NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) has awarded the 2023 Health Professional of the Year to Dr. Naomi Lubarr, a Pediatric Neurologist at Hackensack University Medical Center.
This award is designated for health care professionals in New Jersey who has had a positive influence on the Tourette Syndrome (TS) community through patient interactions, education outreach, or research efforts. Dr. Lubarr was nominated by Dawn and Chad deQuevedo of Olyphant, PA, whose son Callum is one of her patients with TS.
“We heard about Dr. Lubarr in an online forum where a parent swore that she saved her son’s life,” said Dawn deQuevedo. “At that point, we were pursuing a diagnosis for my son’s symptoms for nearly seven months. There were multiple hospital stays, unnecessary surgery, and other failed treatments. We were desperate for help.”
The deQuevedo’s were able to get an appointment with Dr. Lubarr within a few weeks of calling and immediately received a diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome and a treatment plan that brought results. Over the next several years, Dr. Lubarr has helped the family navigate their journey with TS, which has recently included Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. She participated with the DBS team to assess Callum’s needs and plan his future medical plan.
“She has worked tirelessly to help us find adequate psychiatric care in our area, reached out to other doctors that treat TS, and has counseled us on ways to support our child,” said deQuevedo. “Just like the person who recommended Dr. Lubarr, we too feel that she has saved our son’s life. She is our superhero.”
The mission of NJCTS is to ensure children and adults with Tourette Syndrome and associated disorders are empowered and accepted through education, advocacy and research. Based in Somerville, NJCTS actively trains and provides resources to healthcare professionals throughout the state. They also provide families with referrals to healthcare providers who specialize in treating patients with TS.
To learn more about the NJCTS Medical Outreach program, visit www.njcts.org or call 908.575.7350.