Benjamin Smith

Dr. Smith’s research aims to understand the pathophysiology of obstructive lung diseases to improve outcomes. His work focuses on:

1. Identifying resilient lung structures and functions in modern contexts
2. Pinpointing modifiable factors to support lung health across the lifespan
3. Investigating mechanisms that increase susceptibility to lung diseases
4. Translating this knowledge into clinical applications

Obstructive lung diseases, such as COPD and asthma, are major global health concerns. Dr. Smith’s research combines population-based epidemiology, advanced imaging, and physiology to explore disease mechanisms and identify targets for intervention. His key interests include airway structure, developmental susceptibility to lung disease, personalized prevention and treatment based on airway anatomy, and the impact of breathing mechanics on heart health in obstructive lung conditions.

Dr. Benjamin Smith is a clinician-scientist and pulmonary physician with clinical and research training from McGill and Columbia Universities, where he also holds research appointments. His clinical and academic work focuses on improving lung cancer diagnosis and staging, as well as medical education. His research uses translational epidemiology to identify and target novel COPD endotypes. Dr. Smith's expertise includes thoracic image analysis, respiratory physiology, and epidemiology.

MD, 2005 McGill University
MS, 2012 Epidemiology - Emphysema and lung cancer, McGill University
Residency: 2008 McGill University
Residency: 2010 McGill University
Fellowship: 2014 Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

1. Vameghestahbanati M, Sack C, Wysoczanski A, Hoffman EA, et al. Association of dysanapsis with mortality among older adults Eur Resp J 2023 in press (PMID forthcoming)
2. Smith BM, Kirby M, Hoffman EA, et al. Association of Dysanapsis With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Among Older Adults. JAMA. 2020;323(22):2268-2280. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.6918
3. Christenson SA, Smith BM, Bafadhel M, Putcha N. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Lancet. 2022;399(10342):2227-2242. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(22)00470-6
4. Vameghestahbanati M, Kirby M, Tanabe N, et al. Central Airway Tree Dysanapsis Extends to the Peripheral Airways. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2021;203(3):378-381. doi:10.1164/rccm.202007-3025LE
5. Vameghestahbanati M, Kirby M, Maltais F, et al. Dysanapsis and the Spirometric Response to Inhaled Bronchodilators. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2021;204(8):997-1001. doi:10.1164/rccm.202107-1574LE
6. Vameghestahbanati M, Hiura GT, Barr RG, Sieren JC, Smith BM, Hoffman EA. CT-Assessed Dysanapsis and Airflow Obstruction in Early and Mid Adulthood. Chest. 2022;161(2):389-391. doi:10.1016/j.chest.2021.08.038
7. Smith BM, Traboulsi H, Austin JHM, et al. Human airway branch variation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2018;115(5):E974-E981. doi:10.1073/pnas.1715564115
8. Smith BM, Hoffman EA, Rabinowitz D, et al. Comparison of spatially matched airways reveals thinner airway walls in COPD. The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) COPD Study and the Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcomes in COPD Study (SPIROMICS). Thorax. 2014;69(11):987-996. doi:10.1136/thoraxjnl-2014-205160
9. Kesimer M*, Smith BM*, Ceppe A, Ford AA, et al. Mucin concentration and peripheral airways obstruction in COPD. Am J Resp Crit Care Med 2018 doi: 10.1164/rccm.201806-1016LE.
10. Abdallah SJ, Wilkinson-Maitland C, Saad N, Li PZ, Smith BM, Bourbeau J, Jensen D. Effect of morphine on breathlessness and exercise endurance in advanced COPD: a randomised crossover trial. Eur Respir J 2017 Oct 19;50(4)
11. Smith BM, Austin JH, Newell JD, D’Souza B, et al Pulmonary Emphysema Subtypes on Computed Tomography in Smokers. Am J Med 2014 127(1):e7-e23.
12. Smith BM, Bluemke DA, Hoffman E, Basner RC, et al. Pulmonary hyperinflation and left ventricular mass: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis COPD Study. Circulation 2013; 127:1503-11.
13. Smith BM, Pinto L, Ezer N, Sverzellati N, et al. Emphysema detected on computed tomography and risk of lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lung Cancer 2012; 77: 58-63.