Research interests
Studies obesity and metabolic changes affecting airway function in asthma, including airway epithelial mechanisms and clinical trials for obese patients with asthma.[5]
Fernando Holguin
About
University of Colorado Asthma Research and Education Program peopleFernando Holguin institutional CV, October 3, 2022
Fernando Holguin is a Colorado pulmonologist and Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics who directs UCARE. His program studies how obesity and metabolic changes affect asthma and airway function.
The 2022 CV records Emory Golden Apple teaching awards in 2004 and 2006, and faculty and fellow teaching awards in 2007.
Research interests
Studies obesity and metabolic changes affecting airway function in asthma, including airway epithelial mechanisms and clinical trials for obese patients with asthma.
Journey
Education, training and research through time.
Medical school
La Salle University School of Medicine
Residency
Emory University School of Medicine
Residency
Emory University School of Medicine
Fellowship
Emory University School of Medicine
Graduate education
Emory Rollins School of Public Health
- 1986–1991Medical school
Medical school[6]
La Salle University School of Medicine
La Salle University School of Medicine, Mexico City, MD, 1986–1991.
- 1992–1995Residency
Internal medicine residency[6]
Emory University School of Medicine
Emory University, internal medicine residency, 1992–1995.
- 1995–1996Residency
Chief residency[6]
Emory University School of Medicine
Emory University, chief medical resident, 1995–1996.
- 1996–1999Fellowship
Pulmonary and critical care fellowship[6]
Emory University School of Medicine
Emory University, pulmonary and critical care fellowship, 1996–1999.
- 1999–2001Employment
Associate researcher[6]
National Institute of Public Health, Mexico
Associate Researcher, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico, 1999–2001.
- 2001–2008Employment
Assistant professor[6]
Emory University
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Emory University, 2001–2008.
- 2001–2008Employment
Medical epidemiologist[6]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Medical Epidemiologist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2001–2008.
- 2003–2007Graduate education
MPH in epidemiology[6]
Emory Rollins School of Public Health
Emory Rollins School of Public Health, MPH in epidemiology, 2003–2007.
- 2008-10–2016-07Employment
Pittsburgh faculty progression[6]
University of Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh faculty from October 2008 through July 2016, progressing from visiting assistant professor to associate professor.
- 2013
1 attributed work
- An association between L-arginine/asymmetric dimethyl arginine balance, obesity, and the age of asthma onset phenotype
American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine · First author
- An association between L-arginine/asymmetric dimethyl arginine balance, obesity, and the age of asthma onset phenotype
- 2014-07–2016-07Employment
Clinical Translational Research Center director[6]
UPMC Montefiore
Program Director, Clinical Translational Research Center at UPMC Montefiore, July 2014–July 2016.
- 2016-08–2018-06Employment
Colorado associate professor appointment[6]
University of Colorado
Joined University of Colorado faculty as Associate Professor of Medicine in August 2016.
- Started 2016-08Employment
His October 2022 CV records Director of the Latino Research and Policy Center from August 2016 through the CV observation date[6]
University of Colorado
His October 2022 CV records Director of the Latino Research and Policy Center from August 2016 through the CV observation date; continuation after that date is unverified.
- 2017
1 attributed work
- Respiratory Health in Migrant Populations: A Crisis Overlooked
Annals of the American Thoracic Society · First author
- Respiratory Health in Migrant Populations: A Crisis Overlooked
- 2019
1 attributed work
- L-Citrulline increases nitric oxide and improves control in obese asthmatics
JCI insight · First author
- L-Citrulline increases nitric oxide and improves control in obese asthmatics
- 2020
1 attributed work
- Management of severe asthma: a European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society guideline
The European respiratory journal · First author
- Management of severe asthma: a European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society guideline
- Documented in 2022Service
Research and clinical mentorship[6]
Emory University and University of Pittsburgh
His October 2022 CV documents mentoring students, residents, pulmonary fellows, faculty and staff at Emory and Pittsburgh.
- Listed for 2024Service
CHEST severe-asthma guideline co-chair[7]
American College of Chest Physicians
Co-chair, American College of Chest Physicians guidelines for severe asthma, listed for 2024.
- Listed for 2025Service
ATS/ERS severe-asthma task-force chair[7]
American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society
Chair, ATS/ERS Task Force for Severe Asthma, listed in the institutional profile for 2025.
- Dates not establishedEmployment
Division Head, Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care, University of Colorado[7]
University of Colorado
Division Head, Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care, University of Colorado.
- Dates not establishedEmployment
Director of the University of Colorado Asthma Research and Education Program (UCARE)[5]
University of Colorado
Director of the University of Colorado Asthma Research and Education Program (UCARE).
