Professional Experience

In my professional career, I'm a project manager that specializes in communications, platform implementation, and analytics reporting.

Why is a program like IBD Qorus so important to you?
Managing IBD is an art that can take years of practice and experience. IBD Qorus helps reduce the time to mastery by replacing guesswork with standardized best practices that have been proven to be effective and are backed by patients.
 

What motivated you to get involved, stay involved, or apply for the Committee?
I would not be here today without the help of many skilled and compassionate health care providers. I joined the committee to give back to those providers (especially those with limited resources) and ensure they can continue delivering the best possible care for IBD patients across the world.

What is something that brings you joy or that you are currently enjoying?
For outside activities, I enjoy playing pickleball and fishing
 

Professional Experience

I have been a New York City-based author and journalist for many decades, often writing about interior design for national magazines, books and websites.

Why is a program like IBD Qorus so important to you? 

The IBD Qorus feels important to me because of its effort to analyze and connect information between medical professionals and patients. The fact that this is done in partnership with a strong patient committee strikes me as uniquely smart.

What motivated you to get involved, stay involved, or apply for the Committee?

My first contact with the IBD Qorus was through reading/answering a patient questionnaire that was very obviously created by people with intimate knowledge of intestinal disease. The reflection of real patient input was so surprisingly new, I became intrigued with the organization and its inclusion of patient experience in directing disease research and medical practices.

What is something that brings you joy or that you are currently enjoying?

For many years I was a craft developer and set designer, and I still dabble in making art just for pleasure. I create papier mache objects; I send unwrapped handmade art pieces through the mail and excitedly wait to see if they arrive. I am happiest when my hands are marked with paint or glue. 

Why is a program like IBD Qorus so important to you?

The IBD Qorus program is important to me because sometimes, this disease can take a lot from you, but this program helps to improve the quality of life for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Doctors and patients work together to create best practices.

What motivated you to get involved, stay involved, or apply for the Committee?

I applied for this committee because I wanted a way to give back to the IBD community.

What is something that brings you joy or that you are currently enjoying? 

In my free time I enjoy singing and spending time with my family.  

Why is a program like IBD Qorus so important to you?

Improving quality of life for IBD patients is critical given the chronic nature of the diseases. 

What motivated you to get involved, stay involved, or apply for the Committee?

It’s a tangible way to make a difference for patients like me. 

What is something that brings you joy or that you are currently enjoying? 

My family! I have an amazing wife and two perfect kids who are the most important things in the world to me. 

Professional Experience

As a medical professional working as a Certified Athletic Trainer in pediatrics, I have developed a strong foundation in understanding complex medical topics, patient care, and clinical research, which has further enhanced my ability to engage with and contribute to discussions surrounding IBD care and research initiatives.

What motivated you to get involved, stay involved, or apply for the Committee? 

As someone who has experienced a complex journey with IBD, I have developed years of firsthand insight that I hope to use to help improve the standard of care and quality of life for others living with these conditions. Serving on the patient committee has provided us with the opportunity to witness the extensive research, time, expertise, and dedication invested in this nationwide initiative. It has been a tremendous honor to be part of IBD Qorus. These healthcare teams genuinely value hearing from patients and truly care about our perspectives and experiences.

What is something that brings you joy or that you are currently enjoying? 

I’m happiest when I’m outside and staying active. I love mountain biking, gravel biking, skiing, and uphill skinning, especially when I get to enjoy those adventures with family and friends.  

Professional Experience

I am a retired attorney.

Why is a program like IBD Qorus so important to you? 

While doctors focus on the diagnosis and treatment of IBD, Qorus focuses on ways to improve the patient experience by using data collected from a large cross section of patients.  IBD is a very individualized disease, but some problems affect most patients and Qorus is in a position to identify and help address these problems. 

What motivated you to get involved, stay involved, or apply for the Committee?

Involvement in the Committee is another way to improve care for future generations. Living with Crohn’s is a very humbling experience.  Hopefully my experiences with the disease and medical community can translate to improvements for other sufferers. 

What is something that brings you joy or that you are currently enjoying? 

My 14-year-old dog still makes me smile. 

Professional Experience 

Burn Technician - Worked for UCSD for over 32 years.

Why is a program like IBD Qorus so important to you? 

IBD Qorus is important to me because it is a shared collaboration of providers across the US. They are using real data and evidence-based practices to improve how IBD is treated and monitored. IBD Qorus strives to improve outcomes and standards of care for the IBD community.  

What motivated you to get involved, stay involved, or apply for the Committee? 

I chose to remain on the IBD Qorus Patient Advisory Committee because of my continued passion and desire to improve the system and outcomes for IBD patients.  I would like to carry on sharing my feedback, perspective and opinions and I am honored to be part of a community of something that is so meaningful. 

What is something that bring you joy or that you are currently enjoying? 

I am married with 4 boys and 4 dogs.  I enjoy Disneyland, traveling, country music, and running.  I am currently in a 12-week Hyrox Training program.  

Professional Experience

After studying physics in college, I transitioned to a career in business and have held various positions as a corporate finance executive. 

Why is a program like IBD Qorus so important to you? 

When I think back to the early days of my Crohn's diagnosis, there's so much that I wish I could go back in time and tell myself--some of it just positive words and encouragement, but also a lot of practical, day-to-day advice about navigating care. In hindsight, lots of that advice seems so obvious, but it definitely didn't feel that way when I was first diagnosed. That's why I love that IBD Qorus is helping not just patients, but their providers too.

What motivated you to get involved, stay involved, or apply for the Committee? 

I learned about the Qorus Patient Advisory Committee just a few days after the birth of my first child. As I wrestled with all the emotions of being a new parent, a thought I returned to often was whether my son would someday have to fight any of the same battles I have with Crohn's disease. So, when the email came about a way to help patients navigate Crohn's disease, I knew I had to be a part of it. I hope my son won't ever have to deal with Crohn's, but if he does, I hope there's something I can do now that will help make it just a little easier for him.  

What is something that brings you joy or that you are currently enjoying?  

I enjoy almost anything that gets me outdoors. Most of the time, that means rock climbing, but my wife and I also enjoy skiing, biking, surfing and hiking together. When I can't get outside, you'll probably find me playing a game of chess.