Hi Reddit, happy to be here. I’m a thoracic surgeon at NYP/Columbia University specializing in disorders of the diaphragm. I’m the Surgical Director of the Diaphragm Center, Lung Volume Reduction Program, and Jo-Ann LeBuhn Center for Lung Diseases. The diaphragm is the primary muscle of respiration, and disorders of the diaphragm can result in significant impairment of breathing. These disorders are probably a bit more common than you think. Most diaphragmic disorders are poorly understood by the general medical community. Many people I treat have been told “there’s nothing we can do” before coming to see us. The Diaphragm Center is the first of its kind in the world, and provides the most advanced diagnostic and treatment strategies available for these disorders. By gathering together some of the most experienced clinicians in this field, we are able to offer the most comprehensive and advanced care. Alright let’s get to it, AMA! More about me Disorders of the diaphragm include paralysis and weakness resulting in respiratory insufficiency, diaphragmatic hernias resulting in abdominal organs relocating into the chest, and lack of electrical stimulation to the diaphragm resulting in respiratory failure. Edit: I’m here and ready to roll! Proof Edit: It’s about time I get back to work, but I’ll be checking in later today. Signing off for now. Thanks for the great questions everyone!