Clinical x Epidemiology to Improve Lung Health

JOINT CORE/EBOH EPI Seminar Series Winter 2026

The Seminars in Epidemiology organized by the Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health at the McGill School of Population and Global Health is a self-approved Group Learning Activity (Section 1) as defined by the maintenance of certification program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Physicians requiring accreditation, please complete the Evaluation Form and send to admincoord.eboh [at] mcgill.ca

Benjamin Smith, MD, M.Sc., FRCPC

Associate Professor, Department of Medicine
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
McGill University

WHEN: Monday, MARCH 16, 2026, from 3:30-4:30pm
WHERE: Hybrid | Onsite at 5252 boul. de Maisonneuve;
**3rd floor, 3B Kitchen | 2001 McGill College - Rm 1140 & Zoom
Note: Benjamin Smith will be presenting in-person at CORE

Abstract

Understanding threats to lung health—and developing effective therapies—requires a strong “interaction” between clinical knowledge and epidemiological methods. Lung function remains the cornerstone of respiratory health assessment, yet much of our current understanding is derived from cross-sectional data. This talk seeks to highlight what is possible when clinical understanding (and humility) mix with longitudinal epidemiological methods to update our understanding of life course lung health.

Learning Objectives

At the completion of this talk, attendees will be able to:

• Describe a nearly two-century-old lung health measurement instrument that is still routinely used in epidemiological cohorts, clinical trials, and clinical practice.
• ​Refine our understanding of lung health decline using contemporary epidemiological and biostatistical methods.
• ​Use these methodology-driven insights to update our understanding of lung health across the life course.

Speaker Bio

Ben is an associate professor in McGill's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. He spends a lot of time exploring the concept of lung health using epidemiological and biostatistical tools. His questions are motivated by patients, and his approach is guided by methodologists.