
Cystic Fibrosis Center
UCSF's Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Center specializes in the care of children born with this genetic lung disorder. We offer screening and diagnosis for children of any age and comprehensive care aimed at slowing the disease's progression and promoting our patients' normal growth and development. We're certified for cystic fibrosis care both nationally, through the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and at the state level through California Children's Services (CSS).
In people with CF, a defective gene causes a thick buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. In the lungs, the mucus clogs the airways and traps bacteria, leading to infections, extensive lung damage and, eventually, respiratory failure. In the pancreas, the mucus prevents the release of digestive enzymes that allow the body to break down food and absorb vital nutrients. As a result, CF patients often face multiple medical problems. Our comprehensive approach to care integrates the services of many pediatric specialists, including doctors, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, respiratory therapists and physical therapists. We work closely with families to help them integrate even the most complex care regimens into their daily lives.
UCSF also is a major center for cystic fibrosis research, receiving more than $2 million a year from the National Institutes of Health to fund several important projects, among them a search for new treatments to correct the fundamental defect in the cystic fibrosis gene. We are one of the few cystic fibrosis research and development programs in the U.S. and have been funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for more than 20 years.
We're proud to have contributed to the advances and care that have dramatically improved quality of life and outcomes for CF patients.
Why choose us?
- Nationally certified cystic fibrosis (CF) program, accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), and certified by California Children's Services
- We offer diagnosis and screening for newborns, infants, or later in childhood with the goal of promoting normal growth and development as well as slowing the progression of cystic fibrosis (CF) disease.
- Our comprehensive care for cystic fibrosis patients integrates the services of a dedicated team of specialists: pediatric dietitians, social workers, respiratory therapists, and physical therapists.
- We work closely with our families to help them integrate even the most complex care regiments into their daily life.
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital is nationally known as a multi-center research site for cystic fibrosis and advanced pulmonary research.
Our locations (3)
Our team
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Ngoc P. Ly
MD, MPH
Pediatric pulmonologist -
Marilynn Chan
MD
Pediatric pulmonologist -
Gwynne Church
MD
Pediatric pulmonologist and sleep disorders specialist -
Elizabeth Gibb
MD, MPhil
Pediatric pulmonologist -
Kensho Iwanaga
MD, MPH
Pediatric pulmonologist -
Meghan McGarry
MD, MAS
Pediatric pulmonologist -
Fatima Neemuchwala
MD
Pediatric pulmonologist -
Yvette Wild
MD, MPH, MAS
Pediatric gastroenterologist
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Diana Dawson
PNP, MSN
Pediatric nurse practitioner -
Minh Huynh
-
Nancy Matthiessen
RD, MAS
Dietitian -
Phyllis Moore
-
Liz McMillan
RD
Dietitian -
Makiko Omori
RD
Dietitian -
Francine Ostrem
PhD, MFT, MA
Expressive arts and family therapist -
Tiffany Raffino
LCSW, MSW
Social worker
Awards & recognition
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One of the nation’s best in pulmonology & lung surgery
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Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- Insurance authorization, if required
- Doctor's referral, if required
- Recent test results related to your child's condition
- List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
New visitor rules
Patients may have only one visitor at a time and switch visitors twice a day. Thanks!

Your Stay
We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.
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Your Child's Care Team
Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.
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Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Learn moreSupport services
Clinical trials
PrecISE (Precision Interventions for Severe and/or Exacerbation-Prone Asthma) Network Study
Assessed prior to bronchodilator administration. Efficacy analyses will compare the end-of-period outcome values between test treatment and placebo.
Recruiting
More about this studySevere Asthma Research Program
Pulmonary function test results include forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC).
Recruiting
More about this studyStaff superheroes
It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s a window washer! Dressed as a superhero to clean and brighten your day.
