Dr. Jonathan A. Kropski

About

Dr. Jonathan A. Kropski, MD, is the Rudy W. Jacobson Chair in Pulmonary Medicine, Professor of Medicine and Cell/Developmental Biology, and Research Director of the Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He is also a Staff Physician in the Pulmonary/Critical Care Section at the Nashville VA Medical Center. A physician-scientist specializing in pulmonary and critical care medicine, Dr. Kropski leads a translational research program investigating the disease mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis and lung injury-repair.

Leadership Experience & Service

Dr. Kropski directs the Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic at the Nashville VA Medical Center and provides care in the Medical Intensive Care Unit and on the Pulmonary Consult Service. He has served as Research Director for the Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine at Vanderbilt, where he mentors trainees at all levels, from undergraduate students to early-career MD and PhD faculty. He serves on the editorial board of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Professional Focus & Achievements

Dr. Kropski’s research program focuses on the molecular mechanisms driving chronic lung disease, integrating single-cell biology, transgenic animal models, and ex-vivo systems to better understand disease initiation and progression. His work has been continuously supported by the NIH, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. He has published over 100 scientific manuscripts and received numerous honors, including the Joe Rae Wright Award from the Francis Family Foundation, a Clinical Scientist Development Award from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, and election to the American Society of Clinical Investigation.

Current Role & Responsibilities

At Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Dr. Kropski serves as Professor of Medicine and Cell/Developmental Biology, Research Director of the Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, and Rudy W. Jacobson Chair in Pulmonary Medicine. At the Nashville VA Medical Center, he serves as a Staff Physician and directs the Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic. In addition to his clinical and research responsibilities, he remains deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of physician-scientists.

Education & Training