7 Quick Questions With Pulmonologist Ellen Volker, MD

June 29, 2026

As a UVA Health pulmonologist, Ellen Volker, MD, provides pulmonary and respiratory care to her patients. She diagnoses and treats a range of lung conditions, including lung nodules, lung cancer, lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes), pleural effusions (fluid build-up around the lungs), airway stenosis, and emphysema.

Meet a UVA Health Pulmonologist

Get to know more about Volker and her clinical approach in these 7 quick questions.

1. What has most inspired and shaped your approach to patient care?

I've been most changed in how I deal with patient care by having a cancer scare myself.

2. What did you take away from that experience that helps you with your own patients?

Being put in that position and having several months where we didn't know what was happening was very helpful and impactful in ensuring that I always explain to my patients what's going on and what may lie ahead, and most importantly, getting back to them as soon as possible with their biopsy results.

3. What's your favorite part of your job?

Interacting with patients, helping shepherd them through the first part of their cancer path, and helping them better understand what lies ahead.

4. What do you do for stress relief?

I really enjoy fly-fishing and downhill skiing. That helps me relax.

5. Dogs or cats?

I'm a dog person. We had a wonderful rescue shepherd mix for 11 years, but we just lost her a couple of months ago. We will continue to have many more dogs in our future.

6. Last movie you watched? Thumbs up or down?

F1 because I am a huge Formula 1 fan, and it was definitely a thumbs up.

7. Best advice you've ever heard?

Try to remember to put caring for yourself first. Whether you're a mom or a wife or a physician, all of us should remember to take a good 10 minutes every day just to check in and take care of yourself.