MUSC Joins Elite National Network for Bronchiectasis and NTM Care

The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association has accepted the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) into its Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network (CCN), recognizing MUSC’s leadership in the diagnosis and treatment of bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease.

MUSC is one of just 33 sites in the country—and the only one in South Carolina—designated as a Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center. The new CNN includes 27 care centers and six clinical associate centers across 23 states, working to expand access to specialized care for the growing number of Americans living with these complex lung diseases.

“This recognition validates what we’ve built at MUSC—a program rooted in deep expertise, compassionate care, and innovation,” said Patrick Flume, M.D., pulmonologist and director of the MUSC NTM program. “We’re proud to be part of a network that will continue to raise the standard of care across the country, and we’re committed to being a leader in its development and growth.”

The designation reflects MUSC’s robust multidisciplinary approach. Its NTM team includes pulmonologists (Drs. Flume, Christina Mingora, and Lauren Sullivan), infectious disease specialists (Drs. Susan Dorman and Yorsa Alkabab), nurse practitioners, nurse coordinators, pharmacists, psychologists, respiratory therapists, dietitians, social workers, genetic counselors, and administrative staff—all working together to deliver highly coordinated, patient-centered care.

What started over two decades ago as a once-a-month clinic has evolved into the Southeast’s largest program dedicated to NTM and bronchiectasis, now operating four days each week to meet growing demand.

“Being part of this national care network allows us to offer our patients expanded access to cutting-edge therapies, clinical trials, and shared resources—things that can make a real difference in both quality of life and long-term outcomes,” Flume said. “Too many patients face years of misdiagnosis and frustration. We’re here to change that.”

As the only bronchiectasis and NTM program of its kind in South Carolina, MUSC Health offers advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and a full suite of services—from respiratory therapy to lung transplantation. As a leading academic medical center, MUSC is also home to a robust research program exploring new treatment approaches and partnering with national experts to better understand the burden of these diseases.

To learn more or refer a patient to MUSC’s NTM program, visit the MUSC Health NTM clinic website.

For more information about the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network, visit www.bronchandntm.org.