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In the final webinar in this series, we move beyond the medication to explore what comprehensive obesity care can look like in rheumatology practice. Experts will discuss practical approaches to patient conversations, lifestyle support and referrals, overcoming weight bias and barriers to care, and building a sustainable care model that leverages the broader healthcare team, technology, and current clinical guidelines. Speakers: Dr. Alvin Wells Dr. Alexis Ogdie Stacie Ireland, NP Dr. Guada Respicio Dr. Jack Cush
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from this past week on RheumNow.com.
Better Edge : A Northwestern Medicine podcast for physicians
In this episode of Better Edge, Rheumatologist Irene Blanco, MD, moderates a multidisciplinary discussion with Nephrologist Yonatan Peleg, MD, and Dermatologist Paras Vakharia, MD. The conversation explores common causes of delayed lupus diagnosis, when subspecialty involvement can be most valuable, how kidney and skin manifestations can inform treatment and why coordinated care is essential.
How do we talk about risk in a way that is honest, balanced and easy to understand? And what happens when the third person in the consultation room is Dr AI?In this latest episode of Patient Voices, host Dr Yik Man is joined by Dalila Tremarias, patient partner and advocate, and Dr Katie Bechman, Consultant Rheumatologist and Epidemiologist, for a thought-provoking discussion on communication, trust and decision-making in modern healthcare.Together, they explore the central role of the patient-clinician relationship, how we discuss treatment risks and benefits, and the challenges of navigating health information in an era shaped by social media, misinformation and rapidly evolving technology. The conversation also considers the opportunities and pitfalls of artificial intelligence in healthcare, and how we can harness its potential to support, rather than replace, meaningful human connections in clinical care. A fascinating episode for clinicians, patients and anyone interested in the future of healthcare communication. Thanks for listening to Talking Rheumatology! Join the conversation on X using #TalkingRheum or tweet us @RheumatologyUK.BSR is the UK's leading specialist medical society for rheumatology and MSK health professionals. To discover how we can support you in delivering the best care for your patients, visit our website.
Lauren shares practical insights on adapting meaningful activities (including caring for and training dogs!), conserving energy, finding realistic hope, and building a life around what matters to you. Plus, Lauren shares why she's excited to bring this perspective to her newest role as a Rheum to THRIVE certified facilitator.Episode at a glance:How occupational therapy shaped Lauren's approach to life with ankylosing spondylitisWays to make dog care and training more accessibleTips for pacing, energy conservation, and joint protectionCoping with the uncertainty of inflammatory arthritisThe value of community and evidence-based supportAdvice for people newly diagnosed with inflammatory arthritisWhat it means to thrive with ASWhy Lauren became a Rheum to THRIVE facilitatorMedical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Your Morning: The Podcast, we bring you an incredible lineup of stories from across Canada and beyond: Record-Breaking Catch: Meet the 13-year-old bluefin tuna champion who fought a massive 700-pound fish to break a major record.• Medical Insights on Gout: Dr. Nigil Haroon, Head of Rheumatology at UHN's Schroeder Arthritis Institute, breaks down the surprising rise of gout in young men—covering causes, symptoms, and treatment options.• Why We Get Sick in September: Family physician Dr. Vera Kohut explains why illness spikes as fall begins and shares practical tips to stay healthy.• The Mysterious Moving Island: Is it AI or real life? We investigate British Columbia’s disappearing, wandering island.• Canadian Indie Cinemas & Zoning: How a decades-old distribution and zoning system affects independent movie theatres across the country.• Pop Culture & Trends: Exploring the rise of "Friendslop" in gaming and why Mahjong is having a major cultural moment.
