Obama hails contributions of Indian-American doctor

US President Barack Obama has applauded the role of an Indian-American doctor in researching the health impact of pollution and helping families whose lives are impacted by air pollution.

"Doctor, thank you," Obama said as he hailed the contributions of Cleveland-based Dr Sumita Khatri, who was among the select few invited to be present at the White House yesterday when the US President announced an ambitious goal to cut pollution emitting from coal-fired power plants.

"Dr Sumita Khatri has spent her career researching the health impacts of pollution at the Cleveland Clinic, and helping families whose lives are impacted every single day," Obama said.

An adult pulmonary and critical care physician with a specialised focus in asthma, Khatri earned her medical degree at Ohio State University and is currently co-director of the Cleveland Clinic Asthma Center.

Her clinical and research interests include the effects of air pollution and environmental triggers on asthma, evaluating biomarkers of asthma, and community engagement with respect to asthma and lung health.

In this regard, she has been involved with the NIH-sponsored Severe Asthma Research Program, collaborative research with the USEPA, and medical industry-associated asthma therapy trials.

Dr Khatri has emphasised on "breathing well" to tackle side effects from air pollution.