Prof. Walter McNicholas: sleep apnea-a disease calling for attention.

J Thorac Dis 2014;6(2):170-173 www.jthoracdis.com Professor Walter McNicholas,MD, FRCPI, FRCPC, FCCP is Newman Clinical Research Professor at University College Dublin (UCD), Director of the Pulmonary and Sleep Disorders Unit and Consultant Respiratory Physician at St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. He is a medical graduate of UCD [1974] and has a long established track record in high level research and leadership (Figure 1). He is a leading international authority in translational research on the mechanisms and consequences of sleeprelated breathing disorders particularly sleep apnoea, and has held competitive grants from agencies such as the Health Research Board (Ireland) on a continuous basis for close to 30 years. His research interests include the pathophysiology, treatment and outcomes of sleep apnoea syndrome, the cardiovascular and metabolic consequences of the disorder, basic cell and molecular mechanisms and consequences of intermittent hypoxia, in addition to sleep disturbances in COPD and other chronic respiratory disorders. He is also closely involved in the evaluation of novel ambulatory monitoring devices for sleep disorders. He is a past Associate Editor of the European Respiratory Journal, and has published over 170 papers in Pub-Med listed Journals (h-index in 2013 of 36), in addition to more than 30 book chapters, and has edited three textbooks on breathing disorders during sleep. Prof. McNicholas has held many Leadership positions in National and International organisations, particularly the Presidency of the European Respiratory Society [2002-2005] and is current Vice President of the European Sleep Research Society and President of the European Board of Accreditation in Pneumology. He Chaired a COST Action (B26) on Obstructive Sleep Apnoea [2005-2010], and recently chaired a Working Group established by the European Commission on Sleep Apnoea and Driving [2012-2013], which is expected to lead to an official EU Directive on this topic. In the Third International Conference on Respiratory Disease on October 11, 2013, we are honored to have an interview with Professor Walter Mcnicholas to provide further advice for management of sleep apnea.