The Wisconsin Cystic Fibrosis Consortium brings together members of Wisconsin’s five cystic fibrosis (CF) care centers to collaborate, share knowledge, and advance care for individuals living with CF. At its May 2026 meeting, the consortium introduced a new award — the Philip Farrell CF Luminary Award — in honor of Philip Farrell, MD, PhD, emeritus dean and professor, Division of Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine. The consortium noted that Farrell’s inspiring work has influenced a generation of people with CF, both across the state of Wisconsin and the world. Farrell is a part of the Department of Pediatrics’ rich history of CF care and research leadership that dates back six decades: the UW program was established as one of the first Cystic Fibrosis Centers approved by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and its research program reached international renown by the 1970s. The annual award will be presented to a person who has attained eminence in their field or has been an inspiration to the cystic fibrosis community in Wisconsin and beyond. During the consortium meeting, Farrell was named the inaugural recipient of the Philip Farrell CF Luminary Award. The award’s second recipient was also named at the event — Sumedha Ghate, MS, CGC, a genetic counselor with Hemophilia Outreach of Wisconsin, Inc., was recognized for her contributions to cystic fibrosis care and advocacy.
