Annie M. Rusk, M.D.

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SUMMARY

Annie M. Rusk, M.D., is a critical care specialist and pulmonologist who researches differences in respiratory health across populations. Dr. Rusk studies and creates smoking cessation strategies for specific patient populations. She also identifies biological factors that might increase the risk of lung disease, focusing on health outcomes in Indigenous groups.

Focus areas

• Identifying challenges to smoking cessation in various communities.
• Developing clinical tools to promote smoking cessation informed by clinical research.
• Engaging in clinical research with Indigenous communities.
• Understanding the pathological basis of lung disease in various communities.
• Increasing representation of people from all backgrounds in clinical trials.
• Studying epidemiologic data to develop future interventions addressing differences in healthcare outcomes.
• Developing individualized medicine strategies.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Rusk is dedicated to improving respiratory health for Indigenous communities and other populations who experience differences in health outcomes. Her research helps doctors understand why these differences exist. She focuses on developing new clinical tools to support earlier diagnosis, more personalized care and better health outcomes for everyone.

Professional highlights

• Mayo Clinic:
  • Outstanding Fellow Award, Division of Pulmonary Medicine and Department of Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 2022.
  • Scholar, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, 2020-2021.
• Minority Trainee Development Scholarship award, CHEST Foundation, American College of Chest Physicians, 2021.
• Minority Trainee Development Scholarship, American Thoracic Society, 2020.
• Outstanding Resident Research or Quality Improvement Award, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2019.
• Outstanding Medical Student Teacher, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2016-2018.