Dr Kathleen Oare Lindell, PhD, RN, ATSF, FAAN is Associate Professor of Nursing and the Mary Swain Endowed Chair in Palliative Care Health. Dr Lindell is a graduate of the St. Francis General Hospital Professional School of Nursing (Diploma RN), and the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing [BSN, MSN (Pulmonary Specialty), and PhD].
Dr Lindell was a Pulmonary Clinical Nurse Specialist at the PENN Lung Center and participated in development of evidence-based programs to advance health of patients with lung disease. She also directed patient support and education at the University of Pittsburgh Dorothy P. & Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease at UPMC becoming the first nurse on the faculty at the PITT School of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine with a joint appointment in the School of Nursing.
Her path of research is directed toward improving the quality of life for patients with advanced lung disease, specifically Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and their family caregivers. This research focus developed from experience working to improve support available to patients with IPF and their caregivers, assuring patients and caregivers are aware of the most recent education available to improve their knowledge, and engaging in advocacy efforts to increase awareness of this disease. As a result of this work, she developed a nurse-led palliative care intervention entitled “A Program of SUPPORT?” for patients with advanced lung disease. Her research funding focuses on palliative care knowledge and preparedness in patients with advanced lung disease and their family caregivers. This work resulted in 37 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Lindell is actively involved in the American Thoracic Society and the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF), having served on both of their Board of Directors. At present, she is a member of the PFF Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee.