Ascension Via Christi has long been a leader in caring for patients with cystic fibrosis. Now the team at its Cystic Fibrosis Clinic literally wrote the textbook.
The book Cystic Fibrosis in Primary Care: An Essential Guide to a Complex, Multi-System Disease will be published this month.
The book was edited by Douglas Lewis, MD, who serves as medical director for Ascension Via Christi's CF Clinic for adult patients. It includes several chapters that he authored as well as ones by other clinicians who make up Ascension Via Christi's multi-disciplinary Cystic Fibrosis Clinic team.
"Many CF patients live a long ways from their CF care team so they must rely on their local primary care physician for many day-to-day and acute issues," says pharmacist Lyndsey Buzzard, who contributed to the Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes chapter. "Dr. Lewis recognized a need for education of primary care physicians and then made it happen!"
The book isn't the only big news coming out of the clinic. Later this month, the Heart of America chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will be presenting Linette Robben, RN with its Pillar of Service award at its annual volunteer appreciation event.
Robben, who has cared for children at Ascension Via Christi for nearly three decades, has spent the last 26 years serving in the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic.
"Linette's passion for treating patients with CF and her dedication shines through every conversation," says Kisha Blair, development manager for the chapter, "Wherever I go, adult patients living with cystic fibrosis ask about Linette. They share how caring she was and how she made their journey during their childhood easier."
Congratulations to everyone at the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic, the only nationally accredited clinic of its kind in the state outside the Kansas City metro area. Your work and service is at the heart of our Mission to serve those who are most at risk for having their needs unmet.