PH Insights

Two Conditions, One Journey: Understanding PAH and HHT

Guests:

Scott E. Olitsky, MD, MBA, Global Center of Excellence outreach director, Cure HHT;

Marla Olitsky, PH and HHT patient of over 20 years;

Monica Penaranda, PH and newly diagnosed HHT patient

 

On this episode of PH Insights, guest host Scott Olitsky explores the connection between pulmonary hypertension and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Olitsky, along with guests Marla Atkins and Monica Penaranda, discusses the signs and symptoms of both conditions and the role genetic testing plays in early diagnosis. Atkins and Penaranda also share the differences and similarities in their PH and HHT journeys.

 

Hear Monica’s full PH story by listening to Filling in the Blanks: Understanding Pulmonary Hypertension, Part 2

 

Building a Supportive Pulmonary Hypertension Community

Guests: Abby Sickles, program manager, Patient & Caregiver Programs and Marcie McGregor, PH patient and PHA Support Group Leader

In this episode of PH Insights, guest host Abby Sickles welcomes Marcie McGregor to discuss her experience as a PHA support volunteer. Marcy shares her personal journey with pulmonary hypertension, the impact of peer support and the importance of community in navigating a chronic illness. They dive into the benefits of support groups, from easing isolation to boosting mental health and explore why no one should face PH alone.

 

To find a support program that works for you, visit https://phassociation.org/support/   

Find Community: Connecting with people who get it

Guest: Abby Sickles, program manager, Patient and Caregiver Programs, Pulmonary Hypertension Association

 

In this episode of PH Insights, Abby Sickles discusses the various Pulmonary Hypertension Association support programs available to individuals affected by pulmonary hypertension. She shares insights into peer mentoring, support groups as well as resources for caregivers, emphasizing that no one has to navigate their PH journey alone.

 

To find a support program that works for you, visit https://phassociation.org/support/   

Sarcoidosis-Related Pulmonary Hypertension

Guest: Oksana A Shlobin, MD, medical director and pulmonary hypertension program director of education and outreach, Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant Program, Inova Fairfax Hospital

 

On this episode, PH expert Oksana Shlobin provides a detailed overview of sarcoidosis-related PH. She reviews common signs and symptoms, outlines treatment options and shares insight into the complexities of diagnosing and managing SAPH. Shlobin also emphasizes the importance of effective communication between patients and their health care teams.

 

Learn more about sarcoidosis-related PH by downloading the brochure, PH and Sarcoidosis.

Volunteer Highlight with Mitzi McIver-LaBarge

Guest: Mitzi McIver-LaBarge, PHA Peer Mentor

 

On this episode, peer mentor Mitzi McIver-LaBarge shares her journey as a parent and caregiver following her daughter’s pulmonary hypertension diagnosis at 1 year old. In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, Mitzi discusses the importance of connection, the power of community and how volunteering with the Pulmonary Hypertension Association helped her find purpose and support. She also offers insight into how others can get involved and make a difference.  

 

To see volunteer opportunities, visit PHA’s Take Action page.

To find a peer mentor, visit PHA’s Peer Mentor page.

Silent Threats: Blood Clots and Pulmonary Hypertension

Guests:

Navneet Singh, MD, ScM, MBA

Assistant Professor of Medicine

Associate Fellowship Program Director for Research

Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine

The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University

 

Christopher Mullin, MD, MHS

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Clinician Educator

Director of the CTEPH Program;

Associate Director of the Rhode Island Hospital Pulmonary Hypertension Center 

The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University

 

 

On this episode of PH Insights, guest hosts and pulmonary hypertension experts Navneet Singh and Christopher Mullen talk about the risk factors for developing blood clots, along with current approaches to diagnosis and treatment. They explore pulmonary embolisms and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, including the emotional impact these conditions have on patients. Singh and Mullin also cover treatment options, standard discharge practices and the importance of building a multidisciplinary care team.

 

To learn more, download the free brochure PH & CTEPH.

Visit Financial Assistance for information about co-pay assistance.  

How PH Community Workshops Empower through Education

Guest: Naomi Habib, MD, co-director Pulmonary Hypertension Program at Arizona Pulmonary Specialists

 

On this episode, Naomi Habib, co-director of the Arizona Pulmonary Specialists PH Center of Excellence and recent PH Community Workshop-Phoenix co-chair, shares key takeaways from her experience and explains why these workshops benefit both patients and health care providers.

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s PH Community Workshops are free one-day educational events designed to support patients, caregivers and families affected by pulmonary hypertension. These workshops provide a space for connection and support within the PH community while offering interactive sessions, expert-led discussions and networking opportunities for all attendees. 

To learn more and find an upcoming event near you, visit PH Community Workshop.

Access Specialized PH Care with the PHA Care Center Network

Guest: Colleen Connor, PHA Board of Trustees, PH patient and advocate

 

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association accredited care center network was established over a decade ago to raise the quality of pulmonary hypertension care and expand patient access to specialized care and resources.

In this episode, Colleen Connor shares the importance of PHA-accredited care centers, their approach to building your PH care team and its impact on her journey. She also highlights the benefits of the team-based approach used and how families can locate a center in their area.

If you would like more information on the PHA-accredited care center program or find a center in your area, please visit https://phassociation.org/phcarecenters/