BWH IPF Support Group

The IPF support group serves as a forum for patients suffering from IPF and other forms of ILD, their families and caregivers, to learn from and support each other and to access the expertise of providers and other experts to help them manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. The support group development process has included feedback from patients, family members, and professionals involved in many aspects of disease management, and the program will continue to evolve with further input from interested individuals.

The support group meets quarterly at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Each session lasts approximately two hours. In the first hour an expert will address a specific topic related to disease management. The second hour will be a facilitated open discussion for patients and caregivers.

SCHEDULE:

2/15/2013      12pm – 2pm
When You Need Oxygen: Everything You Wanted to Know but was Afraid to Ask
Matt Babine

06/10/2013     2pm – 4pm
The Role of Complementary Therapies in the Management of IPF
Donald Levy, MD

10/28/2013     3pm – 5pm
Being Your Own Advocate
Stacey Salomon, LICSW, Social Worker for Lung Transplant Program
Cassandra Girard, Finanical Coordinator for Lung Transplant Program

1/24/2014     2:30pm – 4:30pm
The Role of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in the Management of ILD
Priscilla Perruzzi, RRT, Clinical Director, BWH Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

4/24/2014     2:30pm – 4:30pm
Optimizing Your Nutritional Health: The Importance of Nutrition and the Management of ILD
Hanna Dalpiaz, RD, Nutritionist, BWH Lung Transplant Program

7/24/2014     2:30pm – 4:30pm
Pulmonary Hypertension and Interstitial Lung Disease
Aaron Waxman, MD, Phd, Director, BWH Pulmonary Vascular Disease Program

10/24/2014     2:30pm – 4:30pm
ILD Patient Panel Discussion

2/20/2015     3:00pm – 5:00pm
Physician Panel on New FDA Approved IPF Drugs: Pirfenidone and Nintedanib
Drs. Ivan Rosas and Matt Hunninghake, BWH Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic