Health & Medical

10 Best Pulmonologists in Worcester, MA for Treating Lung Diseases, COPD, and Respiratory Issues

Finding the right pulmonologist is essential for managing respiratory health, whether dealing with chronic conditions like asthma, COPD, or sleep apnea, or more complex issues such as pulmonary fibrosis or lung cancer. 

Pulmonologists are specialized doctors who diagnose, treat, and manage diseases affecting the lungs and breathing.

In Worcester, MA, several highly skilled pulmonologists provide comprehensive care, utilizing advanced treatments and technologies to help patients achieve optimal lung health. 

From offering personalized care for chronic respiratory conditions to performing critical interventions for severe lung diseases, these specialists are dedicated to improving the quality of life for their patients. 

If you are looking for top pulmonologists in Worcester, it’s important to consider their experience, patient reviews, and the services they offer. 

Below is a list of the 10 best pulmonologists in Worcester, MA, known for their expertise and commitment to patient care in the field of respiratory medicine.

1. Dr. Kevin Martin, MD

  • Location: 123 Summer St Ste 390, Worcester, MA 01608
  • Contact: (508) 368-3120
  • Specialties:
    • Critical Care Medicine
    • Pulmonary Disease
    • Internal Medicine
  • Education:
    • Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, 2000
    • Residency: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
    • Fellowship: Rhode Island Hospital
  • Board Certification:
    • American Board of Internal Medicine®
    • Critical Care Medicine
    • Pulmonary Disease
    • Internal Medicine
  • Affiliations: Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester, MA
  • Awards: Healthgrades Quality Award Medallion, Recipient of 7 hospital awards
  • Languages: English
  • Care Approach: Dr. Martin focuses on personalized care, specializing in the treatment of obstructive lung diseases and critical care, with a patient-first approach that emphasizes comprehensive respiratory management.
  • Community Impact: Known for his expertise in pulmonary medicine and critical care, Dr. Martin is highly regarded for his ability to manage complex lung conditions and is a trusted specialist in the Worcester area.

2. Dr. Stephen Summers, MD

Dr. Stephen Summers, MD
  • Location: 55 Lake Ave N, Worcester, MA 01655
  • Contact: (508) 334-1975
  • Specialties:
    • Pulmonary Disease
    • Sleep Medicine
  • Education:
    • Medical School: University of Maryland at Baltimore, 1999
    • Residency: University of Maryland
    • Fellowship: University of Maryland
    • Internship: University of Maryland at Baltimore
  • Board Certification:
    • American Board of Internal Medicine®
    • Pulmonary Disease
    • Sleep Medicine
  • Affiliations:
    • UMass Memorial Healthalliance-Clinton Hospital, Leominster Campus
    • UMass Memorial Medical Center-Memorial Campus
  • Awards:
    • Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)
    • Recipient of 4 hospital awards
  • Languages: English
  • Care Approach: Dr. Summers has over two decades of experience in managing conditions such as sleep apnea, obstructive lung disease, and interstitial lung disease.

He utilizes a patient-centered approach, integrating sleep medicine with pulmonary care to optimize patient health.

  • Community Impact: With a long track record in pulmonary care, Dr. Summers is known for his clinical excellence, particularly in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia, and is a trusted provider in the Worcester area. 

He also offers telehealth appointments for greater patient convenience.

3. Dr. Ali Khodabandeh, MD

  • Location: 100 Hospital Rd Ste 2A, Leominster, MA 01453
  • Contact: (978) 466-2692
  • Specialties:
    • Critical Care Medicine
    • Pulmonary Disease
    • Internal Medicine
  • Education:
    • Medical School: Ardabil Islamic Azad University / School of Medicine, 1998
  • Board Certification:
    • American Board of Internal Medicine®
    • Critical Care Medicine
    • Pulmonary Disease
    • Internal Medicine
  • Affiliations:
    • Emerson Hospital, Concord, MA
    • UMass Memorial Healthalliance-Clinton Hospital, Leominster Campus
  • Awards:
    • Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2023, 2022)
    • Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2023, 2022)
  • Languages: English
  • Care Approach: Dr. Khodabandeh has extensive experience in treating obstructive lung diseases and critical care, offering personalized care to manage complex pulmonary and internal medicine conditions.
  • Community Impact: With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Khodabandeh is recognized for his commitment to patient safety and excellence in care, ensuring the best outcomes for his patients. 

