Barrow to Host Pituitary Education Day
“The Barrow Pituitary Program is dedicated to educating patients, caregivers, and loved ones by providing information which is current and nonbiased,” said Program Coordinator Maggie Bobrowitz, RN. “We hope attendees will leave empowered to make better informed decisions about their health care and achieve their goals for a long and fruitful life.”
Barrow Neurosurgeon Dr. Andrew Little will explain the anatomy of the pituitary gland, and Neurosurgeon Dr. William White will follow with a presentation on the diagnosis and treatment of pituitary tumors.
Other presentations by Barrow and guest faculty will focus on how to manage the emotional and physical effects of pituitary disorders.
The pituitary gland is a pea-sized organ located at the base of the brain and behind the bridge of the nose. It is referred to as the “master gland” because it regulates bodily functions through the hormones that it produces.
Most pituitary tumors are noncancerous growths, meaning they do not spread to other parts of the body, but they can cause the pituitary gland to produce too many or too few hormones. This can cause a variety of symptoms.
“Pituitary Education Day is designed to help patients understand the complexity of the master hormone gland and the methods of treatment available for pituitary disorders,” Dr. White said.
Attendees will also hear from two people who have been diagnosed with and treated for pituitary disorders caused by a tumor.
A radio host known as “Froggy,” who lived with unexplained symptoms for 10 years before being diagnosed with acromegaly, will share his story of living with this rare endocrine disorder. Acromegaly is characterized by the overproduction of growth hormone.
Margaret Kerbo, who was treated at Barrow in October, will talk about living with Cushing’s disease and how treatment has improved her quality of life. Cushing’s disease occurs when the body is exposed to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol over time.
The symposium will be held from 7:30 AM to 5 PM in the Goldman Auditorium at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center at 350 W. Thomas Rd. in Phoenix.
The event costs $15 per person, and registration is available online. For more information, contact Lindsey Possehl at (602) 406-3067 or Lindsey.Possehl@DignityHealth.org.