More than over 80 people attended the Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s recent education workshop for people with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and caregivers. PHA Connects: PH Community Workshop in San Diego addressed medication side effects, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and blood abnormalities associated with PH, among other topics.
Co-chair Jenny Yang, M.D., presented an engaging session on diagnosis followed by a Q&A with Ramona Doyle, M.D. Throughout the day, attendees participated in breakout sessions and networking opportunities.
The free, daylong event, formerly known as PHA On the Road, also included support group meetings. The meetings allowed people with PH and caregivers to connect and share their experiences with people who had common experiences, sometimes for the first time.
To culminate the event and celebrate World PH Day, attendees participated in a six-minute walk that followed a heart-shaped course. This symbolic gesture showcased unity, resilience and strength within the PH community. It also was reminder of the determination and solidarity among people affected by PH.
Special thanks to our speakers and panelists, including those with PH: Cathleen Chapin, Stacey McCarthy, Monica Penarada, as well as health care professionals Angela Bautista, M.S., PA-C; Ramona Doyle, M.D.; Sandee Lombardi, R.N.; Demosthenes Papamatheakis, M.D.; Marina Salazar, LCSW, M.S.W.; Sheryl Wu, PharmD; and Jenny Yang, M.D.
Next stop, New England
Join us Saturday, July 29 in Burlington, Massachusetts, for the next PH Community Workshop [link to registration], offered in partnership with Boston Children’s and Brigham and Women’s hospitals. The event will include three support groups (patients, caregivers and parents of children with PH), as well as free childcare.
Breakout sessions will include:
- Risk Stratification With PAH.
- Life With Childhood Onset PH.
- Coordinated Care for PH Patients.