- Dates not established by retained sourceEmployment
Professor appointment[5]
University of Colorado
Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz.
Works appear by publication year. Their position does not establish where or when the underlying research was performed.
Education and training
Degrees, training periods and the milestones within them.
- 1986–1991Medical school
Medical school[6]
La Salle University School of Medicine
La Salle University School of Medicine, Mexico City, MD, 1986–1991.
- 1992–1995Residency
Internal medicine residency[6]
Emory University School of Medicine
Emory University, internal medicine residency, 1992–1995.
- 1995–1996Residency
Chief residency[6]
Emory University School of Medicine
Emory University, chief medical resident, 1995–1996.
- 1996–1999Fellowship
Pulmonary and critical care fellowship[6]
Emory University School of Medicine
Emory University, pulmonary and critical care fellowship, 1996–1999.
- 2003–2007Graduate education
MPH in epidemiology[6]
Emory Rollins School of Public Health
Emory Rollins School of Public Health, MPH in epidemiology, 2003–2007.
Research
Projects and appearances
From the COVID-19 ICU to a televised tribute
interview · 2021-03-02CU interviewed Holguin about participating in the 2021 Golden Globes tribute to medical workers and his experience caring for patients during the pandemic.
Interviewee
Limitations
- The source establishes the listed role or description; it does not establish individual mentoring availability or educational outcomes.
UW–Madison lists Fernando Holguin as presenter of Respiratory Health Disparities: Root Causes and Opportunities for Action on April 26, 2024.
Listed speaker
Limitations
- The event listing establishes title, presenter, and date; no recording or transcript was reviewed.
Why breathing problems are common for winter Olympians
interview · 2026-02-19In CU’s written article, Holguin discusses the association between prolonged cold-weather athletic training and exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Interviewee
Limitations
- The source establishes the listed role or description; it does not establish individual mentoring availability or educational outcomes.
Selected reading
An association between L-arginine/asymmetric dimethyl arginine balance, obesity, and the age of asthma onset phenotype
Cross-sectional Severe Asthma Research Program analysis
An association between L-arginine/asymmetric dimethyl arginine balance, obesity, and the age of asthma onset phenotype
Findings
- In late-onset asthma, increasing BMI was associated with a lower L-arginine/ADMA ratio; lower ratios were associated with lower lung volumes, more symptoms, and worse asthma quality of life.
Limitations
- Cross-sectional associations do not establish causal direction or validate plasma ratios as clinical decision tools.
L-Citrulline increases nitric oxide and improves control in obese asthmatics
Open-label uncontrolled before/after proof-of-concept study
L-Citrulline increases nitric oxide and improves control in obese asthmatics
Findings
- After two weeks of 15 g/day L-citrulline, 41 participants with obesity, poorly controlled asthma, and low or normal FeNO had higher FeNO and a mean 0.46-point improvement in Asthma Control Questionnaire score. Lung-function changes were small and subgroup signals were exploratory.
Limitations
- The study included 41 participants, lacked a randomized control, and lasted two weeks; exploratory subgroup signals require confirmation.
Management of severe asthma: a European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society guideline
Clinical practice guideline based on systematic evidence synthesis and GRADE
Management of severe asthma: a European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society guideline
Findings
- The task force used systematic review and GRADE methods to issue recommendations on anti-IL-5 strategies, dupilumab, LAMA therapy, macrolides, and biomarker-guided selection in severe asthma.
Limitations
- Evidence synthesis is not a new trial. The source itself calls for reconsideration as new evidence becomes available.
Respiratory Health in Migrant Populations: A Crisis Overlooked
Narrative public-health perspective and symposium synthesis
Respiratory Health in Migrant Populations: A Crisis Overlooked
Findings
- The synthesis describes respiratory health-care access and delivery challenges for migrants and refugees, including airway disease, sleep disorders, infection control, deportation, and internet-based support strategies.
Limitations
- The authors explicitly describe a nonexhaustive synthesis of symposium presentations, not an intervention-effect estimate.
Publications
4 attributed works · 4 first author. Counts reflect resolved authorship and may be incomplete.
- 2020Management of severe asthma: a European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society guidelineThe European respiratory journalfirst authorPMID 31558662
- 2019L-Citrulline increases nitric oxide and improves control in obese asthmaticsJCI insightfirst authorPMID 31714895
- 2017Respiratory Health in Migrant Populations: A Crisis OverlookedAnnals of the American Thoracic Societyfirst authorPMID 28146384
- 2013An association between L-arginine/asymmetric dimethyl arginine balance, obesity, and the age of asthma onset phenotypeAmerican journal of respiratory and critical care medicinefirst authorPMID 23204252
Sources
Sources are listed once and connected to each accepted claim they support. Excerpts preserve the source language used in the review.
