July 2010
Manu Jain, MD
- NU faculty since 1996
- Directs cystic fibrosis clinical research program
What are your clinical and research interests? 
I became interested in pulmonary critical care primarily because the pace and intensity of the ICU appealed to me. When I came to NU, I was asked to start an adult cystic fibrosis program, which would partner with the pediatric program at CMH. In March of 1998 the adult CF program saw its first patient. We gained accreditation from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) in 2002 and the program has continued to grow its clinical activities. We have active programs in clinical research, quality improvement and transitioning of pediatric patients and a number of ongoing clinical trials, some multi-center and some investigator initiated. In collaboration with Dr. Alan Hauser we have been exploring the role bacterial virulence factors in CF patient outcomes. We recently received a quality improvement award from the CFF and were selected as one of 13 translational sites for the therapeutic developmental network, a clinical research network established by the CFF.
Tell us about your role as a teacher in an Academic Institution.
I decided during medical school that I would pursue a career in academic medicine. One of the main drivers for this decision was the opportunity of working with students and residents. I really enjoy the dynamic interaction with trainees who are at various points of their careers and trying to help them reach their goals. On the flip side it keeps me on my toes and keeps me from becoming complacent.
What differentiates Internal Medicine from other specialties?
People who are attracted to internal medicine have to really enjoy the diagnostic aspects of patient care. Medicine is an ever-changing profession and in no field is this truer than in internal medicine. This makes practicing medicine both attractive and quite humbling. It is career you are constantly trying to master, but the great physicians never feel that they have actually mastered it. One is continually learning and evolving.
I considered a career in laboratory research because I was always fascinated by the unknown and the possibility of discovery. Of course my real dream was to play in the NBA, but I lacked height, quickness or skill so that was out of the question at the very beginning.
Where can we find you after hours?
I spend the little free time I get with my family and friends. I enjoy running and following Chicago’s sports (I am a Cubs fan with all its attendant misery). My kids are a little bit older now so we can travel more easily which we plan to do more of this year. We thoroughly enjoy what Chicago has to offer with respect to music, theater and restaurants, summer festivals and the lake.
