Wednesday, May 13, 2026

A Wide “Breath” of Lung Facts

What do vaping, incense, and long-COVID have in common? They can all impact your lungs in ways most people don’t consider.

In this episode of On Call, Off Script, lung experts from the Lung Center at Jackson Health System/ Miami Transplant Institute, an affiliation between Jackson Health System and UHealth – University of Miami Health System explore, explain, and debunk fascinating lung facts while also exposing the hidden dangers that can affect respiratory health.

You’ll learn how everyday habits and environmental exposures can influence long-term lung health, why all smokers should throw the vape and cigarettes away now, and what conditions are sending younger patients to pulmonologists.

Whether you’re curious about the science behind breathing or want practical tips to better protect your lungs, this episode delivers facts and expert insight you can apply in your daily life.

Two women and a male sitting and looking at the camera; on the top left it reads, On Call, Off Script with Dr. Juan Fernandez Castillo and Raquel Avellar

Meet the Guest

Juan Cesar Fernandez Castillo, MD

Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease

English, Spanish

Dr. Juan Fernandez Castillo is the medical director of transplant pulmonology at Miami Transplant Institute. He specializes in advanced lung disease, respiratory health, and lung transplantation. With experience treating complex lung conditions, Dr. Fernandez Castillo is passionate about educating patients and the medical community on preventative lung health, the benefits of transplant, and respiratory issues affecting younger populations.

Miami Transplant Institute

1801 N.W. 9th Ave. Miami, Florida 33136

305-585-1684

Woman with dark hair smiling at the camera

Raquel Avellar

Raquel Avellar is the nursing director of patient care for the Lung Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, the ECMO program, and the donor desk, overseeing patient-centered respiratory and pulmonary care. With years of clinical leadership, Raquel brings practical insight on lifestyles choices, environmental exposures, and preventative care that can impact lung health across all ages.

Raquel Avellar is the nursing director of patient care for the Lung Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, the ECMO program, and the donor desk, overseeing patient-centered respiratory and pulmonary care. With years of clinical leadership, Raquel brings practical insight on lifestyles choices, environmental exposures, and preventative care that can impact lung health across all ages.

Meet the Host

A headshot of a woman, she smiles at the camera, she has dark hair and a dark top

Ruelle Champion

Media Relations & Branded Content Specialist for Jackson Health System

Ruelle Champion joined the team in 2023, coming from a journalism background as an anchor and reporter in Gainesville, FL. Ruelle is also a proud graduate of Florida A&M University and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Ruelle Champion joined the team in 2023, coming from a journalism background as an anchor and reporter in Gainesville, FL. Ruelle is also a proud graduate of Florida A&M University and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Subscribe & Follow

A purple and white icon for Apple podcast
A green icon for Spotify Podcast
A red and white icon for Youtube
A green and black icon for Podbean App Podcast
A blue and black icon for Boomplay
A red and white icon for PlayerFM
A blue, white, and pink icon for podchaser podcast
An orange icon for Overcast
A blue icon for Pandora Podcast
An orange icon for audible