Take a Deep Breath!

We understand that for patients with breathing disorders, every breath can be challenging. At HMG Pulmonology, we understand the challenges you face every day. We believe in creating a partnership with our patients, working together as a team to help you breathe easy, so you can take a deep breath and enjoy an improved quality of life.

Mirle Girish, MD saw firsthand the impact of smoking and COPD on his father and has dedicated his 30+ years in the medical field to help the community live a healthier, smoke-free lifestyle.

“My father died of respiratory issues related to smoking at the age of 50,” says Girish. “I have a personal passion for helping my patients stop smoking and have achieved a 90% success rate. I don’t give up on my patients but work with them to find solutions that work best for them. I enjoy that human connection I share with my patients.”

Lisa McKinney-Smith, DO spent much of her adolescence as a hospital patient; the care she received as a child inspired her to specialize in pulmonology and focus on patients with cystic fibrosis, COPD and bronchiectasis.

“I believe a holistic approach and a strong partnership are critical to helping patients manage their pulmonary diseases,” says McKinney. “Often it’s simple, small changes applied consistently over time have the greatest impact and can help patients live a full life, even with a chronic disease like COPD or Asthma.”

Steven Tomski, MD became interested in medicine after an injury in high school put him in the hospital for over a month. The care of his nursing staff inspired him to pursue a degree in nursing, making him a first-generation college student. After graduation, he worked as a RN in the ICU and decided to continue his education to become a physician. He explored many different medical specialties, but pulmonology interested him most.

“The function of the pulmonary system is fascinating and has a great impact on one’s quality of life. I enjoy working with my patients on lifestyle changes and believe shared decision making is critical to creating a realistic plan to achieve their goals.”

Cynthia Dean, FNP has been with Holston Medical Group in 2018. Leaning on her 27+ years as a nurse, she has a breadth of experience helping patients with sleep issues and pulmonary conditions.

“I enjoy working with my patients and using the latest advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and management to better their sleep and breathing. I look forward to being the community’s health partner for life and supporting their sleep and pulmonary needs,” said Dean.

A native of Southwest Virginia, Janice Ewing, FNP has 25 years’ experience as a Nurse Practitioner, 13 of those in pulmonology, and considers it a privilege when patients choose to work with her on their health.

“I love helping my patients and being a partner in their health journey,” Ewing says. “I believe that education is key and it empowers my patients to know that they hold the power to make the changes necessary to improve their health. I work closely with each one so they each know their personalized options and are being the smartest healthcare consumer possible.”

Conditions We Treat

Consultation and follow up for:
  • COPD
  • Asthma
  • Pulmonary Nodules
  • Pneumonia
  • Bronchitis
  • Hemoptysis
  • Mucus Plugging
  • Hypoxemia
  • Lung Transplants
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Post-COVID Complications
  • Lung Cancer
  • Hospice Care
  • Cough
  • Abnormal PFT
  • Abnormal X-Ray
  • Dyspnea
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of Breath

Procedures and Test

  • Bronchoscopy with biopsy
  • Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
  • Thoracentesis
  • Thoracostomy tube insertion
  • Pulmonary function test (PFT) interpretation

Sleep Disorders

  • Consultation and follow up of adults and pediatric (as young as 4 years old) patients
  • Evaluation for sleep disordered breathing, insomnia, circadian rhythm sleep disorders, hypersomnia and parasomnia
  • Interpretation of diagnostic polysomnogram (sleep study)
  • Interpretation of CPAP/BiPAP/ASV titration polysomnogram (titration study)
  • Actigraphy

Secure Online Convenience

HMG is pleased to provide you with compassionate care that offers you the latest in technological advances. FollowMyHealth® is a secure patient portal offered to you, a very special member of our HMG “Family of Care.” With FollowMyHealth, you have convenient access to the personal health information you want and need, when you want and need it. Anytime. Anywhere. And at your convenience. FollowMyHealth brings your physician’s office to you! For more information, visit FollowMyHealth.

About Your First Visit

Please make sure you are aware of any medications you are currently taking. We will need a list of these medications at the time of your first visit. Also, prior to your first visit, you will receive a pre-visit functionality questionnaire. It is most helpful if you complete this document and bring it with you.

Unable to keep your appointment?

If you find that you are going to be unable to keep your appointment, out of courtesy to other patients who desire appointments, please provide us with advance notice as early as possible. We request at least a 24-hour advance notification.