Samuel Aguayo, MD

Personal Info

My life long professional efforts and personal interests are largely dedicated to the better understanding and the treatment of tobacco-related lung diseases such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which are devastating among our Veterans. As an extension of my interest in lung cancer, I am excited to serve as the Phoenix VA site Principal Investigator for the collaborative project “Risk Prediction of Lung Cancer in People 40 Years of Age and Older”. Results from this project will hopefully benefit the Veteran population, especially those who served during the Gulf War and in Iraq and/or Afghanistan where risk factors other than smoking may also play a role in their increased susceptibility to develop lung cancer.

This project will enhance the knowledge of risk factors for lung cancer and may significantly contribute to designing effective strategies for targeted and more effective screening of those at the highest risk. My extensive experience in successfully managed projects, collaborating with other researchers and producing several peer-reviewed abstracts and publications demonstrate my qualifications as a VA investigator. Results from these projects demonstrate my ability and expertise in conducting research, managing and supervising study teams, and engaging in active collaborations.