Dr. Divya Patel’s focus is to improve the clinical care of patients with sarcoidosis and to be an advocate for them. She has completed specialized training in sarcoidosis and participates in clinical research with the aim to improve the quality of life of patients. She routinely recruits patients for both single-center and multi-center clinical studies including industry sponsored and investigator initiated clinical trials. 

Dr. Patel is a Clinical Associate Professor of Pulmonology and Director of the Sarcoidosis and ILD Programs at the University of Florida. 

Erica Courtenay-Mann was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in 2011 after it attacked her larynx and deactivated one of her vocal cords. It was later detected in her lungs, resulting in pulmonary sarcoidosis. After a bout of remission due to the various treatment and lifestyle changes, Erica came out of remission in 2017 and now has oral / perioral sarcoidosis.

A three card-Monty winner with sarcoidosis does not stop her from being a FSR advocate, talking with others about living with a chronic illness, and enjoying all that life has to offer. Erica holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Chicago, but her true passion is helping others.