema subtypes, non-obstructive pulmonary disease, and the endothelial hypothesis of emphysema. Key studies examine the relationship between subclinical emphysema and cardiac dysfunction, pulmonary hyperinflation effects on ventricular mass, and genome-wide associations with lung function. Publications emphasize machine learning applications in integrating imaging and biomarker data across large cohorts.

Recent work demonstrates that emphysema exists on a spectrum beyond traditional COPD definitions, with distinct molecular and vascular risk factors. Studies harmonizing CT imaging across 30,000 participants (C4R CT Harmonization Study) aim to standardize diagnostic criteria.

• 2001 Robert Wood Johnson Generalist Physician Faculty Scholar Award
• 2004 Irving Scholar Award (Columbia University)
• 2009 Harold and Golden Lamport Award
• 2014 John Loeb Award Invited Lecturer

Dr. Barr serves as Chief of the Division of General Medicine and is affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. He speaks French and Spanish.