He is not currently accepting new patients, but his telehealth services remain available for consultations.

4. Dr. Ashfaq Ullah, MD

  • Location: 12255 De Paul Dr Ste 500, Bridgeton, MO 63044
  • Contact: (314) 209-5180
  • Specialties:
    • Internal Medicine
    • Critical Care Medicine
    • Pulmonary Disease
  • Education:
    • Internship: Khyber Med Coll, Peshawar, 2001
    • Residency: Bronx VA Medical Center, 2010
  • Board Certification:
    • American Board of Internal Medicine®
    • Critical Care Medicine
    • Pulmonary Disease
    • Internal Medicine
  • Affiliations: Holy Family Hospital-Methuen, Methuen, MA
  • Languages: English
  • Care Approach: Dr. Ullah specializes in critical care and pulmonary disease, focusing on obstructive lung diseases. With significant experience in internal medicine, he aims to provide thorough and compassionate care to his patients.
  • Community Impact: Known for his patient-centered approach, Dr. Ullah is dedicated to ensuring the best treatment options for patients dealing with complex pulmonary and internal health conditions. He is accepting new patients at his practice.

5. Dr. Jeffrey Scott, MD

  • Location: 123 Summer St, Worcester, MA 01608
  • Contact: (508) 368-3120
  • Specialties:
    • Internal Medicine
    • Critical Care Medicine
    • Pulmonary Disease
  • Education:
    • Medical School: University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 1989
    • Internship: University Mass Medical Center, 1990
    • Fellowship: Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, 1992
  • Board Certification:
    • American Board of Internal Medicine®
    • Critical Care Medicine
    • Pulmonary Disease
    • Internal Medicine
    • Sleep Medicine
  • Affiliations:
    • Milford Regional Medical Center, Milford, MA
    • Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester, MA
  • Awards:
    • Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2023, 2022)
    • Healthgrades Quality Award Medallion
  • Languages: English
  • Care Approach: Dr. Scott offers over 34 years of experience in treating obstructive lung diseases and critical care conditions. 

His approach centers on comprehensive care, emphasizing patient education, clear communication, and management of complex pulmonary and internal health issues.

  • Community Impact: Dr. Scott is recognized for his high-quality patient care and positive outcomes, particularly in critical care settings. 

He is accepting new patients and is committed to providing personalized treatment in a compassionate, patient-centered environment.

6. Dr. Scott Kopec, MD

Dr. Scott Kopec, MD
  • Location: 55 Lake Ave N, Worcester, MA 01655
  • Contact: (508) 856-3121
  • Specialties: Pulmonary Disease
  • Education:
    • Medical School: Rush Medical College, 1989
    • Internship: Rush Medical College
    • Residency: Bethesda Naval Hospital
    • Fellowship: UMass Medical Center
  • Board Certification:
    • American Board of Internal Medicine®
    • Pulmonary Disease
    • Critical Care Medicine
  • Affiliations: UMass Memorial Medical Center-Memorial Campus, Worcester, MA
  • Awards:
    • Healthgrades Quality Award Medallion
    • Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ (2025)
  • Languages: English
  • Care Approach: Dr. Kopec brings over 34 years of experience in pulmonary medicine, specializing in the treatment of obstructive lung diseases such as COPD and pneumonia. 

He offers patient-centered care with a focus on personalized treatment plans, delivering effective care for complex pulmonary conditions.

  • Community Impact: Dr. Kopec is known for his high clinical outcomes, especially in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and is committed to providing exceptional care for all his patients. 

He is currently accepting new patients and strives to improve the overall well-being of those under his care.

