The William S. Silvers, MD, Integrative Allergy Immunology Respiratory Wellness Program

William S. Silvers, MD dedicated his career to helping Coloradoans suffering from allergy, asthma and immunology ailments. Through this lectureship Dr. Silvers has graciously ensured that, from now into the future, we can bring you the latest in integrative medicine as it relates to allergy, immunology and respiratory (AIR) medicine. Each year, this lectureship will highlight new techniques to inspire and help medical professionals provide the best integrative care for their patients. Join us annually for illuminating lectures presented by the William S. Silvers, MD, Integrative Allergy Immunology Respiratory Wellness Program.

Upcoming Lectures and Discussions

April 8, 2026 | 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. | Heitler Hall, National Jewish Health or Zoom

Neuroscience and Psychophysiology of Asthma: Evidence for a Bidirectional Lung-Brain Relationship

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Speaker: Thomas Ritz, PhD

University Distinguished Professor
Department of Psychology
Southern Methodist University

Thomas Ritz, PhD

Dr. Thomas Ritz is University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Southern Methodist University (SMU), Dallas, Texas. He joined the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program of the Department of Psychology at SMU in 2005 and is Director of the Psychobiology of Stress, Emotion, and Chronic Disease Research Program. His research of the past 30+ years has focused on the neuroscience and psychobiology of respiration, the psychosomatic medicine of respiratory disease, and comorbid affective disorders. Much of his work is interdisciplinary with colleagues in biology, chemistry, and medicine, with an emphasis on consolidating a basic research foundation for asthma management and translating basic findings into psychological, behavioral, and life-style interventions for asthma and comorbid psychological disorders. In ongoing research, he studies the role of the central nervous system and cognition in asthma, the prevention of stress-induced respiratory infections, and the biologically informed treatments for anxiety and anhedonia. His research has been supported by federal funding agencies and private foundations in the US, Germany, Canada, and the UK. He is a Fellow of the Society for Biopsychosocial Science and Medicine (formerly American Psychosomatic Society) and currently Editor-in-Chief for the journal Biological Psychology.

April 8, 2026 | Noon to 1 p.m. | Heitler Hall, National Jewish Health or Zoom

Panel Discussion on Integrative Medicine

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Thomas Ritz, PhD
University Distinguished Professor
Department of Psychology
Southern Methodist University

Barry Make, MD
Professor
Department of Medicine
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine
Chair, Faculty Appointment, Promotion, and Periodic Evaluation Committee (FAPPE Committee)

Anna Dammann, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatrics

Cori Fratelli, MSN, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner
Instructor
Department of Medicine
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine

Download Dr. Thomas Ritz’s Reading List

Past Lectures and Discussions

Watch Recordings

Want to receive emails about future lectures? Let us know by contacting Michele Mosko at 303.728.6509 or MoskoM@njhealth.org.

About National Jewish Health

National Jewish Health is the leading respiratory hospital in the nation. Founded 126 years ago as a nonprofit hospital, National Jewish Health is the only facility in the world dedicated exclusively to groundbreaking medical research and treatment of children and adults with respiratory, cardiac, immune and related disorders. Patients and families come to National Jewish Health from around the world to receive cutting-edge, comprehensive, coordinated care. Learn more .