February 26, 2013 – When members of the Mesothelioma community – medical experts, advocates, patients and caregivers – gather at the 10th annual Meso Foundation Symposium, “All in for a Cure”, presented by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) on March 7th and 8th, 2013, in Las Vegas, two very special women will be recognized for their contribution to the fight against the deadly asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma. Melissa Culligan, BSN, RN, Director of Clinical Services, and Karen D. Mudrick, Associate Director of Operations & Patient Navigator, are members of the team of surgeons, researchers, and clinicians at Penn Medicine’s Mesothelioma and Pleural Program that provides medical treatment, support and hope to mesothelioma patients around the world. Ms. Culligan and Ms. Mudrick play integral parts in the success of the Program.
As Director of Clinical Services, Melissa Culligan is often the first contact for patients who enter Penn Medicine’s Mesothelioma Program. She is responsible for collecting data and presenting each patient’s case during a weekly conference in which medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, pulmonologists, pathologists and clinical trial nurses discuss each patient’s plan of care. As a vital member of the Program’s research team, Ms. Culligan is involved in the groundbreaking clinical trials of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the Program’s patients.
Karen Mudrick, the Program’s Director of Operations and Patient Navigator acts as liaison between the patient and Penn Medicine’s medical staff and researchers. Ms. Mudrick works closely with the patients, assisting patients and families in answering questions about the Program and their plan of treatment. She coordinates appointments with the Program’s team members and guides and supports the patients and their families through this difficult time.
The Shein Law Foundation is proud to be a supporter of Penn Medicine’s Mesothelioma and Pleural Program, as well as a sponsor of the 10th annual Meso Foundation Symposium. As advocates for victims of asbestos-related diseases, our mesothelioma attorneys appreciate the efforts of physicians, surgeons, researchers and care providers in the fight against the deadly disease. Congratulations to Ms. Mudrick and Ms. Culligan for this well-deserved recognition.