Suggest Guests For Our Podcast: https://forms.gle/ytt6a9jxe8YwzsGD6 Can you really boost your immunity? Are autoimmune diseases increasing in Nepal? And how much do we actually understand about the human immune system? In this episode of the Sushant Pradhan Podcast, Prof. Dr. Dharmagat Bhattarai, Nepal's first and only subspecialist in Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, explains the science behind immunity, autoimmune diseases, immune disorders, allergies, and rheumatological conditions. Dr. Dharmagat Bhattarai discusses why autoimmune diseases may be increasing, how immune diseases are treated in Nepal, and why Nepal still has significant awareness gaps around immune system diseases. He explains what the immune system actually is, whether age affects immunity, how people should approach a check-up for immunity disorders, and why the idea that you can simply "boost" your immune system is misleading. The conversation also explores how to make the immune system function properly, the limitations of the human body, genes and disease, gene editing, bone marrow transplantation and the rare ARPC1B disorder. Why does ARPC1B appear to affect some Nepalese patients? What can genetic research tell us about disease? And how could gene editing shape the future of human health? This episode covers the immune system, autoimmune diseases in Nepal, immune disorders, immunology in Nepal, rheumatology, allergies, ARPC1B, gene editing, bone marrow transplant, and the future of human genes. GET CONNECTED WITH Dr. Dharmagat Bhattarai: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Dharmagat.immunology.rheumatology/ Twitter - https://x.com/Dharmagat1?s=20
“Lupus is a disease of a thousand faces”—and some of its most difficult symptoms are the ones clinicians cannot see."In this episode, hosts Dr. Daniel Ennis and Dr. Janet Pope are joined by Dr. Zahi Touma to explore cognitive neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). They examine the difference between patient-reported “brain fog” and objectively measured cognitive impairment, the cognitive domains most commonly affected, and why symptoms can be so difficult to attribute to the disease itself.Dr. Touma discusses what long-term research reveals about cognitive trajectories in patients with SLE, including why some patients remain stable, some experience persistent impairment, and others fluctuate over time. The conversation also considers the influence of depression, chronic pain, and sleep disorders; the limitations of current blood tests and brain imaging; and emerging research into functional imaging; and potential biomarkers such as calprotectin.Most pertinently, the episode asks what rheumatologists can do now. While better screening tools and targeted treatments are still being developed, the first step is listening to patients, taking their cognitive concerns seriously, and offering appropriate reassurance that impairment does not necessarily mean continued decline.Dr. Zahi Touma is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Clinician-Scientist with the University of Toronto, the Krembil Research Institute, and Schroeder Arthritis Institute. He is also the director of the Lupus Program at Toronto's University Health Network (UHN). His research is focused on patients with systemic lupus and also measurement science, with a particular interest in the assessment of disease activity, patient-reported outcomes, and cognitive function.Dr. Daniel Ennis is a rheumatologist and clinical faculty member in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of British Columbia.Dr. Janet Pope is a professor of medicine at Western University and division head of rheumatology at St. Joseph's Health Care London. Her research focuses on systemic sclerosis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.Around The Rheum is produced by the CRA Communications Committee. A special thank you to the podcast team, Dr. Dax G. Rumsey (CRA Communications Committee Chair), Dr. Daniel Ennis (Host), Dr. Janet Pope (Host), David McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca and Erin Stewart (CRA) for leading production.Our theme music was composed by Aaron Fontwell.For more on the work of the Canadian Rheumatology Association, visit rheum.ca
Dr. Andrew Holman is a rheumatologist and the CEO of Seattle-based Inmedix, which recently received FDA clearance for the first cloud-based heart rate variability (HRV) diagnostic platform. Dr. Holman shares how a “detective” mindset led him from early interests in orthopedics and cardiology into rheumatology, fibromyalgia research, and ultimately entrepreneurship. He explains how chronic stress, the autonomic nervous system, and conditions like sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome can influence cardiovascular risk and autoimmune disease outcomes, and why measuring stress biology with medical-grade precision matters. Dr. Holman also offers hard-earned advice for physician-innovators, reflects on pivotal study results, and shares what he hopes to be remembered for: never dismissing patients in distress. Guest links: