FirstHealth Pulmonology with Pinehurst Medical Clinic are pleased to welcome Bradley Icard, D.O., a board certified specialist in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine and critical care medicine, to the team. Dr. Icard brings extensive experience in lung

cancer screening and advanced bronchoscopy, with a strong commitment to improving early detection and patient outcomes.

Dr. Icard completed his medical education at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Va., followed by his internship, residency and fellowship at Carilion Clinic–Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, Va.

With a passion for lung cancer screening and early diagnosis, Dr. Icard has been instrumental in expanding screening programs and increasing access to cutting-edge diagnostic tools.

Before joining Pinehurst Medial Clinic under a patient services agreement with FirstHealth Pulmonology, he helped develop and expand a lung screening and advanced bronchoscopy program at Cone Health in Greensboro, N.C., significantly increasing patient access to life- saving early detection. His leadership and expertise have been recognized nationally through his roles as a board member of the Lung Cancer Initiative and Advocacy Chair for the Society for Advanced Bronchoscopy.

Dr. Icard was drawn to FirstHealth and Pinehurst Medical Clinic by the opportunity to

collaborate with Michael Pritchett, D.O., MPH, a pulmonologist and nationally recognized leader in lung cancer diagnostics.

“Dr. Pritchett has been a mentor and friend, known for breaking new ground in lung cancer care. After meeting the pulmonary team, I knew this was going to be my new home,” Dr. Icard said in a press release. 

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., with approximately 385 deaths per day. However, early detection through screening programs significantly reduces mortality.

“It only takes 320 lung cancer screenings to save a life, compared to nearly 1,800 colonoscopies or 900 mammograms,” Dr. Icard explained in the release.

Dr. Icard will work alongside team members to further develop a centralized lung screening program and enhance the management of incidental pulmonary nodules. His vision includes streamlining patient care through the Chest Center of the Carolinas, improving patient experiences and reducing time to treatment. He also plans to expand outreach efforts through the FirstHealth Lung Bus, bringing screening services directly to surrounding counties.

Looking ahead, Dr. Icard is particularly excited about the future of minimally invasive lung cancer diagnostics.

“Advancements in blood-based biomarkers and artificial intelligence will revolutionize early detection,” he said. “I want to see FirstHealth and Pinehurst Medical Clinic become a destination for thoracic health care on the East Coast.”

Dr. Icard is eager to bring his expertise and passion to the Sandhills region ensuring patients have access to the highest quality lung cancer screening and treatment options.