Debra Friedrich Named Fellow of the National Lipid Association (FNLA)

Debra A. Friedrich, DNP, ARNP, FNP-C, CLS, Assistant Professor and Director of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Master’s Concentration at the University of South Florida College of Nursing has been named fellow of the national Lipid Association (NLA) for excellence, innovation and leadership of healthcare professionals with respect to clinical lipidology in private practice or academic settings.

Dr. Friedrich, whose clinical practice focuses on the treatment of lipid disorders, has been recognized by her professional colleagues for upholding the highest ethical standards and distinguishing herself in the field of lipidology.

“It is an honor to be recognized by this revered organization for my work in this field,” Dr. Friedrich said. “Being awarded Fellow by the National Lipid Association is truly an honor; however, studying outcomes that will benefit the lives of patients with cardiovascular disease is the real honor.”

Dr. Friedrich has developed a lipid clinic within her primary care practice to treat complicated cardiovascular patients and study outcomes that would benefit and prolong their life. Her research focuses on statin intolerance symptoms, such as myalgias, and also statins that are metabolized through different pathways and individualizing treatment regimens for patients to enhance tolerability and reduce mortality.

“This accomplishment also contributes to the College of Nursing and its research focus on studying outcomes related to statin intolerance in a clinical practice setting and disseminating these results to a national organization,” Dr. Friedrich said.

Dr. Friedrich will be recognized during the National Lipid Associations Scientific Session in Scottsdale, Ariz. on June  2, 2012.  During the scientific session, she will also present on Pitavastatin use in patients with previous statin intolerance.

“It is very exciting to be able to disseminate knowledge to other professionals in the field of Lipidology and Preventive Cardiology,” Dr. Friedrich said.