Q&A With Manuel Villegas Roberson, MD

LGBTQ+ at CHEST Interest Group Steering Committee
CHEST member since 2022

May 20, 2026

Where do you work, and what is your current position?
Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellow, Montefiore Einstein, NY.

What are your clinical and/or research interests?
Pulmonary infections, difficulty weaning from mechanical ventilation, and medical education.

What led you to join your Interest Group and become a Steering Committee member?
I joined the Interest Group to better understand how CHEST supports LGBTQ+ providers, allies, and patients. I found a community rich in mentorship and guidance. I became a Steering Committee member to continue learning, supporting one another, and working collaboratively to advance LGBTQ+ care in our field.

How does this Interest Group enhance your experience as a CHEST member?
The LGBTQ+ at CHEST Interest Group creates a strong sense of community during the annual meeting. It’s a space to learn from others both personally and professionally, share ideas, and collaborate on projects, and it’s also a great way to stay engaged with the broader work CHEST does throughout the year.

Who or what has inspired you in your journey in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine?
I had early exposure to a TB hospital during medical school, which first sparked my interest in the specialty and carried through residency, ultimately leading me to fellowship. I am continually inspired by the people in this field, especially mentors at my home institution and within the broader CHEST and American Thoracic Society communities.

What activities or hobbies do you enjoy that might surprise your colleagues?
I’m a big tennis fan—I love playing whenever I can, but I also closely follow the tour. The Tennis Channel is pretty much my background TV year-round.

What is something you cannot live without (after family and friends)?
Coffee and my pets.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your Interest Group peers?
Being part of this community has been meaningful both personally and professionally. It’s inspiring to learn from those who paved the way and humbling to be part of the work still ahead. I look forward to seeing everyone in person again soon.

MORE ABOUT LGBTQ+ AT CHEST INTEREST GROUP »