Synim N. Rivers NAFC Board Member
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
Receive custom tools to help you manage your condition and get the latest in bladder and bowel health from NAFC!
Synim N. Rivers

Synim N. Rivers currently serves as senior director, R&D communications at Horizon Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to meeting unmet medical needs, specifically in the rare/orphan disease space..
Synim five years at the FDA in various roles with increasing levels of responsibility. At the FDA, she on minority health and health disparities as well as how to engage with diverse communities.
Synim earned a BS in biology from Xavier University of Louisiana She also holds a Master of Public Health in health education and communications from Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine
Synim is active in her community and supports several non-profit organizations. She serves on the board of directors of HealthyWomen, Washington Government Relations Group (WGRG) Foundation, and Girls 4 Science.
RELATED ARTICLES

Understanding IBD: From Diagnosis to Remission… What You Need to Know – Copy
In this episode of Life Without Leaks, we’re joined by Dr. Ryan O’Leary, advanced fellow in inflammatory bowel disease, for a deep dive into inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Dr. O’Leary breaks down what sets Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis apart from other digestive conditions, explaining how IBD can affect patients at any age, from early childhood to later adulthood, and why diagnosis can sometimes be delayed. He explores the complexity of inflammation, the role of the immune system and how IBD can impact far more than the gut, including joints, skin, eyes and mental health.
The conversation also covers realistic treatment goals, the expanding range of medications available today, dietary considerations, when surgery becomes part of care and why personalized treatment plans are essential. Importantly, Dr. O’Leary addresses the emotional toll of living with a chronic condition and emphasizes the importance of persistence, advocacy and specialist care.
If you or a loved one is navigating unexplained GI symptoms or an IBD diagnosis, this episode offers clarity, reassurance and a hopeful look at what’s possible with modern care.
Learn more about a wide range of bowel conditions and get free resources here.

No One Believed Me: One Man’s Fight for a Crohn’s Diagnosis – and Recovery
In this gripping episode of Life Without Leaks, we speak with John, a law enforcement officer, father of two and competitive strongman, about his harrowing journey to a Crohn’s disease diagnosis.

From Pain ‘Like Lava’ to Remission: Living Fully with Crohn’s Disease
In this moving patient story, we speak with Gerri, a Crohn’s patient, about her journey from debilitating digestive symptoms to complete remission.
Gerri shares what it was like to live in New York City while navigating relentless urgency, severe abdominal pain she describes as “hot lava,” and the constant need to locate the nearest restroom. After months of worsening symptoms and a turning point moment with her mom, she sought specialist care, leading to bloodwork, testing, colonoscopy and, ultimately, a diagnosis.

Understanding IBD: From Diagnosis to Remission… What You Need to Know – Copy
In this episode of Life Without Leaks, we’re joined by Dr. Ryan O’Leary, advanced fellow in inflammatory bowel disease, for a deep dive into inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Dr. O’Leary breaks down what sets Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis apart from other digestive conditions, explaining how IBD can affect patients at any age, from early childhood to later adulthood, and why diagnosis can sometimes be delayed. He explores the complexity of inflammation, the role of the immune system and how IBD can impact far more than the gut, including joints, skin, eyes and mental health.
The conversation also covers realistic treatment goals, the expanding range of medications available today, dietary considerations, when surgery becomes part of care and why personalized treatment plans are essential. Importantly, Dr. O’Leary addresses the emotional toll of living with a chronic condition and emphasizes the importance of persistence, advocacy and specialist care.
If you or a loved one is navigating unexplained GI symptoms or an IBD diagnosis, this episode offers clarity, reassurance and a hopeful look at what’s possible with modern care.
Learn more about a wide range of bowel conditions and get free resources here.