Meet the 2020 Scholars

"What do you believe is the greatest unaddressed patient need in the CF community, and if you could, how would you try to fix it? Who would you partner with (e.g. public figure, organization) to help fix the issue and why?"

Someone with Cystic Fibrosis should not research their illness and learn for the first time that they could possibly be infertile or have a harder time getting pregnant than most would. They also should not learn from the internet that they have a lower life expectancy than most people. While these subjects are hard to hear and cover, it is absolutely necessary for the patient to fully understand and get the correct information about this chronic illness from their Cystic Fibrosis care team. Yet, these subjects, among many others, remain the most unaddressed in relation to patient need in the CF community. While doctors have many responsibilities, one solution to get correct information to their patients is to set up an appointment, at least once a year, starting at an appropriate age. Questions such as what Cystic Fibrosis is, and the possible outcomes of this illness would be covered. For this to happen, I would want to coordinate a multi-specialty team consisting of specialists in the fields of endocrinology, nutrition, pulmonology, gastroenterology, and mental health. They would educate patients on the difference between people with Cystic Fibrosis and those without it. They would help ensure that the patient is well informed on how their body works, how Cystic Fibrosis affects them, and how it will impact their future. Pairing up with these specialists would aid the distribution of correct information needed to Cystic Fibrosis patients and prepare them to face the plethora of adversities to come.