Pathobiology of Cystic Fibrosis at OSU
Spring 2025 | MEDMCIM 5600/6600 (3 Credit Hours) T/Th 9:35-10:55am
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited life-threatening disease that affects mainly the lungs and digestive systems. This course delves into the fascinating history and evolving understanding of CF emphasizing the complexity of health and disease in people with CF. Learners will explore the genetics and basic physiology of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) ion channel and how faulty CFTR function significantly impacts health and pathology including, infection, inflammation, and immune cell function, and the likelihood of developing other health conditions such as diabetes and liver disease. Remarkably, while not cured, many scientific advancements have resulted in therapies that have dramatically improved the well-being and extended the life expectancy of many people with CF. Thus, CF serves as a model for strategies that aid the successful development of therapeutics for rare disorders. This interdisciplinary course will cover Genetics, Immunology, Microbial Pathogenesis, Pharmacology, and the many therapeutic approaches to treat CF.
This course is ideal for undergraduates interested in Medical School, Graduate School Studies in Microbiology and Immunology, and residents and clinicians seeking to update their understanding of CF.
This course is ideal for undergraduates interested in Medical School, Graduate School Studies in Microbiology and Immunology, and residents and clinicians seeking to update their understanding of CF.
Interested in taking the course? Deadline to apply for non-OSU students is 12/9. Deadline for OSU students is 12/30.
Clinical Shadowing
Nationwide Children's Hospital has an CFF-accredited, multidisciplinary CF clinic that serves ~550 patients with varying disease severity, including ~250 adult patients. Trainees are encouraged to participate in CF clinic as observers to learn about the different aspects of CF care from the multidisciplinary team that includes physicians, dietitians, respiratory therapists, and mental health coordinators. Trainees can expect to see ~5-6 patients per half/day clinic alongside a CF physician as well as shadowing dietitians, and other therapists.
Interested in shadowing? Email [email protected]
C3 Seminar Series Presentations
To provide additional CF-relevant scientific presentations open to anyone interested in CF. The C3 seminar series includes outstanding nationally and internationally recognized CF experts as well as C3 Faculty, fellows and trainees from OSU and NCH whose work is relevant to CF pathogenesis and/or potential therapies.
Interested in presenting? Email [email protected]
Bench to Bedside Presentations
Bench to bedside (B2B) seminars pair basic science trainees with CF clinical fellows to ensure integration of both CF-relevant basic science research and CF clinical perspectives. These seminars provide a crucial link that helps basic science trainees to understand the health challenges faced by pwCF and clinical fellows to better understand advances in the potential translational impact of basic science research. This provides a strong bidirectional educational experience and training opportunity regarding CF for basic scientists and clinical trainees by encouraging and mentoring trainees to seek opportunities that underscore the understanding of current clinical needs and the design of clinically relevant laboratory projects with potential to impact patient care.
Interested in presenting? Email [email protected]