BRIGTON, MA – St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center today announced that the medical institution has been selected as a member of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation’s (PFF) Care Center Network. As part of the PFF Care Center Network, St. Elizabeth’s will have access to a wealth of resources for both patients and caregivers and will collaborate with 39 other sites making up the Network across the country to advance the care of people living with pulmonary fibrosis (PF).

"We are honored that the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation has recognized the quality of our programs and the expertise our medical staff have in treating patients with fibrotic lung disease," said Peter LaCamera, MD, Chief, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center.

About Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a condition in which, over a period of time, lung tissue becomes thickened, stiff and scarred. The development of the scar tissue is called fibrosis. As the lung tissue becomes scarred and grows thicker, the lungs lose their ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. As a result, the brain and other organs don’t receive enough oxygen. In some cases, doctors can determine the cause of the fibrosis, but in many cases, there is no known cause. When the cause of the fibrosis is unknown (and certain pathologic or radiographic criteria are met), the disease is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or IPF. There is no cure for IPF. Presently, there are two FDA-approved treatments for IPF in the U.S.

About St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center
St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center is a major academic medical center affiliated with Tufts University School of Medicine. Areas of medical excellence include vascular and endovascular surgery, cardiology, neurosciences,　general and robotic surgery,　bariatric surgery, women’s health, high-risk obstetrics, bone and joint health, hematology/oncology, pulmonary medicine and emergency medicine. St. Elizabeth’s is a member of Steward Health Care, which is the second largest health care system in New England. Visit St. Elizabeth’s online at www.semc.org.

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation’s PFF Care Center Network

The mission of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) is to serve as the trusted resource for the pulmonary fibrosis (PF) community by raising awareness, providing disease education, advancing care and funding research. Founded by the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) in 2013, PFF Care Center Network sites use a multidisciplinary approach to deliver comprehensive patient care, forming specialized care teams comprised of experts in interstitial lung disease in pulmonary medicine, rheumatology, radiology and pathology. This multidisciplinary approach is critical to managing a complex disease like PF and ensuring people with PF receive an accurate diagnosis, obtain quality clinical care and acquire important support services. The PFF Care Center Network was expanded in December 2015, bringing the total number of medical centers to 40 in 26 states. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org or call 844.TalkPFF (844.825.5733).

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