What is the difference between a respirologist and a pulmonologist? It's all about location

October 1, 2025 •

3 min read

In many countries, including the United States, a doctor specializing in the respiratory system is called a pulmonologist, while in Canada, the same specialist is known as a respirologist. The fundamental difference between a respirologist and a pulmonologist is primarily one of geographic terminology, not the medical expertise or scope of practice.

Quick Summary

These titles refer to the same medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating respiratory tract diseases. The name used depends on the geographic location where the physician practices, with "respirologist" common in Canada and "pulmonologist" standard in the United States and other regions.

Key Points

Same Specialty, Different Name: A respirologist and a pulmonologist are identical in medical specialty, with the difference being a matter of regional terminology.
Regional Usage: 'Pulmonologist' is the standard term in the U.S., while 'respirologist' is the term used in Canada.
Identical Expertise: Both are medical doctors who diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and conditions of the respiratory system.
Not a Respiratory Therapist: These physicians are distinct from respiratory therapists, who have different training and assist with breathing treatments under a doctor's supervision.
Comprehensive Care: Both specialists handle a wide range of conditions, from common issues like asthma to complex cases like lung cancer and critical care needs.
Extensive Training: The educational pathway involves medical school, an internal medicine residency, and a specialized fellowship in respiratory medicine for both titles.

Unpacking the Name: Pulmonology vs. Respirology

The medical fields of pulmonology and respirology are identical in their focus: the health of the respiratory system. The respiratory system includes the airways, lungs, and the muscles and tissues that enable breathing. Both types of doctors complete extensive medical training to become experts in diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions that affect this vital system. The variation in title is simply a matter of medical nomenclature adopted in different countries.

Pulmonology, from the Latin root pulmo meaning “lung,” is the term widely used in the United States. Respirology, derived from the Latin respirare meaning “to breathe,” is the standard term in Canada and some other regions. This regional difference in terminology is a common feature in medicine, similar to other subtle variations in medical language around the world.

The Role of the Pulmonologist in the United States

In the U.S., a pulmonologist is a medical doctor who has completed medical school, a residency in internal medicine, and a specialized fellowship in pulmonary medicine. Their expertise allows them to treat a broad spectrum of lung-related conditions, from common issues like asthma to complex and severe cases such as lung cancer and respiratory failure.

A pulmonologist’s practice often includes time in a hospital's intensive care unit (ICU), managing patients on ventilators or with other critical respiratory issues. In a clinic setting, they perform diagnostic tests, interpret imaging results like X-rays and CT scans, prescribe medications, and develop long-term management plans for chronic diseases. Some pulmonologists may further specialize in areas such as sleep medicine or specific diseases like pulmonary fibrosis.

The Practice of a Respirologist in Canada

Canadian respirologists are medical specialists certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Like their U.S. counterparts, they first complete medical school and internal medicine training before undertaking a two-year respirology fellowship. This advanced training prepares them to diagnose and treat diseases of the respiratory tract, providing comprehensive care for patients with both common and complex breathing problems.

Canadian respirologists use a variety of diagnostic tools and procedures, including:

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): To measure lung capacity and airflow.
Bronchoscopy: A procedure to look inside the lungs.
Imaging: Utilizing chest X-rays, CT scans, and other imaging techniques to visualize the lungs.
Sleep Studies: To diagnose conditions like sleep apnea.

Their practice may also involve working in hospital inpatient services, offering consultation for complex cases, and managing patients in the intensive care unit.

A Crucial Distinction: Physician vs. Therapist

It is essential to understand that neither a pulmonologist nor a respirologist is the same as a respiratory therapist (RT). While both roles are vital for respiratory health, they have distinct training, responsibilities, and scope of practice.

Pulmonologist/Respirologist: A medical doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) who diagnoses conditions, prescribes medication, and performs certain medical procedures.
Respiratory Therapist: A licensed healthcare professional with a different educational path (often an associate's or bachelor's degree) who works under the supervision of a physician. RTs administer breathing treatments, operate equipment like ventilators, and educate patients on managing their conditions.

Comparison: Respirologist vs. Pulmonologist


Feature	Pulmonologist	Respirologist
Core Function	Expert in diagnosing and treating respiratory system diseases.	Expert in diagnosing and treating respiratory system diseases.
Terminology Usage	Predominantly used in the United States and other regions.	Standard term used in Canada.
Root of Name	Derived from the Latin pulmo (lung).	Derived from the Latin respirare (to breathe).
Education Pathway	Medical school, internal medicine residency, pulmonary medicine fellowship.	Medical school, internal medicine residency, respirology fellowship.
Typical Training Body	Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).	Certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Scope of Practice	Broad, covering all aspects of lung and airway health, often includes critical care.	Identical to a pulmonologist; handles all areas of respiratory health.

Conclusion

The most important takeaway for anyone seeking a lung specialist is that there is no functional difference between a respirologist and a pulmonologist. Both titles designate the same highly trained medical professional. The terminology simply reflects the regional medical vocabulary, with "pulmonologist" being the standard in the U.S. and "respirologist" in Canada. When referring to this specialty, particularly in the context of global health, these terms can be used interchangeably to describe a medical doctor who specializes in respiratory medicine. For further information on the role of a pulmonologist, the American Lung Association provides useful resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no practical difference in the scope or depth of their medical training. Both complete extensive schooling, an internal medicine residency, and a specialized fellowship focused on respiratory diseases. The governing medical bodies that certify them differ by country (e.g., ABIM in the U.S. vs. Royal College in Canada), but the training outcomes are the same.

No, the range of diseases treated is the same. Both specialists diagnose and manage conditions affecting the respiratory tract, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, lung cancer, and cystic fibrosis.

A respiratory therapist (RT) is a licensed healthcare professional who helps treat and care for people with breathing problems under a physician's supervision. Unlike a pulmonologist/respirologist who is a medical doctor, an RT administers treatments, manages equipment like ventilators, and provides patient education.

In the United States, you should look for a pulmonologist. While some may use the term 'respiratory doctor' broadly, the official medical specialty is pulmonology.

In Canada, you should look for a respirologist. The term 'pulmonologist' is less commonly used in Canadian healthcare settings.

No, the diagnostic and interventional procedures performed are the same. Both are trained to conduct procedures like bronchoscopy, interpret imaging, and perform pulmonary function tests.

Yes, in general conversation, it is acceptable to use the terms interchangeably. However, when seeking a referral or scheduling an appointment, it's best to use the term standard to your geographic region to ensure clarity.