Conference Coverage

Guest: Gary S. Firestein, MD Despite advances in biologics, many patients with rheumatoid arthritis still experience persistent inflammation. However, cadherin-6 has recently been identified as a potential treatment target. Hear from Dr. Gary Firestein as he explains the discovery, function, and therapeutic potential of cadherin-6 in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis. Dr. Firestein is a Distinguished Professor of Medicine and the Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences at UC San Diego.

Guest: Sujith Cherian MD, FCCP, DAABIP Obesity impacts how the lungs function in a variety of ways, and understanding these impacts is essential for interpreting pulmonary function tests, identifying restrictive or obstructive patterns, and managing ventilation. Learn more with Dr. Sujith Cherian, who's an Associate Professor in the Divisions of Critical Care, Pulmonary, and Sleep Medicine at University of Texas Health-McGovern Medical School and the Director of Interventional Pulmonology and Pleural Diseases at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital in Houston. He also spoke about this topic at the 2025 CHEST Annual Meeting.

Guest: Gary S. Firestein, MD While cadherin-6 may not yet shift clinical practice in rheumatoid arthritis, its role as a surface-expressed, actionable target opens the door to rapid therapeutic development—particularly with existing antibodies already in clinical trials for urologic cancers. Dr. Gary Firestein discusses the potential for cadherin-6 to become a useful target across multiple diseases. Dr. Firestein is a Distinguished Professor of Medicine and the Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences at UC San Diego.

Guest: David Feller-Kopman, MD Cytology via thoracentesis remains the first-line approach for diagnosing malignant pleural effusion (MPE), yet its sensitivity is limited. leaving many patients undiagnosed or delayed in treatment. In this expert-led discussion, Dr. David Feller-Kopman explores the limitations of current diagnostic methods and the evolving role of biomarkers in enhancing both diagnostic accuracy and prognostic insight. Dr. Feller-Kopman is a Professor of Medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and the Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and he discussed this topic at the 2025 CHEST Annual Meeting.

Host: Ryan Quigley New research presented at the 2025 American College of Rheumatology Convergence highlights a critical link between adverse childhood experiences and mental health outcomes in adolescents with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). In this AudioAbstract, Ryan Quigley explores the findings, the implications for trauma-informed care, and the need to assess psychosocial history in managing cSLE.

Guest: Jaime Moore, MD Discussing weight with pediatric patients and families is a nuanced challenge shaped by stigma, culture, and access—but it's also a vital opportunity for early intervention. Dr. Jaime Moore shares how to build confidence, counter bias, and leverage practical tools and partnerships that support long-term, personalized care. Dr. Moore is an Assistant Professor of Pediatric Nutrition at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine and part of the Children's Hospital Colorado Lifestyle Medicine Program. She also spoke about this topic at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition.

Guest: Eric Ruderman, MD Combined dermatology–rheumatology clinics are transforming psoriatic disease care by streamlining communication, reducing patient burden, and enabling more targeted, effective treatments. To learn more about how these clinks work and why they matter for patients with psoriatic disease, tune in to hear from Dr. Eric Ruderman, Professor of Medicine and the Associate Chief of Clinical Affairs for the Division of Rheumatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Host: Ryan Quigley In a 2025 study investigating salivary metabolites as potential biomarkers in cystic fibrosis, researchers identified distinct metabolic patterns linked with key complications as well as correlations with lung function. In this AudioAbstract, Ryan Quigley discusses how a simple saliva sample could provide clinicians with an accessible, non-invasive tool to stratify patients, monitor therapies, and advance personalized care in cystic fibrosis. This topic was also discussed at the 2025 CHEST Annual Meeting.

Guest: Jennifer M. Kalish, MD, PhD, FAAP Early genetic evaluation plays a vital role in identifying potential causes of neurodevelopmental disorders and guiding families on next steps, expectations, and recurrence risks. Dr. Jennifer Kalish joins us to share practical insights for recognizing when to initiate testing, selecting the right tests, and addressing barriers such as insurance and interpretation. Dr. Kalish is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and the Director of the Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome Program at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She also spoke about this topic at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition.

Host: Ryan Quigley Guest: Heather Forkey, MD Guest: Wynne Morgan, MD Childhood trauma can profoundly alter brain and behavioral development, making it essential to recognize how trauma differs from other diagnoses like ADHD. Ryan Quigley sits down with Drs. Heather Forkey and Wynne Morgan, who presented on this topic at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition, to better understand how to identify trauma responses, avoid misdiagnosis, and implement supportive treatment strategies that prioritize safety, routine, and caregiver connection. Dr. Forkey is a Professor of Pediatrics and Vice Chair of Pediatrics and Dr. Morgan is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Host: Shelina Ramnarine, PhD Guest: Yolanda N. Evans, MD, FAAP Recognizing how inequities can significantly impact pediatric care outcomes is essential to improving access, trust, and long-term health. Dr. Shelina Ramnarine is joined by Dr. Yolanda Evans to discuss actionable strategies that can help us deliver more inclusive care, from social determinant screeners to equity-focused frameworks. Dr. Evans is a board-certified pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist practicing in Seattle, Washington, and she spoke about this topic at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition.

