Lupus Foundation of America Expands Medical-Scientific Staff
The Lupus Foundation of America (Foundation) announces the appointment of Joan T. Merrill, M.D. as Chief Advisor, Clinical Development and Susan Manzi, M.D., M.P.H. as the new Medical Director.
In her new role, Dr. Merrill will focus on shifting the drug development paradigm in lupus, including development of a new instrument for use in clinical trials and clinical practice, as well as an online training program for physicians conducting clinical trials, among other innovative projects.
“On behalf of the Lupus Foundation of America, Dr. Merrill has made enormous contributions to advancing the science and medicine of lupus having been our founding medical director for 12 years,” said Sandra C. Raymond, President and CEO of the Foundation. “We look forward to working with her in this new role.”
As Lupus Foundation of America Medical Director, Dr. Susan Manzi will lead efforts to address gaps in education and the health care needs of people with lupus. The work will advance the science and medicine of lupus, improve education programs and expand educational materials, as well as representing the Foundation on policy matters affecting the health and quality of life for people with lupus.
“We are thrilled that Dr. Manzi will be serving as our next Medical Director as she is widely recognized as a leader in lupus patient care and research and a pioneer in the scientific investigation of cardiovascular disease in people with lupus.”
Drs. Merrill and Manzi will collaborate on projects to bring down barriers to treatment development and access for lupus patients.
Dr. Manzi is Chair of Medicine, Allegheny Health Network and Co-Founder and Director of the Lupus Center of Excellence in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Manzi has served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors for nine years and is a member of the Foundation’s Medical Scientific Advisory Committee.
Dr. Merrill is a member of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation where she founded a clinical pharmacology research program to study new biologic treatments that act on the immune system. She is also an OMRF Professor of Medicine at the University of Oklahoma.