Sue C. Jenkins is a pulmonologist based on Hospital Ave in Nedlands, WA. She looks after people with breathing and lung conditions that can be tough to live with, especially when symptoms come and go or build up slowly over time.
In her day-to-day work, Sue helps manage long-term problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, and pulmonary fibrosis. These can affect how well someone clears mucus, copes with infections, and handles everyday activities. She also treats people with interstitial lung disease, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, where the lung tissue can become stiff and harder to breathe through.
At times, she sees patients with more sudden or changing issues too. This can include acute interstitial pneumonia, where breathing symptoms may come on quickly and need careful assessment and timely treatment. She also works with people who have cystic fibrosis, where lung care is part of managing the whole condition.
Breathlessness isn’t always only about the lungs themselves. Sue also looks after pulmonary hypertension, which can make the heart and lungs work harder than they should. Managing this often means looking at symptoms, tests, and how a person is getting on day to day, not just one result on a scan.
Another big part of her work involves cancer care in the lungs. Sue treats lung cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and EGFR positive lung cancer. Lung cancer can bring a mix of breathing symptoms, ongoing tiredness, and pain, and she focuses on helping patients manage symptoms and support the medical plan.
Sometimes lung problems sit alongside other health concerns. For example, she may be involved when hypertension is present, or when people have other complex issues such as acute pain or chronic pain that can affect how comfortable they are and how they cope with treatment.
Like many specialists, Sue’s approach is practical and grounded. She takes time to understand what’s happening and what matters most to the person in front of her. Over time, that helps with making clear, workable care plans for the long haul.