JEFFREY MODELL DIAGNOSTIC CENTER
FOR PRIMARY IMMUNODEFICIENCIES
About Us
The Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Research Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies (JMC)
at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) was established
in New Orleans in December of 2006, barely one year after Katrina devastated parts
of the city and many of its hospitals.
The diagnostic center is one of 196 of its kind in the world, and 40 in the USA focusing
on the diagnosis, care, and treatment of people suffering with primary immunodeficiency
diseases (PIDD). It has faculty members running specialized clinics for children
and adults with suspected PIDD and consulting services at hospitals affiliated with
the LSUHSC. It has an advanced diagnostic and research laboratory at the Research
Institute for Children at Children's Hospital in New Orleans. Stem cell transplants
for the most severe forms of PIDD are performed at Children's Hospital in New Orleans
by Hematology - Oncology specialists in collaboration with JMC faculty.
In 2010, JMC professionals were instrumental in initiating neonatal screening for
T cell deficiencies in Louisiana. Unfortunately, continued state funding for this
program could not be secured and the program was discontinued until its value is better
demonstrated by results from similar programs underway in many other states. The JMC
has as one of its missions to assist in restarting this program in our state.
The JMC mission includes patient care and also training of physicians in the diagnosis
and care of PIDD. Its continuing medical education programs for subspecialists and
general practitioners are designed to familiarize more physicians groups with this
complex group of diseases.
Funding of the JMC in New Orleans comes from donations of the Jeffrey Modell Foundation
in New York. As this funding may vanish, the continuity of the JMC in New Orleans
will be secured by a Jeffrey Modell Chair for Primary Immunodeficiencies, an endowment
jointly established by the JM Foundation and local contributors.
Contact Us:
Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies
c/o Children's Hospital
Department of Allergy/Immunology
200 Henry Clay Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118
Phone: (504) 896-9589