Nationally Accredited Cystic Fibrosis & Pulmonary Center at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Offers Centralized Expertise
Specialized Testing and Treatment
Affiliated with the National Cystic Fibrosis & Pulmonary Center is dedicated to providing high-quality, specialized testing and treatment including:
- Allergy injections
- Bronchoscopy
- Genetic testing
- Lung transplant preparation
- Pulmonary function testing
- Sleep disorder studies with a board-certified pediatric sleep specialist
- Sweat chloride testing
- Synagis injections
Morton Schwartzman, MD, FAAP, FCCP, Medical Director of the Cystic Fibrosis & Pulmonary Center and pediatric pulmonary specialist on the medical staff at Memorial Regional Hospital, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Memorial Hospital West, earned his medical degree at the University of Miami.
He completed his internship at Los Angeles County Hospital and his pediatric pulmonary residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. He is a fellow of the American College of Pulmonary Medicine. Dr. Schwartzman is board-certified in pediatric pulmonary medicine.
For more information, contact The Cystic Fibrosis & Pulmonary Center at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital at (954) 265-6333.
October 2004 — Family-Centered Care is the cornerstone of the Cystic Fibrosis & Pulmonary Center at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. One of only a few nationally accredited cystic fibrosis centers in Florida, the Center provides advanced, medical and surgical care in a cheerful, child-friendly atmosphere. "When cystic fibrosis or any pediatric pulmonary condition affects a patient, it affects the entire family," says Morton Schwartzman, MD, Medical Director of the Cystic Fibrosis & Pulmonary Center and pediatric pulmonary specialist on the medical staff at Memorial Regional Hospital, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Memorial Hospital West.
"We have an extraordinary team of board-certified physicians, nurses and support professionals committed to meeting the medical and emotional needs of our patients and their families every step of the way."
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition that affects the body's cells that produce saliva, sweat and digestive juices. These secretions are normally thin and slippery, but in the case of cystic fibrosis, a defective gene causes them to be thick and sticky. Rather than acting as a lubricant, these secretions actually plug up passageways and tubes in the body. At major risk are the lungs and pancreas. The most frequent complications of CF are chronic respiratory infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis and bronchiectasis — an abnormal dilation of the walls of the bronchial tubes that makes it difficult to clear the airways. Asthma can result from chronic inflammation of the bronchial lining. The most dangerous consequence of CF is respiratory failure.
Currently, about 30,000 adults and children live with CF. Children born with CF are typically diagnosed by the age of 3; however, adults in their 30s, 40s and 50s may also be diagnosed with the condition. While there is no cure, new antibiotics, treatments and therapies are emerging to help prolong the length and quality of life for patients. New gene therapies are being developed in hopes of reversing the behavior of defective genes.
"In the last 30 years, we've seen tremendous progress in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Previously, the expected life span for a young patient with CF was only 9 or 10 years old, whereas today, the expectancy is 32 years old or more," says Dr. Schwartzman. "At the Center, we are closely involved with the national and local chapters of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and we're tracking the progress of new drugs that will enable the abnormal genes to perform their intended function."
Multidisciplinary Expertise Under One Roof
The only facility of its kind in Broward and Palm Beach Counties, the Center uses a comprehensive team approach to patient care. Board-certified pediatricians specialize in evaluating, treating and managing chronic pulmonary disorders. Other team members, extensively trained in the care of cystic fibrosis and pulmonary conditions, include:
- Board-certified pediatric pulmonologists
- A board-certified pediatric sleep medicine specialist
- Pediatric gastroenterologists
- A licensed nutritionist
- A licensed and certified social worker
- A nurse practitioner
- Registered nurses
- Respiratory therapists
- Complementary pediatric and adult specialists
"As a nationally recognized facility, we have access to the most recent research findings and therapies," says Dr. Schwartzman. "We coordinate our efforts with major universities and transplant centers, and follow protocols established by those facilities to ensure patient continuity of care."
The Center also provides extensive patient and family education about the medical, genetic and nutritional aspects of cystic fibrosis. Support groups for patients and families provide a setting to share and learn. In addition, the Center provides home healthcare services as well as financial counseling.
For referral to a pulmonary specialist or pediatrician, please call Memorial Physician Referral Service at (800) 944-DOCS.