From the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford:

Robert W. Bales and his colleagues at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford are conducting a focus group study to examine the effects of measuring lung functions in individuals who smoke.

Smokers will undergo a test to measure lung functions and capacities (spirometry) and then will have a small group discussion about the test and their smoking. Each group will last about two hours. The researchers hope to gain a better understanding of how to use spirometry to assist people in stopping smoking.

This study is being conducted at the College of Medicine campus at 1601 Parkview, in Rockford. Those interested in participating should call 815-395-5925 a member of the research team will return your call to schedule a group session.

Dr. Bales is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Family Medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford and a physician and instructor of clinical family medicine at the University Primary Care Clinic in Mt. Morris. Prior to joining the College of Medicine at Rockford, he served as a research consultant in Philadelphia working on asthma disease management and colon cancer screening. He also worked as a clinical trial manager in Boston for a computer-based telephone-linked smoking cessation intervention.

Bales earned his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and his Master’s in public health from Boston University. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a member of their National Research Network and the Scientific Review Committee. He is also a member of the North American Primary Care Research Group and the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians.