Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex disease that presents many health challenges, which, in turn, require care from many different specialists. At the Center for Cystic Fibrosis at Keck Hospital of USC, we bring this multidisciplinary (multi-specialty) expertise together in one place, providing you with streamlined, one-stop access to a comprehensive and compassionate health care team:

• Medical team members include two nurses who specialize in CF, a pulmonologist (a doctor who specializes in lung disease), endocrinologists (doctors who work with patients who have CF-related diabetes) and gastroenterologists (doctors who work with patients on CF-related digestive problems).
• A full-time clinical social worker provides support and guidance for managing the psychosocial aspects of CF, such as personal, family, workplace or insurance issues.
• Because CF affects the pancreas in most patients, they are typically unable to absorb enough nutrients to grow and thrive. A nutritionist (dietary expert) helps patients optimize their nutritional intake.
• As medication is a crucial part of CF treatment, a pharmacist is an integral part of the health care team. Our registered pharmacists have extensive knowledge about medication therapy and antibiotic treatment options. A pharmacist meets with every CF Center patient at every visit.
• Respiratory therapists are also an integral part of the team, providing hands-on treatment and instruction on various forms of airway clearance. In addition, the Respiratory specialist regularly measure and monitor each patient’s lung function.