Cystic Fibrosis Centers Recognized for Outstanding Care

Each year, specialists at Albany Med Health System’s Cystic Fibrosis Care Centers treat hundreds of patients living with cystic fibrosis (CF). Ranging in age from young children to those older than 80, these patients come to the Albany Medical Center campus from throughout a 25-county area in northeastern New York and western Massachusetts.

The adult center, located within the Pulmonary clinic, has been treating patients ages 18 and older for more than two decades.

Meanwhile, the pediatric center at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital has been caring for young CF patients for even longer: When it opened more than 60 years ago, it was one of only two in the nation.

Together, they are one of the approximately 130 specialized Cystic Fibrosis Care Centers across the country accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Inherited Disease

A genetic, progressive disease, CF is caused by mutations in a single gene that produces the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, which can disrupt the normal production or functioning of the CFTR protein found in the cells of lungs and other parts of the body.

When this happens, it can cause a thick mucus to build up in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs, impacting the digestive tract and gradually limiting the ability to breathe.

While it was once considered primarily a childhood disease, the life expectancy for people living with CF has increased, and many are now living into their 40s and 50s, and beyond.

“There is still no cure, but new medications and therapies have dramatically improved the quality of life for CF patients, such that they’re now living longer, healthier lives,” said Boris Shkolnik, MD, a pulmonologist and director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Care Center.

According to Dr. Shkolnik, the clinical studies (human studies) that both the pediatric and adult programs have actively participated in have been key to these advances.

Commitment to Community

Both programs incorporate a care model that involves an entire team approach. Physicians, nurses, dietitians, social workers, and respiratory therapists all see patients regularly and collaborate to ensure each patient receives the care specific to his or her needs.

In recognition of their collaborative contributions and ongoing commitment to the Capital Region CF community, the pediatric and adult centers each received a 2024 Outstanding Partnership Award from the national branch of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

In February 2025, the pediatric center also received a Care Center Partnership Award from the Northeastern New York Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The teams are also active in raising awareness about CF in the region. They’re especially active in May for CF Awareness Month, but attend awareness events and coordinate meetings with the local CF chapter throughout the rest of the year as well.

“Under the name ‘Albany Med Airway All- Stars,’ our pediatric program participates in many of the local CF community events, including the Great Strides Walks throughout the region in May and the annual CF Climb at the Corning Tower in Albany in November,” noted pediatric pulmonologist Kate Elizabeth Powers, DO, director of the Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Care Center.