R. Lukken Imel, DO,MPH

  • About
    • Specialties: Critical Care Medicine Pulmonary Disease
    • Board Certified:
      Internal Medicine
      Pulmonary Medicine
    • Gender: Male
    • Languages: English
    Biography

    What I Do
    There are two phrases that spoke to me during my training. The phrases are, “Just because you haven’t seen a disease, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t seen you” and “Patients are getting better because of you, or in spite of you.” These two conceptual phrases help reframe my mind to always be humble in my approach, not anchor on any preconceived notion and be diligent no matter what the task is in front of me.

    My clinical interests include lung cancer, asthma, interstitial lung disease and pulmonary infection.

    Why I Love My Work
    I was motivated to go into internal medicine because it is rooted in the understanding of all organ systems, their respective physiologies and pathologies and interactions between one another.

    My work in critical care requires a thorough understanding and detailed practice of internal medicine. Acute and critical illness requires rapid diagnosis and treatment to save a life and it’s rewarding to help patients and families through that process.

    I find pulmonary medicine interesting because it deals with a complicated organ system that is vitally important in relation to all others. Its complex physiology and pathology requires a meticulous approach to achieve an accurate diagnosis. I find it fulfilling to build a rapport with patients while helping them understand why their bodies feel a certain way. At the end of the day, I am here to help patients understand what is going on with their health.

    Getting to Know Me
    Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, golfing, doing light yard work and reuniting with friends at sporting events.

    Awards and Publications

    Awards

    Outstanding Resident Award, 2020
    W. Henrich Resident Researcher of the Year, 2019
    Roland Skeel Annual Award for Professionalism, 2017

    Publications

    Maqsood A, Imel LR, Plastic Bronchitis, New England Journal of Medicine, February 24, 2022

    Education
    • Master’s Degree
      Master of Public Health Epidemiology, University of Toledo College of Health Services, OH
    • Medical School
      Oklahoma State University - College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tulsa, OK
    • Residency
      Internal Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, OH
    • Fellowship
      Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, OH