Adult CF Team
For more information on the Adult CF team,
follow this link to their new website
Getting to know your CF Team
Paul Mohabir, MD
What led you, initially, to consider a career in the medical field?
Have wanted to pursue a career in Medicine since the age of 7. My undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto was focused on Human biology and physiology which kept me on a straight path to the field of medicine.
What sparked your interest in focusing on CF, as a specialty?
During my Pulmonary Medicine Fellowship, I focused specifically on Cystic Fibrosis. I found that I could relate much better to this patient population and was fascinated by the advancements in disease treatment. I was committed to being part of a team that could treat and possibly cure one of the most common genetic diseases known to man.
When you have to deal with a particularly difficult or challenging day at the hospital/clinic, how do you unwind at the end of the day?
After a long and difficult day, a long run and yoga class brings me back to Zen.
From your perspective, what helpful guidance or “words of wisdom” might you offer the Adult CF Community?
Our patients need to control CF and not let CF control them. Eat, drink, laugh, and smile like everyone else. You are some of the strongest and most dedicated people I have ever met!
Marion Seabaugh, MPH, RD, CNSC, CCTD
What led you, initially, to consider a career in the medical field?
My grandmother was a nurse and my mom a physician, so I was exposed to healthcare and hospitals early on. This played a role in my decision to study biology and nutrition in school. From there, choosing to become a dietitian was easy – I love food!
What sparked your interest in focusing on CF, as a specialty?
I was first exposed to cystic fibrosis when I joined Stanford Health Care’s lung transplant team, and now I help care for CF patients when they are admitted to the hospital. It has been fascinating to see the progress being made in the treatment of CF over the past 3 years.
When you have to deal with a particularly difficult or challenging day at the hospital/clinic, how do you unwind at the end of the day?
Get outside for some fresh air and sunshine. Catch up with family or friends.
From your perspective, what helpful guidance or “words of wisdom” might you offer the Adult CF Community?
You are your own best advocate! Ask questions and make sure you understand your care plan.
Gauri Pandharkar, BS, RCP, CPFT
What led you, initially, to consider a career in the medical field?
I come from a family of Physicians in India, so was always very interested in a career in the medical field.
What sparked your interest in focusing on CF, as a specialty?
I have worked in this hospital doing inpatient care for close to 18 years, so have got to know the CF population very well. It is a great new experience to see them as outpatients, and makes it easy knowing them from their admissions here at Stanford.
When you have to deal with a particularly difficult or challenging day at the hospital/clinic, how do you unwind at the end of the day?
Family time, gardening and music are some of the things that help me de-stress after work.
From your perspective, what helpful guidance or "words of wisdom" might you offer the Adult CF Community?
Follow the treatment plan from your CF team with great discipline. Call on the various resources that are offered to you. Be your own advocate and do the best you can for all your home regimen.
Meg Dvorak, LCSW
What led you, initially, to consider a career in the medical field?
Very interesting and exciting work. Health is a universal experience for all humans and I felt I could have the most impact in this area. I enjoy working with people during intimate times in life such as a health crisis or health improvement.
What sparked your interest in focusing on CF, as a specialty?
I used to be the CF social worker at Kaiser 10 years ago which gave me exposure to this field. When an opening came available at SHC, I hopped on the opportunity. I feel like people with CF are a unique group with special abilities such as adaptation, perseverance, and strength. I am constantly amazed by this group--they make me a better person.
When you have to deal with a particularly difficult or challenging day at the hospital/clinic, how do you unwind at the end of the day?
I am a long distance runner so that is my therapy and "antidepressant". I also spend time with my young children and my friends. I enjoy relationships with others.
From your perspective, what helpful guidance or “words of wisdom” might you offer the Adult CF Community?
Never stop caring for yourself or lose sight of the future. Great things are happening in this field which will change the course of your disease. Try out the CF support group-it's there to help people connect and share similar experiences.
Kate Yablonsky, LCSW
What led you, initially, to consider a career in the medical field?
I always knew I wanted to be in a profession where I was of service to others. I was considering teaching or social work. After I graduated college, I took a position as an administrative assistant at a hospice. I was so inspired by the nurses, doctors, social workers, and chaplains and their incredible care and compassion. I wanted my life’s work to be like theirs. One of the nurses said to me once, “it is such a gift to work with people every day that understand the value of a moment.” That’s when I knew healthcare was for me.
What sparked your interest in focusing on CF, as a specialty?
One of my close friends growing up was the oldest of 8 children. His younger brother, the 6th in the family, had CF. I was very connected to him when he was little; he was the first person in a vest I ever saw! Watching him grow up, struggle, and thrive was a formative experience for me as a young person. Many, many years later, I was at a crossroads in my career and wondering what my next step should be. An opportunity arose for me to join a former colleague that I looked up to and respected on the Stanford CF team. I thought of my friend’s brother, who is doing really well right now, and just felt it in my gut that it was the right place for me. I was right! I have loved becoming a part of the CF community.
When you have to deal with a particularly difficult or challenging day at the hospital / clinic, how do you unwind at the end of the day?
I love a good cocktail and a bad reality TV show!
From your perspective, what helpful guidance or “words of wisdom” might you offer the Adult CF-Community?
Trust yourselves. When I first started on the team and was meeting all the patients, I was struck by how much wisdom and insight you all have. You have grown up with an incredible burden that has forced you to experience and contemplate things at a very young age that some people never have the courage to face. The result is a community of highly intuitive, thoughtful, resilient people. Some of you don’t even realize this about yourselves, but it was so clear to me. You understand yourselves, your bodies, and the world in a way that others do not. Trust that.