Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University has introduced the Emory Healthcare Lung Screening and Nodule Program, which began on December 15, 2025. The program aims to improve early detection and treatment of lung cancer in Georgia by using low-dose CT scans and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify pulmonary nodules.
The program is structured around care coordination and patient navigation, with an emphasis on ensuring timely follow-up and interventions for those found to have lung nodules. Patients who require further evaluation are referred to Winship thoracic surgeons, interventional pulmonologists, radiologists, and other specialists for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.
In preparation for the launch, team members including thoracic surgeons Rachel L. Medbery, MD, and Onkar Khullar, MD, MSc participated in a community outreach event at the Atlanta Falcons Legends game on December 7. At this event, they provided information about lung cancer risks and screening benefits.
The initiative incorporates advanced methods such as robot-assisted bronchoscopy, minimally invasive surgery, and AI-enhanced imaging technology. These tools are intended to help clinicians detect lung cancer at earlier stages.
A unique aspect of the program is its streamlined approach across standardized lung nodule clinics within Emory Healthcare. New staff roles—including a program manager, three clinical coordinators, and three nurse navigators—have been created to support patients from initial screening through diagnosis and either treatment or surveillance.
Suresh S. Ramalingam, MD, FACP, FASCO, executive director of Winship Cancer Institute said: “Detecting lung cancer early can save lives, and this program reflects our commitment to reaching more individuals across Georgia. By expanding access to low-dose CT screenings, we can find lung cancer at an early stage and intervene when treatment is most effective. The program uniquely pairs high-quality screening with Winship’s multidisciplinary lung cancer expertise to improve outcomes for every patient.”
Dr. Medbery highlighted the importance of early detection: “Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and it often doesn’t show symptoms until it’s advanced,” she said. “When we find it early — before it has spread — treatment is far more likely to be successful. Low-dose CT screening allows us to detect cancer when it is still small and highly treatable.”
Screening is recommended for individuals aged 50–80 who currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years with a history of smoking equivalent to one pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years. Dr. Medbery added: “For people who meet these criteria, screening can quite literally be lifesaving.” She also noted that the process is quick and painless: “Low-dose CT scans take detailed images of the lungs using a very small amount of radiation,” Medbery says. “For most people, the risk is extremely low — especially when you consider the benefit of catching lung cancer early. We always encourage patients to talk with their doctor to understand the risks and benefits and determine whether screening is right for them.”
Lung screening will be available at all Emory Imaging locations that offer CT scans. The lung nodule program will operate at four metro Atlanta hospitals: Emory Johns Creek Hospital (beginning in 2026), Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Emory University Hospital, and Emory University Hospital Midtown.
Medbery stated: “We serve one of the highest volumes of lung screening and nodule patients in the region,” adding that their team provides accurate screenings, fast results, and expert follow-up when needed.
Further information about scheduling a screening appointment can be found on Emory Healthcare’s website or by calling 404-686-5864 (LUNG).
