PANDAS Physicians Network:
2019 Impact and Actions
A Commitment to Outreach
Outreach allows PPN to communicate with physicians and medical professionals, introduce them to PANS/PANDAS diagnostic and treatment guidelines, and answer questions they may have. In 2019, our outreach included exhibiting at the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Society of Pediatric Nurses, the National Association of School Nurses, and the International OCD Foundation conferences. We also provided educational materials to the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. In addition, educational multimedia campaigns were implemented in AAP’s Pediatrics journal and AAP Gateway online.
New Chief Science Officer Announced
In 2019, Physicians Network welcomed Susan, Swedo, MD as its new Chief Science Officer.
Her insights and decades of experience have already made a great impact on the organization and medical community. In addition to attending the American Academy of Pediatric conference and the “Autoimmune Encephalitis: The Bridge Between Neurology and Psychiatry” symposium at Weill Cornell Medical School, Dr. Swedo has aided PPN is the development of new resources and participated in an online, public Q and A session. We look forward to our continued partnership in the new year.
Resource Development
The PPN website has experienced an 8 fold increase in visits over a 5 year span. To continue our commitment to providing the medical community the tools it needs to diagnose and treat PANS/PANDAS, the following resources were developed and published:
CME Accredited Education
PPN published its first on-demand webinar in which physicians and medical professionals can earn Continuing Medical Education credits. An Overview for Diagnosing and Treating PANS/PANDAS, presented by PPN’s new Chief Science Officer, Susan Swedo, MD, has received the following positive feedback:
“This was fantastic information!!!”
“This was well-suited to primary care—thank you.”
”Great info with evidence to support.”
“Succinct and clear presentation! Thanks.”
“Wonderful educational tool.”
Research Funding
PPN awarded two research grants in 2019.
Our first 2019 grant recipient was Dr. Elizabeth Mellins. Dr. Mellins’ research group is investigating a special type of immune cell that travels through the blood to the brain during PANS. These cells are not found in other types of inflammation, so they may provide important clues to the basis of PANS.
Our second 2019 grant recipient was Dr. Kyle Williams. Dr. Williams will evaluate the treatment effect of a NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) on PANDAS symptoms. This controlled trial will be the first of its kind.
HELP MAKE A LASTING IMPACT
Thank you for helping make 2019 a success! We are already looking forward and planning an ambitious 2020. Please consider donating to PANDAS Physicians Network to help. Every gift makes a difference. Thank you!