Meet Your COPD Foundation Captains!

COPD Foundation Captains are volunteers with COPD, caregivers, friends and family members or healthcare providers who use their contacts and talents and partner with the COPD Foundation to serve as state and community leaders.

Captains promote the importance of becoming a part of the COPD community. They work to spread COPD awareness in their state and local areas, mentor fellow COPD community members, and participate in online and in-person grassroots advocacy and community building activities focused on health policy issues that are important to those who have COPD. If you are interested in joining our group of volunteers, click here.

If you'd like to speak with a COPD Foundation Captain directly, please email statecaptains@copdfoundation.org and we will connect you with the Captain in your area of interest.


Malvika Agarwal

Malvika Agarwal Profile Photo Ottawa, ON


Hi! My name is Malvika and I am so excited to be joining the COPD Foundation Captains team! I’m a resident physician in Ottawa, Canada, specializing in internal medicine and hope to become a pulmonologist/respirologist in the future. Respiratory health has always been close to my heart because of its profound impact on quality of life - I’ve seen firsthand how poor lung health can affect many aspects of a person’s life.

I’m passionate about empowering individuals living with COPD, raising awareness about this often under-recognized condition and contributing to research that improves their lives.

As a Captain, I’m especially interested in organizing local community events, spreading awareness through social media, and building an inclusive online space where people living with COPD can connect and share experiences.

My favorite inspirational quote is: “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted” - Aesop. This quote inspires me to continue helping others by reminding me that even the smallest gesture can leave a lasting impact on their lives.

I’m truly thrilled to be part of this team and I look forward to learning, leading, and making a meaningful impact!

 



COPD Foundation State Captain Program Informational Video

The COPD Foundation is looking for new State Captains to join our community to be champions for promoting COPD awareness, improving quality of life for those with COPD, to participate in research opportunities, policy, and much more. Email statecaptains@copdfoundation.org for questions and to start the onboarding process today!