7 new institutions join FSR alliance to improve treatment of sarcoidosis
Barcelona hospital becomes first international member of group
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The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) has welcomed seven new institutions, including its first international member, into its FSR Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance (FSR-GSCA), expanding a growing network of members dedicated to improving care for people living with sarcoidosis.
Launched in 2022, the FSR-GSCA brings together leading clinics, hospitals, and individual providers worldwide to support clinician collaboration and shared learning, advance research, strengthen care delivery, and enhance patient access to specialized information, education, and support services for sarcoidosis. These efforts are at the core of FSR’s mission to ensure that every person with sarcoidosis, in every community, has access to knowledgeable providers and comprehensive support.
Through the alliance, member institutions have access to innovative clinical tools, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and shared resources for evidence-based and patient-centered care.
“The growth of the FSR-GSCA reflects a profound commitment among clinicians to work collaboratively on behalf of people living with sarcoidosis,” Mary McGowan, president and CEO of the FSR, said in a press release from the foundation.
Medical University of South Carolina also rejoins alliance
The newly joined institutions include the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, University of Chicago Medicine, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona — the alliance’s first international member — Penn Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz, and NYU Langone Health.
The Medical University of South Carolina also rejoined the alliance after previously participating.
“The addition of these eight esteemed institutions, including our first international member, marks an important step forward as we continue building a global network dedicated to advancing research, strengthening clinical excellence, and improving outcomes for patients everywhere,” McGowan said.
The expansion extends the alliance’s efforts in the U.S. and into Europe, creating new opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration, sharing of best practices, and more consistent, high-quality approaches to sarcoidosis diagnosis and treatment.
For international centers, alliance membership offers access to shared tools and best practices that support sarcoidosis care across borders.
“We are proud to be the first international member institution of the FSR Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance,” said Jacobo Sellarés, MD, pneumologist at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona. “Having access to practical tools and resources for clinicians, including educational content, best-practice sharing, and other materials to support sarcoidosis care and program development, will help to strengthen our work in the international sarcoidosis space.”
Alliance provides coordinated care across specialties
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, joining the alliance underscores the importance of coordinated care across specialties, said Rami Kahwash, MD, a cardiologist and director of the center’s Heart and Vascular Research Organization.
“We are honored that The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has joined the FSR Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance,” Kahwash said. “Sarcoidosis requires collaboration across disciplines, a strong commitment to research, and global partnership.”
For NYU Langone Health, alliance membership also offers opportunities to increase visibility in sarcoidosis care and to participate in collaborative, multicenter research efforts, according to Kerry Hena, MD, director of the medical intensive care unit, associate section chief for the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, and director of bronchoscopy at Bellevue Hospital.
“Working with the FSR Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance will provide increased visibility as a leader in sarcoidosis care and will offer the opportunity for collaborative multicenter research and publication in conjunction with the other GSCA member institutions. We are thrilled to grow our relationship in 2026,” Hena said.
Hospitals and clinics interested in obtaining more information or joining the alliance can visit FSR-GSCA’s webpage or contact [email protected].
