Dr. David L. Kamelhar, MD, FACP, FCCP

Expert Publications

• Plasma renin and serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase during orthostatic hypotension in quadriplegic man.
• Plasma renin and serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase during orthostatic hypotension in quadriplegic man.

Clinical Trials

• Evaluation Of The Lung Microbiome In NTM Bronchiectasis

Media Releases

Get to know Pulmonologist Dr. David L. Kamelhar, who serves patients in New York, New York.

Dr. Kamelhar is a reputable pulmonologist who treats patients with all forms of lung disease, including pneumonia, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), sarcoidosis, and lung cancer. He works alongside Dr. Eric Teller, MD, at their private practice, Kamelhar Pulmonary Medicine.

Kamelhar-Teller Pulmonary Medicine is one of the most comprehensive and respected clinical programs in the New York Metropolitan Area for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with respiratory symptoms, lung disease, and sleep disorders. The doctors’ mission is to provide each patient with an individualized approach to the diagnosis and resolution of his or her respiratory problems, sleep issues, and the optimization of their pulmonary wellness. They offer their patients exceptional clinical services through the integration of the industry’s best diagnostic, therapeutic, restorative and educational services. 

With a particular interest in chronic cough, Dr. Kamelhar is focused on the integrative approach to its diagnosis, management, and cure. Optimizing a diagnostic approach while simultaneously recommending symptomatic relief customized for each patient remains the paradigm of his approach to cough. Evaluation of the sinuses, voice box, and esophagus often plays a major role in this assessment and treatment process.

Recognized throughout the pulmonary academic community for his work in bronchiectasis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections (NTM), Dr. Kamelhar is co-Director of NYU Langone Medical Center’s Bronchiectasis Program and co-directs its yearly Symposium on Bronchiectasis and NTM. He has seen large numbers of patients with occupational lung diseases, particularly asbestosis, and those with accidental inhalation of toxic materials of many varieties. Since 2001, he has been involved in the assessment of first responders and others who were exposed to World Trade Center dust from 9/11. He sees many firefighters and police officers, both active and retired, regarding diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of their exposure to inhalation of damaging materials experienced while in harm’s way over many years. He believes that involving the patient in proper care of these and other pulmonary maladies is essential for success in managing chronic disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease.

Routinely, Dr. Kamelhar confers with colleagues from his own institution, as well as with clinical, radiographic and pathology experts from around the region and the nation. He does so in the event of a complicated diagnostic/management case in order to provide each patient with a treatment plan that is customized to their individual needs.

Among his professional affiliations, he is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP) and a Fellow of the College of Chest Physicians (FCCP).

A native New Yorker, Dr. Kamelhar earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Yeshiva University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He then went on to obtain his medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine in 1974. He was trained in internal medicine at NYU Medical Center between 1974 and 1977. After a year as Chief Resident in Internal Medicine, he completed a fellowship in pulmonary medicine at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine and its affiliated hospitals: NYU Medical Center, Bellevue Hospital Center, and New York Veteran’s Administration Hospital.

Starting his clinical practice in 1980, he has a faculty appointment as a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, where he regularly participates in teaching medical students, residents, and fellows at its affiliated hospitals. He has lectured on various topics in pulmonary medicine to both physician and lay groups in New York City and at national meetings, as well as has lectured abroad. 

Leading the field in pulmonary medicine, Dr. Kamelhar is board-certified in internal medicine and pulmonary disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). The ABIM is a physician-led, non-profit, independent evaluation organization driven by doctors who want to achieve higher standards for better care in a rapidly changing world.

Pulmonology is a medical specialty that deals with diseases involving the respiratory tract. A pulmonologist is an internal medicine physician who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions and diseases that affect the lungs, bronchial tubes, and the respiratory system, including the nose, pharynx, and throat.

Pertaining to his research efforts, Dr. Kamelhar is Principle Investigator involving investigation of cough as it relates to the voice box and reflux-related disorders. He is also a Principal Investigator of a pioneering multi-institution study regarding the course of active non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection (NTM) managed with measures other than medication. 

Additional interests include the involvement of esophageal disorders and alterations in the natural bacterial population (microbiome) in the course of mycobacterial infection and bronchiectasis.

As a testament to his success, Dr. Kamelhar has been identified by his peers as one of the “Top Doctors in New York Metropolitan Area” and “America’s Best Doctors” since 1997 as published by Castle Connolly Associates. He has also received the American Medical Association’s Physician Recognition Award.

On a more personal note, he speaks both English and Hebrew.

Recommended Articles

• All About Bronchopneumonia

  Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue, which can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. There are two types of pneumonia: lobar pneumonia and bronchopneumonia. Lobar pneumonia is when an entire lobe or more than one lobe of the lung gets involved. Bronchopneumonia happens when the bronchi...

• Alternative Treatments for Lung Cancer

  Lung cancer, also known as lung carcinoma is characterized by a malignant lung tumor caused by an uncontrolled growth of cells in tissues of the lungs. There are two main types of lung cancers-small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. It is widely known that lung cancer is the most...

• Adventure, A Dream Wedding, and Cystic Fibrosis

  Caleigh Haber has spent 27 years battling cystic fibrosis.For some time now, Caleigh’s boyfriend, Bryan, has been helping her with care needs. Caleigh’s over-all health status appears fragile: Aside from late-stage CF, she’s also “in kidney failure (becoming more common for those with CF),...

• Cystic Fibrosis Stories: Stronger Because of their Scars

  Scars are a fact of life for those suffering from Cystic Fibrosis (CF). From ports to transplants and pacemakers, most people with CF have at least one scar. Not to mention, the dark circles under their eyes from exhaustion and fatigue. Living with CF is tough; it can be draining both mentally and...

• 32-year-old with Cystic Fibrosis Raises Millions for Research

  32-year old Emily Kramer-Golinkoff has accomplished more in her life than most people can say. Though she was diagnosed with a life-long debilitating disease as an infant, she has refused to let the fate she was dealt with drag her down. This young woman is the founder of a non-profit called Emily's...

• Lung Cancer : How to Treat it?

  Lung Cancer: There are two main types of lung cancer; small cell lung cancer (SCLC)  and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These two types of lung cancers are based on the way the tumors grow and spread. Lung cancer has the highest rate of death toll out of all cancers in the US. The main causes...