https://www.inmedix.com | https://www.linkedin.com/company/inmedix-inc Charity supported: Save the Children Interested in being a guest on the show or have feedback to share? Email us at theleadingdifference@velentium.com. PRODUCTION CREDITS Host & Editor: Lindsey Dinneen Producer: Velentium Medical EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Episode 088 - Andrew Holman [00:00:00] Lindsey Dinneen: Hi, I'm Lindsey and I'm talking with MedTech industry leaders on how they change lives for a better world. [00:00:09] Diane Bouis: The inventions and technologies are fascinating and so are the people who work with them. [00:00:15] Frank Jaskulke: There was a period of time where I realized, fundamentally, my job was to go hang out with really smart people that are saving lives and then do work that would help them save more lives. [00:00:28] Diane Bouis: I got into the business to save lives and it is incredibly motivating to work with people who are in that same business, saving or improving lives. [00:00:38] Duane Mancini: What better industry than where I get to wake up every day and just save people's lives. [00:00:42] Lindsey Dinneen: These are extraordinary people doing extraordinary work, and this is The Leading Difference. Hello, and welcome back to another episode of The Leading Difference podcast. I'm your host, Lindsey, and today I'm delighted to be welcoming as my guest Dr. Andrew Holman. Dr. Holman is a rheumatologist and the CEO of Inmedix, a Seattle-based medical diagnostics company that recently received FDA clearance for the first cloud-based heart rate variability diagnostic platform. He has 25 years of clinical experience with 16 peer-reviewed papers and clinical trials demonstrating that measuring stress biology with medical grade precision can improve success rates in autoimmune diseases. All right. Andrew, welcome to the show. I'm so glad you're here today. [00:01:30] Andrew Holman: Yes, happy to be here. Thank you for inviting me. [00:01:33] Lindsey Dinneen: Course, of course. Well, I would love, if you wouldn't mind starting out telling us a little bit about who you are, what your background is, and what led you to medtech. [00:01:44] Andrew Holman: Sure. Well, I'm a, a guy from Seattle, Washington. Grew up here, but trained everywhere else, became a rheumatologist. We study autoimmune diseases, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis. I also was very interested in fibromyalgia and pain. We're the immunologists of medicine. So, I started my practice, golly, a while ago. 1992, I finished my prac- my training, and I was the main rheumatologist at a large suburban hospital at the southern end of Seattle. So hometown, circle back to the hometown. I went into rheumatology because you have many choices when you do internal medicine. You can go be a specialist in many things. But I like the puzzles. The immunology has grown and it's a, it's a particularly sort of detective-oriented specialty. So, I didn't set out to be an entrepreneur. That came 25 years later. I was an in-the-trenches doc trying to help the person in front of me with these devastating diseases that are crippling diseases, usually of young women mostly. [00:02:45] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Okay, and I'm sure there's, there's much more we're gonna dive into, but one thing that really stood out really fast was you, you kind of called yourself a detective, which I really love that term. And so I'm curious, is that something that you always thought you wanted to specialize in, in medicine, or was this, you know, detectiving to come later? Was this something that, you know, you ended up learning more about while in med school and thought, "Oh, this sounds really cool. I could put really two interesting passions together"? [00:03:19] Andrew Holman: Yeah, it was-- you know, things just sort of come into play sometime. For those who are not in medicine, they may not realize it takes about ten years to go to college, med school, re- internship, residency, fellowship, you know, and then you, then you finally get to go be a doctor, and you have to go learn how to be a doctor s- a little more. The patients teach you a lot more than people realize. So I was gonna be an orthopedist. I liked orthopedics. I liked architecture, bones, joints. I thought it was a lot of fun. I just had very little aptitude for what they do. I, I don't-- I, I'm not very g- a good carpenter. I just, you know, I didn't-- just wasn't gonna be a great orthopedist. So then I thought, "I really love cardiology." Rhythm disturbances, all kinds of things. In the 1980s, when I was in medical school , all the new stents and procedures and non- less invasive things than bypass surgery were all coming up. Joint valve replacement. You know, it's really exciting. But I never... and I never took a, a f- a course in rheumatology until I was actually an intern in internal medicine program in Denver, all set to be a cardiologist. And there were 12 of us in the, in the program per year, and s- five of us became rheumatologists because of this one doctor who took us out, a guy named Daryl