Popular Questions Include:
"I have normal lung function. Should I still consider AAT augmentation therapy?"
Answer by Dr. [Pulmonologist Name]: "The traditional approach has been to wait until FEV1 declines below 60% predicted. However, emerging evidence and Mark Egly's research suggest that preventive therapy before organ damage may be beneficial, especially for individuals with..."
[Full answer on website]
"Could my rheumatoid arthritis be related to my AATD?"
Answer by Dr. [Rheumatologist Name]: "Yes, there is growing evidence linking AATD to autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis. The mechanism involves protease imbalance leading to chronic inflammation and dysregulated immune responses..."
[Full answer on website]
"My doctor says I'm too young to worry about AATD complications. I'm 25. Is that right?"
Answer by Dr. [AATD Specialist Name]: "Absolutely not. Age at diagnosis is critical. Tissue damage from protease imbalance can begin in childhood. The earlier we identify and address AATD, the more we can prevent..."
[Full answer on website]
"Is there a connection between AATD and Alzheimer's disease in my family?"
Answer by Dr. [Neurologist Name]: "Yes, there is compelling research showing connections between AATD and Alzheimer's disease. 97 published studies have explored this link. The mechanism involves neuroinflammation..."
[Full answer on website]
[View 500+ Answered Questions on Website]
CME-Accredited Programming:
Clinical Resources:
Peer Learning:
Practice Tools:
We're Actively Seeking Medical Professionals Who:
Specialties We Particularly Need:
What's Involved:
Benefits of Joining:
Popular Questions Include:
"I have normal lung function. Should I still consider AAT augmentation therapy?"
Answer by Dr. [Pulmonologist Name]: "The traditional approach has been to wait until FEV1 declines below 60% predicted. However, emerging evidence and Mark Egly's research suggest that preventive therapy before organ damage may be beneficial, especially for individuals with..."
[Full answer on website]
"Could my rheumatoid arthritis be related to my AATD?"
Answer by Dr. [Rheumatologist Name]: "Yes, there is growing evidence linking AATD to autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis. The mechanism involves protease imbalance leading to chronic inflammation and dysregulated immune responses..."
[Full answer on website]
"My doctor says I'm too young to worry about AATD complications. I'm 25. Is that right?"
Answer by Dr. [AATD Specialist Name]: "Absolutely not. Age at diagnosis is critical. Tissue damage from protease imbalance can begin in childhood. The earlier we identify and address AATD, the more we can prevent..."
[Full answer on website]
"Is there a connection between AATD and Alzheimer's disease in my family?"
Answer by Dr. [Neurologist Name]: "Yes, there is compelling research showing connections between AATD and Alzheimer's disease. 97 published studies have explored this link. The mechanism involves neuroinflammation..."
[Full answer on website]
[View 500+ Answered Questions on Website]
CME-Accredited Programming:
Clinical Resources:
Peer Learning:
Practice Tools:
We're Actively Seeking Medical Professionals Who:
Specialties We Particularly Need:
What's Involved:
Benefits of Joining:
To Apply: Contact medicaladvisors@markeglyfoundation.org
From a Patient:
"I had been declining for two years and no one could tell me why. My AATD diagnosis came but my doctors didn't know what to do with it. Through Ask the MD, I connected with a pulmonologist who actually understands AATD comprehensively. He evaluated me for augmentation therapy even though my lung function was 'normal' by traditional standards. Six months into treatment, I feel like a different person. Ask the MD literally gave me my life back." — Robert, 47, ZZ
From a Physician:
"I'm a rheumatologist and I had never considered the connection between AATD and the autoimmune conditions I treat daily. After participating in an Ask the MD session, I started screening my autoimmune patients. I've now identified six patients with AATD who had never been diagnosed. This knowledge is transforming how I practice. I'm grateful to be part of educating both patients and fellow physicians." — Dr. Chen, Rheumatology
From a Family Member:
"My mother has AATD and I didn't know if I should get tested. The genetic counselor on Ask the MD answered my question thoroughly, helped me understand my risk, and guided me through the testing process. I tested positive for one abnormal allele. Now I'm monitoring and can make informed health decisions. Knowledge is power." — Maria, 34, MZ carrier
Coming Soon:
2026:
2027-2028:
2029+:
The Reality:
The Solution:
Every Educated Physician Can Save Dozens of Lives
When a primary care doctor learns to screen for AATD in autoimmune patients, they may identify multiple undiagnosed individuals over their career.
When a pulmonologist understands the benefit of early AAT therapy, they may prevent lung damage in scores of patients.
When a neurologist recognizes the Alzheimer's-AATD connection, they may help families prevent cognitive decline through earlier intervention.
Ask the MD accelerates this education process exponentially.
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Ask. We're here to answer.
When you ask a question through Ask the MD:
Your curiosity advances AATD education for everyone.
🌐 Website: markeglyfoundation.org/ask-the-md
✉️ General Questions: askthemd@markeglyfoundation.org
👨⚕️ Physician Inquiries: medicaladvisors@markeglyfoundation.org
📞 Phone: 1-800-ASK-ALPHA
💬 Live Chat: Available on website M-F, 9am-5pm ET
Important Disclaimer:
Ask the MD provides educational information and general guidance, not individual medical advice. The information shared through our program should not replace consultation with your personal healthcare providers who know your specific medical history and situation.
Always:
Our goal is to empower you with knowledge so you can have informed conversations with your healthcare team and advocate effectively for your needs.
No matter where you are, no matter what questions you have, no matter how complex your situation—expert guidance is available.
You don't have to navigate AATD alone. You don't have to accept "I don't know" without exploring further. You don't have to feel lost and overwhelmed.
The medical expertise you need to thrive with AATD is just a question away.
Previously, specialists were unaware of AATD's full impact. Now, through programs like Ask the MD, knowledge is spreading rapidly.
Education cannot come fast enough—but we're accelerating it every day, one question at a time.
What do you want to know? Ask the MD.
Your question could be the one that changes everything—for you, and for countless others who will benefit from the answer.
Ask today.