Guest: Le Hua, MD Diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS) in older patients presents unique challenges, especially as age-related comorbidities and common neurological findings often mimic MS. Hear from Dr. Le Hua as she highlights the importance of thorough clinical history, cautious interpretation of imaging, and the role of paraclinical studies in ensuring accurate MS diagnosis, particularly in patients over 50. Dr. Hua is the Director of Clinical Operations and Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas. She also spoke about this topic at the 2025 European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) Congress.

Guest: Sergio Baranzini, PhD In a landmark study involving over 10,000 patients, the International MS Genetics Consortium (IMSGC) has identified the first genetic variant associated with disease severity in multiple sclerosis (MS). Dr. Sergio Baranzini, a Distinguished Professor of Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, explains what's next in researching this variant and working towards effective treatments. Dr. Baranzini also spoke on this topic at the 2025 Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS).

Guest: Michael Levy, MD, PhD Antibody-mediated demyelinating diseases, such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and MOG antibody disease, differ fundamentally from multiple sclerosis (MS) due to their association with specific antibodies. Dr. Michael Levy explains how these conditions progress, how relapses can drive disability, and why prevention is critical for improving long-term outcomes. Dr. Levy is an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School working in the Department of Neurology at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and he spoke about this topic at the 2025 European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) Congress.

Host: Ryan Quigley Neonatal food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (N-FPIES) is an underrecognized condition often misdiagnosed as necrotizing enterocolitis, despite distinct clinical and lab features that demand a different treatment approach. In this AudioAbstract, ReachMD's Ryan Quigley explores the early signs, immune pathways, and diagnostic markers of N-FPIES, offering essential insights to help pediatric clinicians identify this condition and initiate appropriate dietary management to avoid unnecessary interventions.

Guest: Laura B. Enyedi, MD Pediatricians are often the first to encounter eye conditions that can range from common to life-threatening. Hear from Dr. Laura Enyedi as she shares highlights from her presentation on diagnosing childhood ocular disorders from the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition. Dr. Enyedi is a Professor of Ophthalmology and an Associate Professor in Pediatrics at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina.

Guest: Leonard H. Calabrese, DO Preventing serious infections should be a priority when treating patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, especially those receiving immunosuppressive therapies. By assessing patients' level of immunocompetence, clinicians can better tailor vaccination strategies and optimize infection prevention. Hear Dr. Leonard Calabrese discuss how to evaluate immunosuppression risk and coordinate timely vaccinations for patients undergoing immunomodulatory treatments. Dr. Calabrese heads the Section of Clinical Immunology at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where he manages the Clinical Immunology Clinic and is on the staff of the Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases. He also spoke on this topic at the 2025 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology West conference.

Host: Hallie Blevins, PhD. Early resistance to hydroxyurea in patients with polycythemia vera (PV) is associated with higher risks of thromboembolic complications, disease progression, and mortality. The PV-AIM study applied machine learning to real-world data and identified simple lab-based predictors that stratify patients by risk, and these findings were later validated in the HU-F-AIM trial. Hear from ReachMD's Dr. Hallie Blevins as she dives into the results and explains implications for optimized therapy and improved long-term outcomes.

Host: Ryan Quigley A new multicenter study highlights how serum and CSF biomarkers can refine prognostic accuracy and guide treatment strategies in multiple sclerosis (MS). ReachMD's Ryan Quigley explains key findings and provides insights on how integrating these biomarkers at diagnosis could move MS care toward more personalized and effective interventions. This topic was also discussed at the 2025 Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS).

Host: Ryan Quigley In relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, disease control is only part of the equation. In this AudioAbstract, ReachMD's Ryan Quigley explores patient-reported outcomes from the ELM-2 trial, revealing that odronextamab not only delivers high response rates but also helps preserve—and in some cases, improve—quality of life.

Host: Marlene Mimi Maeusli, PhD. A recent Danish population-based study evaluating real-world outcomes of ibrutinib in relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) found lower efficacy and tolerability compared to clinical trials, particularly among older patients and those with high-risk disease features. In this AudioAbstract, ReachMD's Dr. Mimi Maeusli explains how this evidence is reshaping our view of ibrutinib's clinical utility.