- [1]An association between L-arginine/asymmetric dimethyl arginine balance, obesity, and the age of asthma onset phenotype
1 source claim · Reviewed Sep 9, 2026
Attributed work: An association between L-arginine/asymmetric dimethyl arginine balance, obesity, and the age of asthma onset phenotype | DOI 10.1164/rccm.201207-1270oc | PMID 23204252 | 2013
2013
/resultList/result/0/authorList/author; authorAffiliationDetailsList; own id/doi; abstractText
- [2]L-Citrulline increases nitric oxide and improves control in obese asthmatics
1 source claim · Reviewed Sep 9, 2026
Attributed work: L-Citrulline increases nitric oxide and improves control in obese asthmatics | DOI 10.1172/jci.insight.131733 | PMID 31714895 | 2019
2019
/resultList/result/0/authorList/author; authorAffiliationDetailsList; own id/doi; abstractText
- [3]Management of severe asthma: a European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society guideline
1 source claim · Reviewed Sep 9, 2026
Attributed work: Management of severe asthma: a European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society guideline | DOI 10.1183/13993003.00588-2019 | PMID 31558662 | 2020
2020
/resultList/result/0/authorList/author; authorAffiliationDetailsList; own id/doi; abstractText
- [4]Respiratory Health in Migrant Populations: A Crisis Overlooked
1 source claim · Reviewed Sep 9, 2026
Attributed work: Respiratory Health in Migrant Populations: A Crisis Overlooked | DOI 10.1513/annalsats.201608-592ps | PMID 28146384 | 2017
2017
/resultList/result/0/authorList/author; authorAffiliationDetailsList; own id/doi; abstractText
- [5]University of Colorado Asthma Research and Education Program people
4 source claims · 3 journey details · Reviewed Sep 9, 2026
Director of the University of Colorado Asthma Research and Education Program (UCARE): Dates not established. Director of the University of Colorado Asthma Research and Education Program (UCARE).
Professor appointment: Dates not established by retained source. Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz.
Historical roles labeled Present in the October 2022 CV do not establish continuation through 2026. Pittsburgh and Colorado role intervals retain reported source precision.
Biographical context: Fernando Holguin is a Colorado pulmonologist and Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics who directs UCARE. His program studies how obesity and metabolic changes affect asthma and airway function.
Dr. Fernando Holguin is a Pulmonologist and Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. He grew up and became a doctor in Mexico City. He moved to the United States to train in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care at Emory University. Throughout his academic career, he has focused much on his work on research and patient care. He has been in practice for more than 25 years and has many clinical interests including asthma, asthma that is difficult to treat and severe asthma. Dr. Holguin is Director of the University of Colorado Asthma Research and Education (UCARE) Program, which primarily focuses on understanding how obesity and changes in metabolism influence airway function in asthma. The team is funded to study airway epithelial mechanisms of disease and phase II clinical trials for obese asthmatics. Dr. Holguin is also currently serving as the co-chair of the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society Task Force on severe asthma. He is an NIH, DOD, ALA and AsthmaNet investigator and has parti
Professional role: Director of the University of Colorado Asthma Research and Education Program (UCARE).
Dr. Holguin is Director of the University of Colorado Asthma Research and Education (UCARE) Program, which primarily focuses on understanding how obesity and changes in metabolism influence airway function in asthma. The team is funded to study airway epithelial mechanisms of disease and phase II clinical trials for obese asthma
Professional role: Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz.
Dr. Fernando Holguin is a Pulmonologist and Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. He grew up and became a doctor in Mexico City. He moved to the United States to train in Internal M
Research interests: Studies obesity and metabolic changes affecting airway function in asthma, including airway epithelial mechanisms and clinical trials for obese patients with asthma.
Program, which primarily focuses on understanding how obesity and changes in metabolism influence airway function in asthma. The team is funded to study airway epithelial mechanisms of disease and phase II clinical trials for obese asthmatics. Dr. Holguin is also currently serving as the co-chair of the American Thoracic Society and
- [6]Fernando Holguin institutional CV, October 3, 2022
14 source claims · 14 journey details · Reviewed Sep 9, 2026
Medical school: 1986–1991. La Salle University School of Medicine, Mexico City, MD, 1986–1991.
Internal medicine residency: 1992–1995. Emory University, internal medicine residency, 1992–1995.
