Patricia Sciscione

Patricia Sciscione, PhD, RN, CSN-NJ, is an Assistant Professor in the Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. She obtained her BSN and MSN degrees in Nursing at Kean University in Union, New Jersey and her PhD in Nursing Theory Development and Research from Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey. Her clinical background is in emergency nursing, and she is a certified school nurse in the state of New Jersey. Her research interests include health and caregiving issues of adults with Down syndrome and quality of life of adults living with neuromuscular disorders.

Patricia’s father had been diagnosed with “atypical peripheral neuropathy” late in his life and eventually the condition progressed so that he could no longer live alone and had to live with her and her family. After having peripheral neuropathy symptoms herself for several years, and being misdiagnosed and treated for another neuromuscular disorder, her search for a correct diagnosis led her to information about inherited peripheral neuropathies and finally to Dr. Michael Shy at the University of Iowa Center of Excellence where she was finally diagnosed with CMT Type 1b (adult onset). At that time, Patricia joined the CMTA to learn all she could about the condition and follow the progress being made in the STAR program.

In her role as an educator, Patricia is increasing awareness among nursing students and other healthcare professionals about CMT and the implications of living with the condition. As a CMTA Advisory Board member she hopes to help others diagnosed with CMT to find reliable, accurate information about the condition and treatment options.