McCarter. Prob- maybe people who know him, he's retired recently. He would bring us in the office, and we'd see every other patient with him because in between the patients, he would give us an X-ray, say, "I want you to look at this. There's a clue here. See if you can find it." Or, "I want you to look at this pathology slide," or something. "There's a secret, you know, to figure this one out." And I go, "Wow, this is really fun stuff." And once you figured it out, we weren't as good at treating it yet, but we were getting better. We were getting better. So it was the cutting edge and very fertile ground for discovery. So, rheumatologists are called the consult of last resort for a reason. There aren't very many of us. You've usually seen everybody else first, and by the time they-- you see us, we're pretty good at figuring out the rare diseases that are not in other people's board exam. But we're also pretty good at figuring out the common disease that presents in a very strange way, you know? And, and that's what our strength is. So we may... Everybody who sees us who gets diagnosed may not have a rheumatology answer, but we try to get them an answer. And now we're really in the golden age of rheumatology in the last 20 years of really making a difference for so many people. The downside, we don't make a difference for enough people, you know? We, we... That's the problem. So we've got these very motivated doctors out there, eager, and we just need, you know, more. And that's why I became an entrepreneur, because I learned more neurology than I was supposed to know and more sleep physiology than I was supposed to know. You just follow the breadcrumbs, you know? [00:06:17] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Okay, so I know you didn't start out wanting to, or maybe even being interested in being an entrepreneur, but that is the path that you chose, and I would love to hear about that, the company, and what you're all doing. And then also would love to hear about your journey into deciding that this is the next right step for me. [00:06:38] Andrew Holman: Yeah. Well, thanks for asking it. It is a little unusual. So I was actually studying and trying to help patients with fibromyalgia about 30 years ago. And fibromyalgia patients terribly dismissed till they're all making this up. There's not 10 million people that can make anything up and be consistent. I mean, they all say the same thing. So I thought that was nonsense, and I was really thrown into the crowd of, you know, "You're, you're crazy too." And I go, "Well, I'm board certified in crazy." So I w- I was interested in it, and I was irritated that these people were dismissed. And I was around other doctors in Seattle who were similarly that way, which was very, very unusual. It's unusual to find people in the '90s who had an avid interest in that disorder. And so I started doing what rheumatologists are good at, incrementally advancing ideas and therapeutics very carefully, very cautiously. We do a lot of things off-label. When I was-- finished my fellowship in 1992, half the diseases on our board exam had no FDA-approved treatment. We had to do something, right? You couldn't just say, "Well, come back when there's a couple of articles in the New England Journal of Medicine." You, you can't do that, right? People are depending on you. So rheumatologists are particularly good at that, and that's not something most doctors want to do. Most doctors find that very uncomfortable. They're very, very careful people. And, and rheumatologists are careful too, but we take this mission seriously that we need to do something for you. So basically, I was looking at off-label ideas and work on fibromyalgia, and I'll share this with your audience. I was actually pulled up-- pulled in by some senior doctors who said, "We wanna talk with you." And I'd been there about three years as a new doctor. Oh, you know, seem to be doing a good job. Maybe they wanna pat me on the back or something. No, not that. It was actually an intervention, which I had never... I mean, I had no familiarity with what an intervention was. And they said, "Look, we like you. You're a great doc, but you're gonna ruin your reputation if you believe all these people, mostly women And you really need to not take it so seriously or write prescriptions for this c-- this and that." I said, "Well, thank you very much." That's polite. That's not what I was thinking. And I, I... But it prompted me to pull all the charts and say, "You know, I think I'm making some progress here with some ideas here, and let me see if I'm getting fooled and just seeing the people who get better to come back. Let me really honestly look at my performance." And so I pulled about 200 charts. It was my first abstract at the national meeting. And you know what? We were making progress. That had morphed into more progress, following the breadcrumbs, looking at neurology, looking at the autonomic nervous system. So that was about a five-year process. Y-you know, I didn't lose my reputation, obviously. I lecture around the world now. But it led to being very