When your child has cystic fibrosis (CF), the CFTR protein that causes thick mucous in the lungs also causes thick mucus in the gut that hinders appropriate digestion. Our team of experts believes that effectively treating cystic fibrosis means focusing on both the pulmonary aspects of the disease and the resulting digestive tract complications. This approach is what sets the Claude Prestidge Cystic Fibrosis Center apart from other programs. We have two co-directors: one is a gastroenterologist, and one is a pulmonologist. Our goal is to provide your child with the most comprehensive care possible while giving you access to the top experts in the field. Annually, we care for about 300+ infants, children and adolescents, providing all of the services your child needs.
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Program
Our team focuses on both pulmonology and gastroenterology to give your child the most thorough cystic fibrosis treatment possible.
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Coordinated care means more convenience for you
Our coordinated approach and experienced care team offer you resources, knowledge and peace of mind that your child is receiving the best care possible. We know that treating cystic fibrosis can be complex. Our child-centered environment and caring team focus on meeting all of your child’s needs under one roof, giving them the highest level of care and saving time for your family.
In addition to pulmonology and gastroenterology, your child will have access to specialists from endocrinology, otolaryngology (ENT), general surgery, nephrology, and infectious disease. We also offer a multidisciplinary care team including:
Dieticians
Genetic counselors
Medical assistants
Nurses
Nurse practitioners
Physical therapists
Physicians
Psychologists
Research coordinators
Respiratory therapists
In addition, our state-of-the-art pulmonary function lab, which is used to guide effective treatments, will come directly to your child’s exam room to ensure the highest level of infection control.
As part of the Cystic Fibrosis Therapeutics Development Network, we offer patients access to cutting-edge research and clinical trials.
The Cystic Fibrosis Therapeutics Development Network, is the largest cystic fibrosis clinical trials network in the world. Because of our affiliation with this network, your child will benefit from the latest drug trials, clinical studies and a wealth of research in cystic fibrosis treatment. Sharing information collaboratively with other network treatment centers has helped us continuously improve patient outcomes – our rates of cystic fibrosis flare-ups have fallen while our patients’ pulmonary function has risen.
Our physicians also serve as faculty at UT Southwestern, leading the next generation of doctors and advancing the standard of care for cystic fibrosis. Your child will be in good hands with our team.
From our first appointment, now 11 years ago, we’ve had a huge care team of people that have become just like family to us.
Coordinated care means more convenience for you
Our coordinated approach and experienced care team offer you resources, knowledge and peace of mind that your child is receiving the best care possible. We know that treating cystic fibrosis can be complex. Our child-centered environment and caring team focus on meeting all of your child’s needs under one roof, giving them the highest level of care and saving time for your family.
In addition to pulmonology and gastroenterology, your child will have access to specialists from endocrinology, otolaryngology (ENT), general surgery, nephrology, and infectious disease. We also offer a multidisciplinary care team including:
Dieticians
Genetic counselors
Medical assistants
Nurses
Nurse practitioners
Physical therapists
Physicians
Psychologists
Research coordinators
Respiratory therapists
In addition, our state-of-the-art pulmonary function lab, which is used to guide effective treatments, will come directly to your child’s exam room to ensure the highest level of infection control.
As part of the Cystic Fibrosis Therapeutics Development Network, we offer patients access to cutting-edge research and clinical trials.
The Cystic Fibrosis Therapeutics Development Network, is the largest cystic fibrosis clinical trials network in the world. Because of our affiliation with this network, your child will benefit from the latest drug trials, clinical studies and a wealth of research in cystic fibrosis treatment. Sharing information collaboratively with other network treatment centers has helped us continuously improve patient outcomes – our rates of cystic fibrosis flare-ups have fallen while our patients’ pulmonary function has risen.
Our physicians also serve as faculty at UT Southwestern, leading the next generation of doctors and advancing the standard of care for cystic fibrosis. Your child will be in good hands with our team.
Cystic fibrosis won't define Kinsey's futureIn many ways, Kinsey’s first year has been just what her parents, Lindsey and Cory, expected it to be. Her birth and delivery were free of any complications, and she remained in the 95th percentile for height and weight. She spends most of her waking hours cruising around her house, chasing her big sister Brynley and checking out the dog bowls to see if they’ve left anything behind. But, because of a genetic condition, her day-to-day routines to manage her disease set her apart from her peers. They involve breathing treatments and daily medications that will likely be a part of her regimen for the rest of her life, but her family is determined to not let it define her future.
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Siblings with cystic fibrosis share a special bondSebastian, or "Bash," as his family and friends call him, is an active young boy who makes friends easily, says what’s on his mind and is the happiest when he’s swimming or running around with friends. He recently joined the track team and was determined to do his absolute best – even if he was the smallest and youngest competitor in the field.
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Comprehensive CF care helps Quincy thriveWhen Sadie was pregnant with her daughter, Quincy, all signs pointed to a happy and healthy baby. So when Quincy's pediatrician informed her family that an abnormality had shown up on her newborn screening, it took everyone by surprise.
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Meet the Care Team
Folashade Afolabi, MDPediatric Pulmonologist
Elisa Basora Rovira, MDPediatric Pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine
Steven Copenhaver, MDPediatric Pulmonologist
Andrew Gelfand, MDPediatric Pulmonologist
Melissa Ham, MDPediatric Endocrinologist
Lauren Lazar, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Devika Rao, MDPediatric Pulmonologist
Yadira Rivera-Sanchez, MDPediatric Pulmonologist
Meghana Sathe, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Aarti Shakkottai, MDPediatric Pulmonologist
Preeti Sharma, MDPediatric Pulmonologist
Prigi Varghese, APRN, PNP-PCNurse Practitioner - Pulmonology
Jamie Becker, PhD, ABPPPediatric Psychologist
Juliana Alba-Suarez, PhDPhD
