GET TO KNOW YOUR LEADERSHIP
Q&A With Kelly Pennington, MD
Chest Infections Section Vice-Chair
CHEST member since 2017
August 6, 2026
Where do you work?
Mayo Clinic.
What are your research interests?
Lung transplantation and pulmonary infectious diseases, with a particular focus on host vulnerability to infection, immunosuppression, and long-term transplant outcomes. My research also includes clinical epidemiology and the application of artificial intelligence and real-world data to improve care for immunocompromised hosts.
What led you to join your Network?
I joined the Chest Infections and Disaster Response Network because it sits at the intersection of many of my clinical and academic interests, including pulmonary infections, critical care, and lung transplantation. I was drawn to the collaborative environment, the opportunity to contribute to educational and scientific initiatives, and the Network’s focus on addressing complex infectious and public health challenges that directly impact patient care.
What achievements are you most proud of contributing to within your Network?
I am most proud of contributing to the growth and visibility of the Network through national educational programming, mentorship, and collaborative scholarship. I have particularly valued opportunities to help develop scientific sessions, support trainees and early career members, and foster collaborations that bring together clinicians and researchers across pulmonary medicine, critical care, infectious diseases, and transplantation.
How has being in a Network benefited your career and your experience as a CHEST member?
Being part of the Network has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my CHEST membership. It has provided opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, leadership development, and national engagement that have meaningfully shaped my academic career. The relationships I have built through the Network have led to educational initiatives, research collaborations, and lasting professional connections with colleagues who share similar clinical and scholarly interests. My strongest advice for new CHEST members is to join a Network early and become actively involved!
What are your hobbies?
At this stage of life, most of my time outside the hospital revolves around family and keeping up with two young children. When I do have free time, I enjoy fitness, reading, travel, and academic collaboration.
What is something you cannot live without (after family and friends)?
A good cup of coffee, a well-organized calendar, and a sense of humor.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with your Network peers?
I am grateful for the mentorship, collaboration, and sense of community I have found within this Network. The willingness of members to support one another, share their expertise, and invest in trainees and early career colleagues is one of the things that makes CHEST such a meaningful professional home. I look forward to continuing to learn from and work alongside all of you.
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