Newswise — CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Dec. 2, 2015 – The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation has selected University of Virginia Health System to join the foundation’s PFF Care Center Network. As part of the PFF Care Center Network, UVA will have access to a wealth of resources for both patients and caregivers and will collaborate with 39 other sites making up the Network across the country to advance the care of people living with pulmonary fibrosis (PF).
“We are honored that the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation has recognized the quality of our program and the expertise of our medical staff in treating patients with fibrotic lung disease,” said Borna Mehrad, MD, director of UVA’s Interstitial Lung Disease Program.
About pulmonary fibrosisPulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a class of over 200 individual illnesses that cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. The development of the scar tissue is called fibrosis. As the lung tissue becomes damaged, the body’s organs don’t receive enough oxygen. In many cases, doctors can identify and treat the cause of the fibrosis. When the cause of the fibrosis is unknown, and certain criteria are met, the disease is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Identifying the specific illness resulting in pulmonary fibrosis is critically important, because these illnesses differ dramatically in terms of treatment and prognosis.
FOR REPORTERS: Mehrad will be available for interviews today. To arrange an interview, contact Jessica Lukens at 434.270.4602 or [email protected].
###
UVA Health System is an academic health system that includes a 612-bed hospital, the UVA School of Medicine, a level I trauma center, nationally recognized cancer and heart centers and primary and specialty clinics throughout Central Virginia. UVA is recognized for excellence by U.S. News & World Report, Best Doctors in America and America's Top Doctors.
The mission of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) is to serve as the trusted resource for the pulmonary fibrosis (PF) community by raising awareness, providing disease education, advancing care and funding research. Founded by the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) in 2013, PFF Care Center Network sites use a multidisciplinary approach to deliver comprehensive patient care, forming specialized care teams comprised of experts in interstitial lung disease in pulmonary medicine, rheumatology, radiology and pathology. This multidisciplinary approach is critical to managing a complex disease like PF and ensuring people with PF receive an accurate diagnosis, obtain quality clinical care and acquire important support services. The PFF Care Center Network was expanded in December 2015, bringing the total number of medical centers to 40 in 26 states. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org or call 844.TalkPFF (844.825.5733).
RSS