Michael Epton Community Respiratory Physician, Christchurch, New Zealand; Director of the Canterbury Respiratory Research Group BIOGRAPHY Mike Epton is Community Respiratory Physician in Christchurch, New Zealand, and is Director of the Canterbury Respiratory Research Group. Following the Christchurch Earthquakes,  Mike has developed an interest in understanding how healthcare systems respond to patients during exacerbations of COPD, and how altering these responses can reduce hospital admissions. Married with 3 children, he spends time outside of work and family life hitting things with sticks playing hockey for Canterbury Masters, and undertaking ridiculous endurance events very slowly. ABSTRACT Avoiding Hospitals In COPD Exacerbations