PHA Hosts 3-Day PH Professional Network (PHPN) Symposium, Celebrates Non-Physician Health Professionals

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) is currently hosting the 2015 PH Professional Network (PHPN) Symposium, which began on Thursday, September 17 and will run until Saturday, September 19 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Va. Invited to give an inspiring and insightful talk on her story as a PH patient is Pam Kehoe, who for years was given incorrect diagnoses for what was ailing her before her sister — a registered nurse — recognized the symptoms of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and told her to see a specialist.

The PHPN was originally founded by the PHA in 1999, and has evolved and expanded significantly into the one of the country’s prime networks for non-physician health professionals, boasting over 1,100 members. Since 2003, the PHPN has been meeting every other year to uphold its mission to promote communication, professional development, and PH research and education among its members.

“PHPN is a diverse group of individuals involved in PH practice, including nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, social workers, dietitians and more,” said PHPN Chair Melisa Wilson, ARNP-ACNP-BC. “We recognize the importance of collaboration across many disciplines and work to provide support and targeted resources for all of those involved in PH patient care.”

The Association will be celebrating its 25th anniversary next year, impressively retaining its position as the world’s first and the country’s largest not-for-profit organization focused on addressing PH. Just recently and for the 12th time in a row, the PHA was awarded 4 stars on Charity Navigator, proving its fiscal accountability and transparency in fulfilling its mission.

“Allied Health Professionals are the advocates, the planners and the glue that holds it all together when it comes to patient care,” Kehoe said.

PHPN symposium attendees can be awarded up to 11 hours of CE credits. The 3-day event also offers attending members a chance to get involved in an Advocacy Day visit to Capitol Hill, where they can listen to PH patients share their stories with the members of the US Congress and educate them on what it means to live with the disease. The PHPN symposium will feature a presentation during the opening dinner by ultra-endurance sports team PHenomenal Hope, and a Networking Fun Walk which proceeds will go directly to scholarships to help send PH patients to the 2016 PHA International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions, set to take place on June 17 – June 19, 2016 in Dallas, Texas.