Capital District Times

Specialists at Albany Med Health System’s Cystic Fibrosis Care Centers treat hundreds of patients annually, ranging from young children to those over 80 years old. These patients travel from a 25-county area in northeastern New York and western Massachusetts to receive care at the Albany Medical Center campus.

The adult center, part of the Pulmonary clinic, has been serving patients aged 18 and older for over two decades. The pediatric center at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital has a longer history, having opened more than 60 years ago as one of only two such centers in the nation at that time. Both centers are among approximately 130 specialized Cystic Fibrosis Care Centers across the country accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic, progressive disease caused by mutations in a single gene affecting the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. This disruption can lead to thick mucus buildup in organs like the lungs and pancreas, impacting digestion and breathing. Although once considered primarily a childhood disease, advancements have increased life expectancy for CF patients into their 40s 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, director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Care Center. Dr. Shkolnik emphasized that clinical studies involving both pediatric and adult programs have been crucial to these advances.

Both programs use a team approach involving physicians, nurses, dietitians, social workers, and respiratory therapists who collaborate to provide tailored care for each patient. Their efforts were recognized with a 2024 Outstanding Partnership Award from the national branch of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Additionally, in February 2025, the pediatric center received a Care Center Partnership Award from the Northeastern New York Chapter of the foundation.

The teams actively raise awareness about CF throughout May during CF Awareness Month and participate in events year-round with their local CF chapter. “Under the name ‘Albany Med Airway All-Stars,’ our pediatric program participates in many of the local CF community events,” noted Kate Elizabeth Powers, DO, director of the Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Care Center.