Chief residency: 1995–1996. Emory University, chief medical resident, 1995–1996.
Pulmonary and critical care fellowship: 1996–1999. Emory University, pulmonary and critical care fellowship, 1996–1999.
MPH in epidemiology: 2003–2007. Emory Rollins School of Public Health, MPH in epidemiology, 2003–2007.
Associate researcher: 1999–2001. Associate Researcher, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico, 1999–2001.
Assistant professor: 2001–2008. Assistant Professor of Medicine, Emory University, 2001–2008.
Medical epidemiologist: 2001–2008. Medical Epidemiologist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2001–2008.
Pittsburgh faculty progression: 2008-10–2016-07. University of Pittsburgh faculty from October 2008 through July 2016, progressing from visiting assistant professor to associate professor.
Clinical Translational Research Center director: 2014-07–2016-07. Program Director, Clinical Translational Research Center at UPMC Montefiore, July 2014–July 2016.
Colorado associate professor appointment: 2016-08–2018-06. Joined University of Colorado faculty as Associate Professor of Medicine in August 2016.
His October 2022 CV records Director of the Latino Research and Policy Center from August 2016 through the CV observation date: Started 2016-08. His October 2022 CV records Director of the Latino Research and Policy Center from August 2016 through the CV observation date; continuation after that date is unverified.
Research and clinical mentorship: Documented in 2022. His October 2022 CV documents mentoring students, residents, pulmonary fellows, faculty and staff at Emory and Pittsburgh.
Historical roles labeled Present in the October 2022 CV do not establish continuation through 2026. Pittsburgh and Colorado role intervals retain reported source precision.
Biographical context: The 2022 CV records Emory Golden Apple teaching awards in 2004 and 2006, and faculty and fellow teaching awards in 2007.
Golden Apple Award (Outstanding Teacher in Medicine), 2004, 2006 Emory University Elected, Southern Society of Clinical Investigation 2006 National EPA Children’s Environmental Excellence Award 2006 Dean’s Faculty Teaching Award, Emory University 2007 Fellow’s Faculty Teaching Award, Emory University 2007 Award of Excellence for establishing the Asthma Translational 2007 Research Program within the Emory Respiratory Health Center PUBLICATIONS Published or in press articles in peer-reviewed journ
Employment: Assistant Professor of Medicine, Emory University, 2001–2008.
2001 to 2008
2001 - 2008 Emory University Assistant Professor of Medicine Atlanta, GA 2001 - 2008 Centers for Dis
Employment: Associate Researcher, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico, 1999–2001.
1999 to 2001
1999 - 2001 National Institute of Public Health, Mexico Associate Researcher 2004 - 2006 Emory University School of Medicine
Employment: His October 2022 CV records Director of the Latino Research and Policy Center from August 2016 through the CV observation date; continuation after that date is unverified.
From August 2016
8/2016 – Present University of Colorado Director, Latino Research and Policy Center 2017 – Present University of Colorado Director, University of Colorado’s Pulmonary Translational Research
Employment: Joined University of Colorado faculty as Associate Professor of Medicine in August 2016.
August 2016 to June 2018
8/2016 – 6/2018 University of Colorado Associate Professor Medicine Denver, CO 8/2016 – 6/2018 Unive
Employment: Medical Epidemiologist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2001–2008.
2001 to 2008
2001 - 2008 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Medical Epidemiologist Atlanta, GA 2005 - 2008 Emory University Assistant Professor of Atl
Employment: Program Director, Clinical Translational Research Center at UPMC Montefiore, July 2014–July 2016.
July 2014 to July 2016
7/2014 - 7/2016 University of Pittsburgh Program Director, Clinical Pittsburgh, PA Translational Research Center at UPMC Montefiore 8/2016 – 6/2018 University of Colorado Associate
Employment: University of Pittsburgh faculty from October 2008 through July 2016, progressing from visiting assistant professor to associate professor.