7. Dr. Joseph Gallant, MD

Dr. Joseph Gallant, MD
  • Location: 55 Lake Ave N, Worcester, MA 01655
  • Contact: (508) 334-1975
  • Specialties: Pulmonary Disease
  • Board Certification:
    • American Board of Internal Medicine®
    • Pulmonary Disease
    • Critical Care Medicine
    • Internal Medicine
  • Affiliations: UMass Memorial Medical Center-Memorial Campus, Worcester, MA
  • Care Approach: Dr. Gallant specializes in pulmonary diseases, with a focus on obstructive lung disease. 

He is dedicated to providing quality care to his patients with a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and managing pulmonary conditions.

  • Feedback: Dr. Gallant has received positive patient reviews for his expertise and compassionate care.
  • Languages: English
  • Availability: He is accepting new patients, providing services through both in-person and telehealth appointments.

8. Dr. Richard Irwin, MD

Dr. Richard Irwin, MD
  • Location: 55 Lake Ave N, Worcester, MA 01655
  • Contact: (508) 334-1975
  • Specialties:
    • Pulmonary Disease
  • Board Certification:
    • American Board of Internal Medicine®
    • Pulmonary Disease
    • Internal Medicine
  • Affiliations:
    • UMass Memorial Medical Center-Memorial Campus, Worcester, MA
    • Marlborough Hospital, Marlborough, MA
  • Experience: With over 55 years of medical experience, Dr. Irwin is highly regarded for his expertise in pulmonary disease, particularly in obstructive lung diseases.
  • Patient Feedback: Dr. Irwin has earned excellent reviews for his extensive knowledge, professionalism, and caring approach to patient care.
  • Languages: English
  • Education:
    • Medical School: Tufts University, 1968
    • Internship: Tufts New England Medical Center, 1969
    • Residency: Tufts New England Medical Center, 1970
    • Fellowship: New York Presbyterian Hospital – Columbia Presbyterian Center, 1970
  • Awards:
    • Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ (2025) for superior outcomes in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia
    • Healthgrades Quality Award Medallion recipient, with several awards for excellence in patient safety and care quality.
  • Availability: Dr. Irwin is accepting new patients and offers telehealth appointments.

9. Dr. Paulo Oliveira, MD

Dr. Paulo Oliveira, MD
  • Location: UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus, 55 Lake Ave N, Worcester, MA 01655
  • Contact: (855) 862-7763
  • Specialties: Pulmonary Disease
  • Board Certification:
    • American Board of Internal Medicine®
    • Critical Care Medicine
    • Pulmonary Disease
  • Affiliation: UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA
  • Experience: With over 26 years of experience, Dr. Oliveira is highly experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary diseases, including obstructive lung diseases.
  • Patient Feedback: Dr. Oliveira is known for his compassionate care and thorough approach to treatment.
  • Education:
    • Medical School: University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 1997
    • Residency: University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
  • Awards:
    • Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ (2025) for superior clinical outcomes in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia
    • Healthgrades Quality Award Medallion recipient, with multiple awards for hospital care excellence.
  • Availability: Dr. Oliveira is accepting new patients.

10. Dr. Oren Schaefer, MD

  • Location:
    • 85 Prescott St Ste 302, Worcester, MA 01605
    • Telehealth services available
  • Contact: (508) 926-8240
  • Specialties:
    • Critical Care Medicine
    • Pulmonary Disease
    • Internal Medicine
  • Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine®
  • Experience: With over 37 years of experience, Dr. Schaefer has extensive expertise in critical care, pulmonary disease, and obstructive lung disease.
  • Education: Dartmouth College, 1986
  • Affiliated Hospitals:
    • Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester, MA
    • UMass Memorial Healthalliance-Clinton Hospital, Leominster Campus, Leominster, MA
    • UMass Memorial Health Harrington Hospital, Southbridge, MA
  • Awards: Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2022) awarded to affiliated hospitals for excellence in preventing infections and medical errors.
  • Availability: Dr. Schaefer is not accepting new patients at this time.
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Laura Fletcher

As a public health social worker, I focus on addressing health disparities and understanding how trauma impacts health outcomes. My work involves advocating for marginalized communities, developing interventions to mitigate trauma-related health issues, and promoting policies that ensure equitable access to healthcare. By addressing these critical areas, I aim to improve overall well-being and reduce health inequities. LinkedIn

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