Message to Members
Association makes strides in physician education

Chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS) has a variety of presentations. Symptoms vary. Illness severity fluctuates over time and among patients. Functional limitations change. But when two or more persons with CFIDS gather, one topic of conversation is inevitable—the deplorable treatment they receive from medical professionals.

Since the Association’s inception, its leaders have been sensitive to these negative experiences. But until recently we haven’t had the resources to engage the medical community in meaningful education about CFIDS.

The creation of The CFS Research Review is the first step toward providing regular information to medical professionals. Thanks to member support, the Review now reaches more than 7,000 people working in many different health care settings.

This fall, in partnership with the Illinois Area Health Education Center (AHEC), the Association will begin to expand opportunities for primary care providers to learn about CFIDS. Funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the addition of health educator Teresa A. Lupton, BSS, RN, to the staff, represent the first milestones in accomplishing our goal.

Our CFS curriculum made its debut at the American Association of Physician Assistants meeting in Chicago in May. Dr. Charles Lapp presented it to nearly 200 physician assistants, nearly all of whom reported improved understanding of the diagnosis and management of CFS following the one-hour session.

These are small steps toward making knowledgeable and compassionate care of CFIDS patients universal, but we are committed to this goal and are grateful for the support of members and the CDC, Illinois AHEC and HRSA.

K. Kimberly Kenney
President & CEO
kkenney@cfids.org