EAST LANSING, Mich. — A Michigan State University professor's breakthrough research on Pompe disease will be featured Jan. 31 on an episode of "Impact the World" on the Big Ten Network. The episode will air at 10:30 p.m. EST.
Andrea Amalfitano, Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Endowed Chair in MSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine, diagnoses genetic diseases, including Pompe disease, a progressive weakening of the muscles that control the heart, limbs and breathing.
As a physician and scientist, Amalfitano knows that although cures may not exist for the illnesses he encounters in his patients, there is much that he can do to support a family, and all hope is not lost.
"Hope plays an important role and, in fact, it's one that consumes me," Amalfitano said.
According to Amalfitano, spending time with patients is critical to understanding the intricacies of an illness.
"If I was strictly in the laboratory, I personally just think I would not have a clue about many of the conditions or the diseases that I'm attempting to treat right now based on our research," Amalfitano said. "I'm constantly learning new things from my patients."
"Impact the World" is a powerful new eight-part series that shifts the focus from the playing field to the world stage where Big Ten professors and students are making their presence known. The series is showcasing some of the incredible Big Ten breakthroughs that are changing lives across the world. Host Dennis Haysbert will unveil the stories that demonstrate how these advances impact each of us and the world in which we live.
MSU sociology professor Carl Taylor will be featured on the program Feb. 21 for his research on gangs. Click here to see the complete list of what the "Impact the World" series will cover.
"Impact the World" airs Tuesday evenings on Big Ten Network. For times, check local listings.
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