Richard J. Schwab

Richard J. Schwab, MD, is a Professor of Medicine specializing in Sleep Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. He serves as Division Chief of Sleep Medicine, leading clinical, research, and educational initiatives at the Penn Sleep Centers. His work integrates advanced imaging and biomechanical modeling to study obstructive sleep apnea pathogenesis.

Education

• B.A., Haverford College (1979)
• M.D., University of Pennsylvania (1983)

Dr. Schwab's research focuses on upper airway dynamics, utilizing MRI and CT to analyze biomechanical interactions in sleep apnea. Key interests include airway collapse mechanisms, obesity's role in respiratory disorders, and developing 3D modeling software for clinical applications. His team collaborates with Radiology and Engineering departments to innovate diagnostic tools.

Recent publications (2024-2025) emphasize airway anatomy, pharmacological treatments (e.g., tirzepatide), and cerebral metabolism during sleep. Studies frequently employ multi-ethnic cohorts, pediatric genetic disorders, and advanced neuroimaging to explore apnea's systemic impacts.

As Division Chief, he oversees multidisciplinary programs including the CPAP Clinic, Sleep Surgery, and Behavioral Sleep Medicine. The Penn Sleep Centers emphasize patient-centered care and train future specialists through fellowships and research collaborations.