Mark Dransfield, M.D.
Mark T. Dransfield, M.D., is a globally recognized authority in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) research and care. He brings a wealth of clinical experience, scientific innovation, and transformational leadership to one of the nation’s premier academic departments of medicine.
Academic Leadership and Vision. Dr. Dransfield’s professional journey in academic medicine spans more than two decades of progressive leadership roles at UAB. These include four years as director of the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and one year as interim chair of the department prior to his appointment as chair. His leadership philosophy emphasizes collaborative excellence, strategic innovation, and a commitment to developing the department as “a destination of choice for the brightest, most creative, and most team-oriented faculty, staff, and trainees.”
Scientific Impact. As evidenced by more than 350 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, Dr. Dransfield has made major contributions to understanding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and impact of acute exacerbations and comorbid cardiovascular disease in COPD and has led numerous trials testing novel therapies. In addition, he has made groundbreaking discoveries about the role of acquired cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dysfunction in COPD, opening new therapeutic pathways for chronic bronchitis, while his work in pulmonary rehabilitation and behavioral interventions has demonstrated innovative approaches to comprehensive COPD care.
Clinical Innovation. With exemplary dedication to improving the lives of patients with pulmonary disease, Dr. Dransfield has brought together expert clinical providers to build one of the nation’s premier comprehensive COPD care programs. His leadership of the CMS Bundled Payments for Care Improvement initiative for COPD (2015-2019) demonstrated innovative approaches to reducing healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes, serving as a national model for value-based care in chronic disease management.
Mentorship and Training. As an accomplished mentor, Dr. Dransfield has received multiple awards recognizing his exceptional ability to inspire and develop healthcare professionals at all levels. More than 20 exceptional postdoctoral trainees have flourished under his guidance, securing competitive faculty positions at leading institutions across the country and obtaining independent federal funding, American Thoracic Society grants, and foundation fellowships.
Academic Scholarship. Dr. Dransfield’s editorial work reflects his commitment to scientific rigor and advancing research that translates into improved patient outcomes. As Editor-in-Chief of COPD: Journal of the COPD Foundation, he shapes the scientific discourse in his field, overseeing the publication of cutting-edge research from around the world. His editorial leadership extends to the editorial board of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, one of the most prestigious journals in pulmonary medicine. As Chair of the prestigious Lancet Commission on COPD, he leads a global consortium of experts working toward the ambitious goal of disease eradication through coordinated research, policy, and clinical care initiatives.
Societies and Service. His contributions to medicine have earned Dr. Dransfield invitation to membership in academic medicine’s elite organizations, including the American Society for Clinical Investigation and the Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. He has served on multiple committees and program planning groups for the American Thoracic Society and contributed to clinical guideline development for the American College of Chest Physicians. At UAB, Dr. Dransfield holds the Ben Vaughan Branscomb Chair in Respiratory Disease.
Educational Background. Dr. Dransfield graduated with distinction from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, where he received multiple academic honors including Alpha Omega Alpha membership and the Emmett Gladstone Rand Premedical Scholarship. He completed his postgraduate training at UAB, where he served as Chief Fellow in Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine. He joined the UAB faculty in 2003, became a full professor in 2016, a division director in 2021, and department chair in September 2025.