Allegheny Health Network’s Dr. Susan Manzi Elected Board Chair, Lupus Foundation of America
PITTSBURGH (PRWEB) December 19, 2018 -- Allegheny Health Network (AHN) announced today that Susan Manzi, MD, MPH, is now serving as chair of the Lupus Foundation of America’s national Board of Directors. Recognized as a national and international leader in lupus patient care and research, Dr. Manzi is a board-certified rheumatologist and co-founder of the AHN Lupus Center of Excellence at the AHN Autoimmunity Institute.
In this role, Dr. Manzi is responsible for leading the Board to successful achievement of the mission, vision and strategic goals.
Dr. Manzi has served the last 15 years as a member of the Lupus Foundation of America’s Medical-Scientific Advisory Council. As Medical Director for the Foundation for the last two years, she has led efforts to address gaps in education and the health care needs of people with lupus, and to advance the science and medicine of lupus.
The Lupus Foundation of America is the oldest and largest national nonprofit voluntary health organization focused on improving the quality of life for people with lupus through programs of research, education, support and advocacy.
In the Lupus Foundation of America’s announcement this fall of the appointment of Dr. Manzi as Board Chair, she was described as a lifelong, devoted researcher and clinician focused on lupus.
“She brings to the Board an understanding of the Foundation’s history, a mutual commitment to putting patients first and a shared vision for the organization’s future as it accelerates the momentum in lupus research.”
Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). People of all races and ethnicities can develop lupus, although it is most common in women of childbearing age. It is estimated that at least 1.5 million Americans have lupus and more than 16,000 new cases are reported annually across the country.
“It is an honor to be serving as the Lupus Foundation of America’s Board Chair at such an important time in lupus research,” said Dr. Manzi. “I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of the Foundation for many years working closely with the dedicated staff. The Foundation has a track record of boldly taking on the toughest challenges in lupus diagnosis, care, support and treatment and I’m thrilled to be continuing this work.”
###
About the Allegheny Health Network
Allegheny Health Network (AHN.org), a Highmark Health company, is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region. The Network is composed of eight hospitals, including Allegheny General Hospital, its flagship academic medical center in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Valley Hospital in Natrona Heights, Canonsburg Hospital in Canonsburg, Forbes Hospital in Monroeville, Jefferson Hospital in Jefferson Hills, Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie, West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh and Westfield Memorial Hospital in Westfield, NY. The Network provides patients with access to a complete spectrum of advanced medical services, including nationally recognized programs for primary and emergency care, cardiovascular disease, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, women’s health, diabetes and more. It also is home to a comprehensive research institute; Health + Wellness Pavilions; an employed physician organization, home and community-based health services and a group purchasing organization. The Network employs approximately 20,000 people, has more than 2,400 physicians on its medical staff and serves as a clinical campus for Drexel University College of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
About the Lupus Foundation of America
The Lupus Foundation of America is the only national force devoted to solving the mystery of lupus, one of the world's cruelest, most unpredictable and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. Through a comprehensive program of research, education, and advocacy, we lead the fight to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus. Learn more about the Lupus Foundation of America at lupus.org. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Candace Herrington, Allegheny Health Network, http://www.ahn.org, 412.544.2677, [email protected]
Share this article