Date published: March 5, 2026
April Fellow Spotlight: Patrick Bagley, DO
In this month’s Fellow Spotlight, we feature Patrick Bagley, MD, a pulmonary, allergy, and critical care fellow at UMass Chan. We recently caught up with Dr. Bagley to learn more about his clinical and research interests, why he chose UMass Chan for his fellowship, and why Portland, Maine, is his favorite place to visit!
Hometown?
I was born in San Diego, CA, but Portland, ME is definitely home now.
What are your clinical and research interests?
Pulmonary embolisms! It is fascinating to see how this one disease can involve the three most important organs in the body (the left lung, the right lung, and the heart).
Why did you choose UMass Chan for your fellowship?
There are so many reasons. I worked as a patient care associate (nurses' aide) here many years ago when I was trying to figure out what to do with my life. Ultimately, that experience inspired me to become a doctor and planted the seed in my mind about returning to UMass in some capacity. There are also many amazing clinical opportunities at UMass, such as our world-class Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) clinic, our extensive experiences with interventional pulmonary, as well as non-pulmonary clinical entities such as liver transplantation. Perhaps most importantly, it was the awesome co-fellows I met on the interview day that really made me want to come here; I remember Zuliekha Muzaffarr popping into a Zoom meet and greet and saying, "I just removed a dime out of someone’s airway," like it was no big deal. That was definitely inspirational!
Are you involved in any other groups or activities at UMass Chan that you’d like to highlight?
Recent UMass Pulmonary Critical Care graduate Allyson Hughes started a run club last academic year, and it is definitely my favorite group activity. As a first-year fellow, it was really great to learn from seniors while running and chatting, and it's something I hope to be able to pass along as I get more senior. Plus, we make a point to go to a fun local restaurant after, and "dinner/eating club" has become a fan favorite among the fellowship.
Where is your favorite place to travel for vacation, and why?
Portland, Maine! Portland is home, and my wife Rebecca lives and works there full time. I was in the US Navy for 7 years before fellowship, and I missed our home in Portland like crazy while being stationed in various places. When I go on vacation mode at home, I love trying to find the perfect fried fish sandwich. 10 out of 10 would recommend "Fish and Whistle" and "Lil Chippy."
What topping does not belong on pizza?
I will get controversial here, and pre-emptively defend pineapple as a completely valid, and dare I say, excellent choice for a pizza topping. Pineapple and ham pizza is certainly my go-to pizza when I am given the choice. Stop me in the hallway if you feel otherwise— I welcome any spirited discussion about this.
What was your favorite book as a child?
I loved My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George. I was definitely a little feral as a child, and this story of independence and being wild really spoke to my imagination. Practically, the book made me appreciate some of the realities around us. My friend John Hunter and I were inspired to make acorn pancakes like the main character Sam did; we tried bashing gnarly wet acorns with a chunk of asphalt in John's driveway. Our results were nowhere near the "acorn flour" that the book describes.
What song/artist do you hope comes on first when you press random play on your playlist?
I am currently obsessed with Brooks Nielsen's song "Without Eyes" featuring Sierra Ferrell. Maybe it is sentimental, but to me, the song adds lovely nuance to what it means to be in love and to be a good life partner. The lyrics "Hold me like dice, throw me when the time is right, I’ll always land on your side" speak to me because my wife has afforded me a lot of space to take chances with opportunities such as this fellowship, and I am always excited to land by her side!