This past weekend, Benilde-St. Margaret’s senior Dan Lundberg was honored to present to doctors at the American Academy of Pediatrics International Convention, held in Boston.

In Spring 2010, Dan began volunteering at Gillette Children’s Hospital, assisting Dr. Mark Gormley with a medical research project.  He chose to focus his research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Throughout his months of research, Dan discovered that the muscle atrophy and weight loss associated with this condition can be better treated with pulmonary care, rather than nutritional changes, as previously believed. Gillette has already started implementing this new approach to treatment.

The hospital submitted the research abstract to various conventions, and it was selected for the October 15 Boston event—one of the largest medical conventions in the country.  Although Dr. Gormley also attended the convention, Dan presented to doctors on behalf of Gillette.

Convention attendees voted Dan’s presentation as a favorite, and publishers have expressed interest in including his research in medical journals. 

As a volunteer at Courage Center as well, Dan realized that many of the people with whom he interacts at Courage Center are battling this same condition. Suddenly, he was looking at Muscular Dystrophy “from two different angles,” he explains. Putting faces behind the research and statistics, while also gaining a clearer understanding of the challenges these people face—from a medical standpoint, has deepened his compassion and increased his passion for working with people with disabilities.

Dan intends to pursue a career in medicine, as a result of his experience at Gillette.

Dan and Dr. Gormley with their display at the American Academy of Pediatrics International Convention.