October 2008 to July 2016
10/2008 – 1/2009 University of Pittsburgh Visiting Assistant Professor of Pittsburgh, PA Medicine 2/2009 – 2/2013 University of Pittsburgh Assistant Professor of Medicine Pittsburgh, PA 2/2009 - 2/2013 University of Pittsburgh Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Pittsburgh, PA Secondary Appointment 2/2009 – 3/2013 University of Pittsburgh Assistant Professor of Pittsburgh, PA Environmental and Occupational Health Secondary Appointment 2010 – 3/2013 University of Pittsburgh Assistant Professor Pittsburgh, PA Clinical & Translational Research Secondary Appointment 3/2013 – 7/2016 University of Pittsburgh Associate Professor of Medicine Pittsburgh, PA 3/2013 – 7/2016 University of Pittsburgh Associate Professor of Pediatrics Pittsburgh, PA Secondary Appointment 3/2013 – 7/2016 University of Pittsburgh Occupational and Environmental Pittsburgh, PA Health Secondary Appointment 7/2014 - 7/2016 University of Pittsburgh Program Director, Clinical Pittsburgh, PA Translational Research Center at UPMC Montefiore 8/2016 – 6/2018 University of Colorado Associate Professor Medicine Denver, CO 8/2016 – 6/2018 University of Colorado Associate Professor of Pediatrics Denver, CO Secondary Appointment 7/2018 – Present University of Colorado Professor Medicine Denver, CO 7/2018 – Present University of Colorado Professor of Pediatrics Denver, CO Secondary Appointment NON-ACADEMIC: 1999 - 2001 National Institute of Public Health, Mexico Associate Researcher 2004 - 2006
Fellowship: Emory University, pulmonary and critical care fellowship, 1996–1999.
1996 to 1999
1996 - 1999 Emory University School of Medicine Pulmonary & CC Fellowship Atlanta, GA 2003 - 2007 Rollins School of Public Health, Emory MPH (Epidemio
Graduate education: Emory Rollins School of Public Health, MPH in epidemiology, 2003–2007.
2003 to 2007
2003 - 2007 Rollins School of Public Health, Emory MPH (Epidemiology) Atlanta, GA APPOINTMENTS AND POSITIONS ACADEMIC: 2001 - 2008 Emory University Assistant Pr
Medical school: La Salle University School of Medicine, Mexico City, MD, 1986–1991.
1986 to 1991
1986 - 1991 La Salle University School of Medicine MD 1991 Mexico City, Mexico POST GRADUATE: 1992 - 1995 Emory University School of Medicine Residency in
Professional role: His October 2022 CV documents mentoring students, residents, pulmonary fellows, faculty and staff at Emory and Pittsburgh.
Mentoring Dr. Holguin has mentored the following students, residents, pulmonary fellows, faculty and staff at Emory and University of Pittsburgh: Colleen Kelly (Emory Medical Student & MPH 2005 – 2006). Performed an analysis of the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) on the Pneumocistiis Jerov
Residency: Emory University, internal medicine residency, 1992–1995.
1992 to 1995
1992 - 1995 Emory University School of Medicine Residency in Internal Medicine Atlanta, GA 1995 - 1996 Emory University School of Medicine Chief Medic
Residency leadership: Emory University, chief medical resident, 1995–1996.
1995 to 1996
1995 - 1996 Emory University School of Medicine Chief Medical Resident Atlanta, GA 1996 - 1999 Emory University School of Medicine Pulmonary & CC
- [7]CU School of Medicine faculty profile
5 source claims · 4 journey details · Reviewed Sep 9, 2026
Division Head, Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care, University of Colorado: Dates not established. Division Head, Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care, University of Colorado.
ATS/ERS severe-asthma task-force chair: Listed for 2025. Chair, ATS/ERS Task Force for Severe Asthma, listed in the institutional profile for 2025.
CHEST severe-asthma guideline co-chair: Listed for 2024. Co-chair, American College of Chest Physicians guidelines for severe asthma, listed for 2024.
Historical roles labeled Present in the October 2022 CV do not establish continuation through 2026. Pittsburgh and Colorado role intervals retain reported source precision.
Official headshot: Portrait
Fernando Holguin, MD
Professional role: Chair, ATS/ERS Task Force for Severe Asthma, listed in the institutional profile for 2025.
2025
Chair, American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society Task Force for Severe Asthma, ATS/ERS (2025) Developing guidelines/recommendations for managing severe asthma Co-Chair American College of Chest Physicians, Guidelines for Se
Professional role: Co-chair, American College of Chest Physicians guidelines for severe asthma, listed for 2024.
2024
Co-Chair American College of Chest Physicians, Guidelines for Severe Asthma, ACCP (2024) Providing recommendations on the use of biological medications in severe asthma Publications Agarwal T, Peterson R, Jimenez G, Taich Z, Sharma S, Holguin F, Althoff MD. Im
Professional role: Division Head, Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care, University of Colorado.
Professional Titles Division Head, Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Recognitions Chair, American Thoracic Society and Eur
Official profile: Official profile
Fernando Holguin, MD | Profiles | School of Medicine | University of Colorado University of Colorado Anschutz Search Button School of Medicine Faculty > Profiles Home Fernando Holguin, MD Professor, Medicine-Pulmonary Sciences & Critical Care Medical School MD, Universi