Guest: Paola Marignani, PhD, EMBA While smoking remains a key risk factor for lung cancer, up to 25 percent of cases occur in people who have never smoked, leaving significant gaps in our understanding of causation and diagnostics. Dr. Paola Marignani explores emerging discoveries in gene variants unique to never-smokers, uncovered through single-cell RNA sequencing and machine learning. Dr. Marignani is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Novia Scotia, and she spoke about this topic at the 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer.

Guest: Paola Marignani, PhD, EMBA Single-cell RNA sequencing is transforming our understanding of tumor heterogeneity in primary lung cancers by offering insights far beyond traditional bulk sequencing. In this program, Dr. Paola Marignani explores how advanced machine learning enables faster, more precise profiling of genetic diversity, predictive modeling for recurrence and drug resistance, and personalized treatment strategies. Dr. Marignani is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Novia Scotia, and she spoke about this topic at the 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer.

Guest: John Cho, MD, PhD, FRCPC Surgery for mesothelioma after radiation therapy (SMART) offers new hope for patients with resectable epithelioid mesothelioma by reversing the traditional treatment sequence. Hear from Dr. John Cho as he discusses the rationale behind this decade-long clinical advancement, which he spoke about at the 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer. Dr. Cho is a radiation oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Toronto.

Host: Ryan Quigley The World Health Organization's new Integrated Lung Health Resolution is the first to explicitly include lung cancer within a global lung health framework. In this AudioAbstract, ReachMD's Ryan Quigley explains what this means for screening, early diagnosis, care pathways, and equitable access to treatment.

Guest: John Cho, MD, PhD, FRCPC While early findings using the SMART protocol for mesothelioma have been encouraging, replication has proven challenging due to steep surgical learning curves, complexities in planning, and skepticism. Dr. John Cho explores why adoption has been limited and what's next for this approach, which he discussed at the 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer. Dr. Cho is a radiation oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Toronto.

Guest: James Del Rosso, DO, FAOCD Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Explore the latest breakthroughs in dermatology care with Dr. James Del Rosso, who highlights newly approved and emerging therapies for severe alopecia area, actinic keratosis, and atopic dermatitis. Dr. Del Rosso is the Research Director at JDR Dermatology Research, an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Touro University Nevada, and a practicing dermatologist in Las Vegas. He also presented on this topic at the 2025 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference for Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners.

Guest: Riley Bove, MD, MMSc Many patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience neurogenic bladder symptoms—ranging from urgency and incontinence to retention and infection risk—but these issues are often underprioritized in care. Based on recent research, remote, commercially available bladder monitoring tools can help address this unmet need and uncover day-to-day fluctuations in bladder function. To learn more about this research, tune in to hear from Dr. Riley Bove. Not only is Dr. Bove a practicing neurologist and clinician scientist in the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, but she also presented a session on this exact topic at the 2025 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers Annual Meeting.

Guest: Riley Bove, MD, MMSc From pregnancy planning and postpartum relapse risk to the overlapping symptoms of menopause, women with multiple sclerosis (MS) face unique challenges throughout the reproductive lifespan. Here to share key takeaways from her session at the 2025 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers Annual Meeting that focused on how we can better care for these patients is Dr. Riley Bove, a practicing neurologist and clinician scientist in the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences.

Guest: Jessica Shull, PhD Guest: Joshua Solomon, MD Host: Ryan Quigley Patients with pulmonary fibrosis often face anxiety and emotional distress that go unadressed during their care. Given this unmet need, a digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) platform was designed to support emotional wellbeing alonside medical treatment. Mr. Ryan Quigley sits down with Drs. Jessica Shull and Joshua Solomon, who presented at the 2025 American Thoracic Society International Conference to explore how this platform may enhance quality of life, support therapy adherence, and integrate into routine care. Dr. Shull is the Director of Digital Health and a Clinical Science Liaison at Vicore Pharma, and Dr. Solomon is a Professor of Medicine in Pulmonary Care and the Director of the Interstitial Lung Disease Program at National Jewish Health.

Guest: Divya Shankar, MD A recent study investigated whether pulse-dose corticosteroids offer a benefit over lower doses in managing acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Join Dr. Divya Shankar as she explains the real-world data, variability in prescribing patterns, and outcomes observed in different levels of care. Divya Shankar is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine as well as a Pulmonary and Critical Care Physician at Boston Medical Center, and she spoke about this topic at the 2025 American Thoracic Society International Conference.

Guest: Daniel Paul Vena, PhD A recent study explored whether lateral wall collapse can predict hypoglossal nerve stimulation efficacy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Join Dr. Daniel Vena as he explains the findings from this research and areas for future explanation. Dr. Vena is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and he spoke about this topic at the 2025 American Thoracic Society International Conference.

