Dr. Nishi obtained her undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology and Chemistry at Coe College and received her medical degree, residency and fellowship training at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston. Subsequently, she joined as faculty and currently serves as an Associate Professor and Fellowship Training Program Director in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine. She has been a clinician involved in the care of patients with benign and malignant lung and pleural disease and COPD. She has been selected by Texas Monthly as a “Top Doctor” for the past 5 years.

Dr. Nishi has conducted clinical research and published regarding lung cancer screening, shared decision making and outcomes related to COPD and lung cancer. She has been involved in improvements in the health care delivery for COPD patients and serves as a leadership role in UTMB's designation as a Joint Commission certified COPD Center of Excellence. This recognition was obtained in 2014 as the first center in Texas to achieve this disease specific certification. She also is Board Certified in Interventional Pulmonology and serves as Director of Bronchoscopy & Advanced Pulmonary Procedures at UTMB. She is responsible for establishing interventional pulmonary procedures at UTMB since 2011 and continues to expand these services to offer innovative, minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment modalities for benign and malignant thoracic disease.

Dr. Nishi has completed a Clinical Safety and Effectiveness training at The University of Texas Medical Branch and oversees and develops quality improvement projects that align with institutional priorities throughout the Department of Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. Many of the projects presented have received recognition and awards. Dr. Nishi is also recognized as a University of Texas Distinguished Teaching Professor and has developed the first formal, comprehensive simulation course for ultrasound guided procedures for house staff which has received teaching and educational awards locally and regionally.

Professor
Program Director, PCCM Fellowship Program
Division of Pulmonary Critical Care & Sleep Medicine
Department of Internal Medicine