Cystic Fibrosis Team:

Adupa P. Rao, MD
Director
(323) 442-5100

Dr. Rao oversees the entire operation of the CF Center. He assesses, manages, and treats all CF center patients within the clinic and consults on all CF patients when you are hospitalized.

Kamyar Afshar, DO
Associate Director
(323) 442-5100

Dr. Afshar assesses, manages, and treats all CF center patients within the clinic and oversees your care as a consultant when you are hospitalized. He covers the Director of the Center when necessary.

Debbie Benitez, RN, MSN, ACNP
Nurse Coordinator
(323) 442-8522
From the hospital dial 28522
Email: Debbie.benitez@health.usc.edu

She acts as the liaison with health care providers and is available to you as a clinician, educator, consultant and researcher. Specifically, Debbie can provide education in the management of CF related diabetes or gastrointestinal complications, talk to you about proper exercise, potential reproductive issues, and answer any questions related to transplant. Furthermore, Debbie can instruct you on medications, on the use of home equipment or oxygen, help you with how to work all your treatments into your daily schedule and help you cope with life changes.

Lynn Fukushima, RN, MSN, CCRC
Nurse
(323) 442-8522
From the hospital dial 28522
Email: LynnK.Fukushima@health.usc.edu

She can educate you about your therapies and medications and provide you with pertinent information or resources as needed. Lynn can also help you with any outpatient needs you may have such as authorizations, medication refills, etc.

Paul Beringer, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist
(323) 442-1402
Email: beringer@usc.edu

Dr. Beringer will provide recommendations on appropriate antibiotic therapy and monitor peak and trough levels of IV antibiotics.

Stephanie Low, RD
Dietitician
(323) 442-5308
From the hospital dial 25308
Email: Stephanie.low@health.usc.edu

In addition, Stephanie will calculate your ideal weight to ensure optimal health. If required, a suggested dietary plan will be designed to help you reach your ideal weight to assist your body in fighting off infection. Stephanie can also help with any dietary needs you may have, such as diabetes management or tube feedings.

Lorelie Evangelista, MSW
Social Worker
(323) 442-8358
Email: Lorelie.evangelista@health.usc.edu

She assists with a variety of issues that may arise in relation to your illness or hospitalization. These issues may include work, or school related difficulties, financial questions, emotional difficulties, family issues, childcare difficulties, substance abuse, transportation problems, end-of-life issues, Advance Health Care Directive, caregiver questions, community referrals, counseling, emotional support and communication difficulties with any of the hospital staff.

Christina Estrada
Medical Assistant
(323) 442-8522
From the hospital dial 28522
Email: Christina.estrada@health.usc.edu

Christina is an instrumental part of the team because she assists in checking you into the CF clinic. She obtains vital signs, collects your height and weight and directs your care while at clinic (sends you to the lab or for PFT’s). Christina can also assist in obtaining insurance authorizations, refill your medications, and is in charge of scheduling all clinic appointments.

Autumn Clark
Research Coordinator.
(323) 442-9580
Email: autumncl@usc.edu

She is responsible for all clinical trials conducted in clinic. She will approach you during clinic visits to inform you of any clinical trials you may be eligible for.

Heather Owens, PharmD
Fellow
(323) 442-2631
Email: howens@usc.edu

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