Guest: Isabel Bazan, MD, BA As race-neutral reference equations have become the standard in pulmonary function tests (PFTs), a recent study explored the potential impact of this change on diagnosis and treatment of severe asthma. Join Dr. Isabel Bazan as she dives into the data and explains its implications for patient categorization and access to care. Dr. Bazan is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Yale School of Medicine, and she spoke about this topic at the 2025 American Thoracic Society International Conference.

Guest: Martin Cheatle, PhD A thoughtful, communicative, and compassionate approach to opioid use is essential for responsible patient use. Join Dr. Martin Cheatle as he explains the neuroscience of chronic pain, the psychosocial components often overlooked in these patients, and evidence-based strategies for evaluating risk and treatment response. Dr. Cheatle is the Director of Behavioral Medicine at the Penn Pain Medicine Center as well as an Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Anesthesiology, and Critical Care and the Director of Pain and Chemical Dependency Research at the Center for Studies of Addiction at the University of Pennsylvania. He also presented on this topic at the 2025 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology East conference.

Guest: Michelle Kahlenberg, MD, PhD Our approach to lupus management is accelerating, with emerging results on targeted therapies in skin and renal disease showing promise. Dr. Michelle Kahlenberg shares insights on emerging biologics, CAR-T innovations, and potential barriers in translating treatment breakthroughs into real-world patient care. Dr. Kahlenberg is the Giles Boles and Dorothy Mulkey Research Professor of Rheumatology and a Professor of Internal Medicine at Dermatology at the University of Michigan, and she spoke about this topic at the 2025 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology East conference.

Guest: Laura Cappelli, MD, MHS,MS Patients who are receiving immunotherapy for cancer sometimes develop significant autoimmune complications, which can be fatal. Join Dr. Laura Cappelli, Associate Professor of Medicine and Oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, as she explains how multidisciplinary collaboration can help manage these rheumatic immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Dr. Cappelli also spoke about this topic at the 2025 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology East conference.

Guest: John Bridges, MD, MS For children with rheumatic diseases, early diagnosis, personalized care, and multidisciplinary collaboration are critical for optimal long-term management. Join Dr. John Bridges, Assistant Professor in the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, as he explains how access, timing, and collaboration shape pediatric rheumatology care. Dr. Bridges presented on this topic at the 2025 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology East conference.

Guest: Michelle Kahlenberg, MD, PhD Lupus arises from a complex interaction of genetics, environmental stimuli, and immune system errors. Dive into the pathophysiology behind the disease with Dr. Michelle Kahlenberg, the Giles Boles and Dorothy Mulkey Research Professor of Rheumatology and Professor of Internal Medicine and Dermatology at the University of Michigan, as she examines the mechanisms that contribute to the development of autoreactive immune responses. Dr. Kahlenberg also spoke about this topic at the 2025 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology East conference.

Guest: Ihtisham Ahmad Preclinical findings in animal models have shown that activating cannibinoid receptors can shrink prostate tumors in animal models. To explore whether these effects translate to human populations, a recent study examined a potential link between cannabis use and the development of prostate cancer. Hear from Ihtisham Ahmad, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Toronto, as he explains the methodology and findings from his research, which he presented at the American Urological Association 2025 Annual Meeting.

Guest: Mutahar Ahmed, MD Optimizing urinary diversion and continence techniques is essential for improving patient outcomes and quality of life following surgery. Join Dr. Mutahar Ahmed as he provides expert guidance on improving success in conduits and neobladders in the operating room and beyond. Dr. Ahmed is the Director of the Center for Bladder Cancer at Hackensack University Medical Center as well as a Professor of Urology and the Director of the Minimal Invasive Robotic Oncology and Urology Fellowship Program at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. He also presented on this topic at the 2025 American Urological Association Annual Meeting.

Guest: Andrew J. Solomon, MD Accurately diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS) involves understanding the diagnostic criteria, recognizing red flags to avoid misdiagnosis, and keeping up with new tools. Dr. Andrew Solomon, Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Neurological Sciences and Chief of the Multiple Sclerosis Division at the University of Vermont, walks through the most difficult aspects of diagnosing patients with MS and potential breakthroughs reshaping how we approach these challenges. Dr. Solomon also spoke about this topic at the 2025 American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting.

Guest: Wayne Kuang, MD The 2025 American Urology Association Annual Meeting promises to unite the global urology community across six continents around transformative education, game-changing trials, and a renewed focus on patient-centered care. Dr. Wayne Kuang, CEO of MD for Men in Albuquerque and Founder of the ManVsProstate campaign, dives into what makes this year's conference truly exciting.