Dr. Wassim Labaki Receives 2025 Solovy Award for Advancement in COPD

Respiratory Health Association (RHA) is proud to name Wassim Labaki, MD the recipient of the 2025 Solovy Award for Advancement in COPD. Dr. Labaki is an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and a provider in the Michigan Medicine COPD Clinic. Dr. Labaki also serves as the Medical Director of the Lung Volume Reduction Program and co-chair of the COPD Quality Improvement Committee at the University of Michigan.

The Solovy Award was established in memory of Mr. Jerold Solovy by his wife, Kathleen Hart Solovy, and funded by the Kathleen Hart Solovy and Jerold S. Solovy Endowment for COPD. This award aims to reduce the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and inspire innovation among lung researchers.

Dr. Labaki will be granted $25,000 to further his COPD research. This funding will allow Dr. Labaki to pursue innovative approaches and breakthroughs that will positively impact the lives of those affected by COPD.

“I have dedicated my career to improving the lives of people affected by COPD through personalized care, innovative research, quality improvement and patient advocacy. While we have made meaningful progress in understanding COPD over the past decade, much work remains as too many patients continue to suffer from debilitating symptoms and recurrent exacerbations despite current therapies”, states Dr. Labaki. “I accept the Solovy Award with deep gratitude and as a renewed source of inspiration to keep pushing boundaries toward new treatments and more effective, patient-centered care.”

Dr. Labaki’s research leverages metabolomics and quantitative chest imaging to uncover the biological and structural mechanisms driving COPD heterogeneity and progression. Using Parametric Response Mapping on chest CT scans, Dr. Labaki has demonstrated how functional small airways disease precedes the onset of emphysema, providing a key insight into the early stages of COPD. Dr. Labaki’s research has also shown the ability of CT-based quantitative emphysema to independently predict lung cancer risk and mortality based on data from the National Lung Screening Trial. In addition, Dr. Labaki’s work on blood metabolomics has identified a link between disruptions in amino acid homeostasis and a higher risk of COPD exacerbations. Through his findings, Dr. Labaki aims to integrate imaging and blood-based biomarkers to enable more personalized and effective treatment strategies for individuals living with COPD.

“We are excited to recognize Dr. Labaki for his work on behalf of COPD patients,” said Rob Anderson, RHA President and CEO. “COPD affects nearly 16 million Americans and has claimed too many of our family members, friends, and colleagues.”

Each year, RHA awards early-stage research grants to promising projects covering lung diseases such as lung cancer, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and COPD. Learn more about the RHA research program and funding opportunities at RespHealth.org/Research.

About Respiratory Health Association

RHA has been a local public health leader in Chicago since 1906. RHA works to prevent lung disease, promote clean air, and help people live better through education, research, and policy change. To learn more, visit RespHealth.org.