careful about getting clinical evidence if I had a hypothesis. And so we were using the office, and we actually finally did a double-blind prospective study where I bought all the drug myself, had it reformulated, little capsules that, you know, and, and worked with the FDA to get permission to do the study. And that study in fibromyalgia to this day has the highest response rate of any fibromyalgia study for pain that's ever been done. Now, we don't use that treatment anymore. It's 20 years later, we have other things to do. But it did prompt Pharmacia, got bought by Pfizer, I believe, and Boehringer Ingelheim, which co-marketed the drug I was using and reporting on, to pay me $10 million for the patents that I had filed, utility patents. I didn't own the drug. I didn't use it for Parkinson's disease, but I thought there was use in fibromyalgia. So before I told the world, I filed utility patents, and they wanted to exploit that discovery. So did two other pharmaceutical companies, and they had to pay for the privilege of doing it. So at 46, I retired. So I didn't intend to do that, but I do come from a family of lawyers and judges, and so the idea of having a utility patent on a n- a new innovative idea was not a foreign concept to me. [00:10:40] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. [00:10:41] Andrew Holman: That is something I teach all young doctors. [00:10:46] Lindsey Dinneen: That is awesome, and I, I was thinking, okay, this is a great segue because first of all, that's an incredible story. Secondly, I, I would be very curious to know exactly that, what is your advice for some of these incredible physicians, great ideas, that are potentially going to end up becoming an entrepreneur just because that's the path that, that is sort of presented to them? What is some of your advice for that? 'Cause that can't just be... you, you had the privilege at least of, of, of knowing and having some background in that, the legal aspects of IP protection and whatnot, but what are some of the things that you tell people? [00:11:22] Andrew Holman: Well, a couple things I would say and I have these conversations often 'cause I really like the younger people coming along. I say, first of all, don't define yourself as an ent- as being an entrepreneur. Make sure you have other things in your life that are more important to you. Now, the investors are not gonna like to hear that. They, they want you to live and die on your, on your company, right? But I'm saying, you know, you don't have to tell the VCs, but have other things that matter more in your life. You still gotta work really hard because you may, you may find that it's really a slog, and it's very long, and it's very hard. But, you know, make sure that, that, that what you-- though is important, your family, you know, your integrity the scientific problem at hand, the patients, you know, they're number one. Make sure we don't lose sight of all that, and do a few things. Go for a walk. Do something for yourself. Something. I do this twenty-four seven for the last 10 years, you know, every day 'cause I love doing it. It does wear you out, though. Even if you make-- even if you're successful with milestones, it does wear you out. But that's what I tell them. I say, "You know, make sure that you take care of yourself a little bit, too." It's kinda like a analogy. What do you do for a pregnant woman who has a, who has a, a lupus? Lupus is terribly dangerous for the fetus and for the mom. Though the worst thing you do to-- for the baby is not take care of the mom. Take care of mom, [00:12:44] Lindsey Dinneen: Mm-hmm. [00:12:45] Andrew Holman: then get the baby delivered. So, you know, everybody's talking about the baby, but take care of mom. That's the most important thing you do for that baby. So that's kinda what I would say. [00:12:54] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah, that's great. I appreciate that. Yeah, that, that makes a lot of sense too. We've been talking, actually it's been a, a bit of a theme too lately in some of the conversations that I've been having with folks, especially leaders, to talk about that identity component and, and be aware that your job isn't the only thing that defines you or needs to. There's a lot more to your life. There's a lot more to who you are. And so also, you know, our identities change over time and how you refer to yourself and th- those are, those are good things. That's growth, that's movement. So, being comfortable with who you are outside of your career. Yeah. [00:13:33] Andrew Holman: The other thing too is, you know, people used to joke 20 years ago that participation mem- medals were like a farce and what. That's the l- that's the last thing I would say to anybody. Give yourself a pat on the back for going out there trying to attack the castle, you know. Give yourself some credit there because a lot of people just wouldn't do it. My middle daughter was a hundred-meter hurdler at Boise State. She's a Division I athlete. There's a lot of sprinters out there that don't wanna get anywhere near that hurdle 'cause it really hurts when you