Asthma/Expert Profile

Expertise

I have worked directly with patients as well as caregivers for over 30 years. Have made presentations throughout Illinois educating school nurses as well as the teaching and coaching staff of public schools about asthma, and how they should respond to these students needs. Presented a public education program on asthma through the US Department of Public Health. Specialize in helping guide asthmatic patients to take control of their disease in order to live a near-normal, fully active life.

Experience in the area

Practicing pharmacist for 34 years, specializing in asthma for past 7 years. Statewide education to nurses, teachers and athletic coaches regarding asthma. In addition, and closer to home. my wife and daughter both have asthma, and my son has exercise induced bronchospasm. I'm also on the advisory board of a medical education company, Emmi Solutions, and directly involved in the creation of public education programs for asthma, COPD and diabetes.

Organizations

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) / Sports Medicine Committee, American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), American Thoracic Society (ATS). Chicago Asthma Consortium / Professional Development Committee, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago: Development Committee for AE-C prep class, and presenter.

Publications

Upcoming Spring 2011 edition of "Allergy and Asthma Today"

Education/Credentials

BScPharm, RPh, AE-C (NAECB Certified asthma educator), NIPCO Certified Respiratory Care Pharmacist

What do you like about this subject?

The greatest reward is seeing patients who have taken control of asthma, and are back letting me know that they are now able to partake in activities they never thought possible.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I hope to raise the level of knowledge of those dealing every day with this disease. The more you know, the greater your ability to "take control" and improve your quality of life. I can now offer a new FREE service: Asthma education by Emmi Solutions.You can even pose questions through the program which are available for me to review.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

More is being understood about the genetics of an asthma patient, and their response to therapy. Sometimes treatment failures are due to wrong diagnosis, poor drug choices, bad device technique, patient compliance, etc. We must ALWAYS treat the patient as a unique individual, and determine what is best for them.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

A group of medications called "statins" which are used in cholesterol management, and have been shown to reduce inflammation in other organ systems besides the heart have been found to be beneficial to patients with asthma, even in children.