
PHA Live is a monthly series of Facebook Live events and webinars that provides an opportunity for those affected by pulmonary hypertension (PH) to hear from experts on health, wellness, science and research topics. Recordings of PHA Live events will become available on this page within three business days of the original program.
Respiratory Infections and Pulmonary Hypertension
Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. EST
Join the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) for the PHA Live webinar “Respiratory Infections and Pulmonary Hypertension.” This year, there is an ongoing risk of exposure to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19 and the flu. PH patients of all ages are at greater risk for these viral infections.
Join experts Ivan Robbins, M.D., and Nidhy Varghese, M.D., as they discuss the impact viral respiratory infections have on adults and children with PH. The webinar will conclude with a Q&A session.
Topics include:
- Symptoms – Is it RSV, COVID-19 or the flu?
- The impact of RSV on children and older adults with PH.
- Treating these conditions safely while on PH medication.
About the Speakers
Ivan Robbins, M.D.
Ivan Robbins, M.D., is the director of the Adult Pulmonary Vascular Center at Vanderbilt and previously served as medical director of its lung transplant program until 2022. Dr. Robbins received his medical degree in 1991 from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and completed his residence at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. He completed a pulmonary and critical care fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and joined the faculty in 1997. He has spent the subsequent 25 years studying pulmonary vascular disease and participated in more than 20 published clinical PH trials, including several investigator-initiated studies.

Nidhy Varghese, M.D.
Nidhy Varghese, M.D., is the medical director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Pulmonary Hypertension Center in Houston and an associate professor of pediatrics in pulmonology at Baylor College of Medicine. She completed her training in pediatrics at New York University (2007) and pediatric pulmonology at Baylor College of Medicine (2010). Dr. Varghese brings many years of experience to caring for children with PH. She has worked with PHA on numerous educational initiatives, including PHA’s community workshop, preceptorships, education materials, conferences and more. Dr. Varghese has built a national reputation of clinical excellence and expertise in pediatric PH.

Watch Previous PHA Live Events
2022 Focus on Pulmonary Hypertension Research
Pulmonary hypertension experts Anna Hemnes, M.D., and Evan Brittain, M.D., M.Sc., moderate a panel discussion on the latest advances in pulmonary hypertension (PH) research. Panelists Thenappan Thenappan, M.D., and Corey Ventetuolo, M.D., share relevant data and research advances presented at the PHA 2022 International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions in Atlanta.
About CTEPH: A Patient’s Perspective
Angela Michelle, who was diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in 2018 , shares her story for CTEPH Awareness Day 2022. Angela recounts how she learned she had CTEPH and her experience since diagnosis. William Auger, M.D., explains CTEPH causes, symptoms, risks, diagnosis and treatment.
Navigating Open Enrollment – Ask the Experts
In this webinar, Laura Nowicki, RN, and PHA staff answer insurance questions. Questions from this webinar were collected and will be added to a follow-up FAQ document to ensure as many questions are answered as possible.
Navigating Open Enrollment – Medicare: Tips & Troubleshooting
In this webinar, Danielle Burkett, CMA, shares Medicare insights and her knowledge from working with insurance companies and specialty pharmacies for over seven years. Learn what experts wish their patients knew about Medicare and get tips on navigating common Medicare plan challenges.
Navigating Open Enrollment – Medicare Overview
Danielle Burkett, CMA, covers the basics of Medicare and when Part A, B, C and D are used. Learn how to choose a Part D plan and understand your drug formulary. In addition, learn who needs Medicare Part C, also known as a Medicare Advantage plan.
Introduction to Navigating Open Enrollment
Jaeger Spratt discusses insurance 101 terms, provides open enrollment advice and important dates for 2022. Learn how to choose an insurance plan that works for you.
Thanks to our supporters of PHA Connects, patient education programs.
Diamond

PHA thanks Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for its Diamond sponsorship of the PHA Connects fund, which sponsors patient education programming.
Silver

PHA thanks United Therapeutics for its Silver sponsorship of the PHA Connects fund, which sponsors patient education programming.
Bronze

PHA thanks Altavant for its Bronze sponsorship of the PHA Connects fund, which sponsors patient education programming.