Transforming Adrenal Insufficiency Care Through Innovative Cortisol Testing
Advancing Adrenal Insufficiency Care Through Innovative Cortisol Testing
Driving Progress in Cortisol Testing Through Research, Advocacy, and Collective Action
Adrenal insufficiency patients face critical decisions daily—without real-time, accurate cortisol data. Adrenal insufficiency is life-threatening—without cortisol, patients must rely on steroid replacement, but have no real way to know if the dose is enough. Outdated or unreliable testing methods force patients and clinicians to make decisions based solely on symptoms. This leaves them navigating choices in the dark—risking everything from medication errors to a life-threatening adrenal crisis.
We are closing this dangerous gap by:
- Leading patient-centered research
- Championing accessible, precise cortisol monitoring
- Fostering collaboration across healthcare and advocacy
- Uniting stakeholders to propel cortisol monitoring technology forward
Get Involved with the Global Adrenal Testing Consortium
This consortium represents a transformative alliance of patients, advocates, endocrinologists, and rare disease researchers dedicated to advancing adrenal health. Together, we aim to foster collaboration, innovation, and access to essential testing solutions for all patients.
Researchers • Endocrinologists • Patient Advocates
Medical Professionals
If you’re a researcher, clinician, industry leader, or advocate, we welcome collaborations that advance our shared goals of creating Comparitive Effectiveness Research (CER). Reach out to explore how we can work together.
Patients
Patients, caregivers, and community members can contribute by joining our research initiatives, sharing their experiences, or volunteering their time.
Who is Involved
Patient Advocacy Organizations
NAPA (Nordic Adrenal Pituitary Alliance)
A leading alliance in the Nordic region, NAPA unites patients, clinicians, and researchers to improve care and awareness for adrenal and pituitary disorders.
Pituitary World News
A global hub for the latest news, research, and advocacy in pituitary health, connecting patients and professionals worldwide.
Adrenal World News
Dedicated to sharing cutting-edge information and resources on adrenal disorders, empowering patients and driving innovation in adrenal health.
Adisen (Spain)
Spain’s premier organization for adrenal insufficiency, providing education, support, and advocacy for patients and families affected by adrenal disorders.
Adrenal Insufficiency United (AIU)
Founded to unite and empower the adrenal insufficiency community, AIU focuses on education, research, and patient-driven initiatives to improve quality of life.
Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group (UK)
The UK’s go-to resource for Addison’s disease and adrenal insufficiency, offering peer support, education, and advocacy for better patient outcomes.
Pituitary and Adrenal Association (Norway)
A Norwegian organization committed to supporting patients with pituitary and adrenal conditions through education, research, and community outreach.
AdrenalNET (Netherlands)
A Dutch network fostering collaboration between patients, healthcare providers, and researchers to advance adrenal disorder care and innovation.
Chronically Fit Canada
A Canadian organization promoting health, fitness, and wellness for individuals living with chronic conditions, including adrenal insufficiency.
Solution Medical
A partner in medical innovation, Solution Medical focuses on developing tools and solutions to improve the lives of patients with adrenal and pituitary disorders.
ALD Hope Canada
Dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and adrenal insufficiency, providing resources, advocacy, and hope.
Board of Directors
Consortium Board Members
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Kirsten Norgaard (Board Chair): Co-Founder of AIU; Specialist in Non-Profit Executive Leadership and Clinical Trial Liaison.
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Melissa Patterson: Strategic Leader; Specialist in Organizational Development and Community Mobilization.
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Maria Stewart: Founder of AI Coalition; Specialist in Global Patient Education and Resource Development.
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Julia Anthony: Solution Medical; Specialist in Medical Innovation and Healthcare Delivery Strategy.
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Melanie Gander: Trauma Service Line Director; Specialist in Healthcare Administration and Family Advocacy.
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Dr. Kyriakie Sarafoglou: Head of Clinical Advisory; Professor of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, U of MN.
Medical Professionals
Dr. Kyriakie Sarafoglou
Head of Clinical Advisory, Professor of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Minnesota
A renowned pediatric endocrinologist, Dr. Sarafoglou specializes in adrenal and pituitary disorders, bringing decades of clinical and research expertise to our consortium.
Dr. Babak Saadati, M.D.
Medical Advisor at Abacus Medicine Pharmaceuticals – Rare Disease Country Medical Lead for Nordics
Dr. Saadati is a leader in rare disease management and pharmaceutical innovation, focusing on improving access to treatments for adrenal and endocrine disorders in the Nordic region.
Dr. Ahmed Khattab
Professor of Pediatrics, Rutgers University
An expert in pediatric endocrinology, Dr. Khattab is dedicated to advancing research and clinical care for children with adrenal insufficiency and related conditions.
Melanie Gander
Trauma Service Line Director
Melanie brings a unique perspective on trauma-informed care and its intersection with chronic endocrine conditions, ensuring holistic patient support.
Cosmina Schiteanu
Endocrine Nurse Specialist
With extensive experience in endocrine nursing, Cosmina is committed to patient education, advocacy, and improving clinical outcomes for those with adrenal disorders.
Aldons Chua
Endocrine Clinical Nurse Specialist
Aldons specializes in the clinical management of endocrine disorders, providing expert nursing care and supporting patient-centered initiatives.
Prof. Philippe Touraine
Professor of Endocrinology, Médecine Sorbonne Université
A leading authority in endocrinology, Prof. Touraine’s research and clinical work focus on adrenal and pituitary diseases, driving innovation in diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Cristina Ronchi
Reader (Associate Professor) in Endocrine Oncology, University of Birmingham, and Consultant Endocrinologist, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
Dr. Ronchi is a specialist in endocrine oncology and adrenal disorders, bridging research and clinical practice to improve patient care.
Dr. Mahmoud Nassar
Assistant Professor of Endocrinology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
Dr. Nassar’s work centers on adrenal and metabolic disorders, with a focus on translational research and patient-centered care.
Dr. Jennifer Gotta
Medical Doctor
Dr. Gotta is a dedicated clinician with a focus on endocrine health, contributing to both patient care and medical education in adrenal disorders.
Kathryn Kerr, BSN, RN, CPN
Pediatric Nurse
Kathryn specializes in pediatric nursing, bringing compassionate and expert care to children with endocrine and adrenal conditions.
Dr. Bobbi Pineda, PhD, OTR/L, CNT
Associate Professor at USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
Dr. Pineda is an expert in neonatal and pediatric occupational therapy, with a focus on developmental outcomes for children with chronic health conditions, including adrenal disorders.
Academic Reserach Institutions
The Global Adrenal Testing Consortium is in collaborative discussions with the Wyss Institute’s Sparkle team at Harvard University, who are pioneering innovative approaches to cortisol detection using biofluorescence. This exciting partnership aims to explore cutting-edge technologies that could revolutionize how cortisol levels are measured, making testing more accessible, accurate, and patient-friendly.
We are always open to working with other teams and institutions worldwide. If your organization is interested in collaborating on adrenal health, cortisol detection, or related innovations, please contact us to discuss potential partnerships.
Spread Awareness
We encourage our patient community to share their stories. Join us in the “TESTING! TESTING! 123” Campaign! Copy this graphic and share it on socials with your story! Use our corresponding fundraising link and tag us!
Donate
Fuel our research and advocacy efforts by contributing to operational and project funding. Every donation directly supports our mission to improve cortisol testing and patient outcomes.