hit it, right? And so half of that was not-- was being brave. So be brave, be brave, you know. My other daughter was a Division I athlete at Rice. She was a h- she was a volleyball player. Yeah. So, yeah. So I, I, I, I watch other people, see how they persevere and, you know, okay, gotta pick yourself up. Gotta go. Gotta get up this morning. Gotta go. [00:14:23] Lindsey Dinneen: That's right. That-- Yeah. [00:14:25] Andrew Holman: Then remember, people are depending on you, not just your investors. I take that so seriously. But the s- the people who have decided that they're gonna hook their wagon to you. [00:14:34] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. [00:14:35] Andrew Holman: You know, that's a lot of responsibility. [00:14:37] Lindsey Dinneen: It is. Yeah. [00:14:38] Andrew Holman: Give yourself a little credit that you're stepping up. [00:14:41] Lindsey Dinneen: Yes. Great advice. Yeah. Okay, so all right. So let's talk about your company now. So now you're an entrepreneur, in addition to obviously the rest of who, what makes you, you. But and I know that you're also a clinical professor, and I would love to hear about both of those things if you don't mind sharing. [00:14:59] Andrew Holman: Yeah, sure. So, technically I'm an associate clinical professor at the University of Washington. A, a lot of private docs do, and they participate in helping teach the y-young residents and fellows and so forth. So it's a joy to me. I, I think my job is a job of teaching. I'm constantly talk... I'm not-- I don't see patients anymore, although I do maintain my license in malpractice 'cause I get, I get contacted for the fibromyalgia work I did. So it's, my email's on the papers, right? So I, I don't wanna let that go. People need help. But basically, we're constantly teaching patients, you know. Now, we're listening, hopefully do better and better at that, but then I have to make a case. You know, I'd, the-- I'd like you to try this or that. Why do I wanna do that and so forth. We're constantly, you know... We don't-- It, it sounds too trite to call it selling something. We're not doing that. We're in there with you. We're collaborating. But I have to be, I have to have a reason and be persuasive and all that, so that, that academic teaching part's kind of fun. Now, sometimes I go into the lion's den. I will tell you, it's a little nerve-wracking to give rheumatology grand rounds at Harvard. Yeah, yeah, okay. You know, and the University of Washington, they're a little friendlier. It's my hometown. But Guy's Hospital in London and the Hospital for Special Surgeries, I... My first rheumatology grand rounds came at the HSS in 2009. I get there, I completely bomb. All these famous people are in the front row. I'm... They're, they're just not buying any of this thing we call immunoautonomics and how stress affects the immune system. I'm quoting the NIH. I'm doing everything I... I know how to do it, right? Pathology slides, I'm there. Then I find out the way they pick the speakers is the fellows get to find something interesting, and they pick the speakers, not the not the high mucky-mucks. So the only reason I was there is because the fellows, the young folks, thought, "This is an interesting topic. We'd like to hear more." And it turns out they were 15 years ahead of the rest of the world, because this is the most fascinating topic of how the immune system affects the autonomic nervous system affects the immune system, so it inflames it. [00:17:03] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Oh my gosh. Actually, that is one thing I wanted to talk about, 'cause I, I noticed on your LinkedIn profile there was, you know, a reference to how much stress affects cardiovascular health maybe particularly chronic stress. And I would just love to hear more about that and, and maybe some ways... I know there's like, y- of course you always get your standard, "Here are some things that you could do to lower your stress." But, but from your perspective as a physician who's studied this, I'd love to hear more from you about, okay, how does this affect health, especially cardiovascular health, and then really what are some practical things that we can do? [00:17:39] Andrew Holman: Yeah, let me see what I can do. Now I wish I could fast-forward because we will have some magnificent things in the next five to 10 years based on what's being discovered now. But the bottom line is, stress and pain are awful things, but they have a purpose in the near term. So pain is good because it'll keep you from putting your hand back in the fire, right? Just don't do that again. But chronic pain is terrible and not productive. Stress is the same thing. You wanna get away from the lion. You, you, you need to perform. If your child needs you, whatever, you, you need to perform on it instant. But chronic stress is not productive. The problem with the stress response is it's controlled in the brain by the autonomic nervous system, which is called the ANS, and it's divided into two components, the sympathetic fight or flight, which we all know what that feels like. You know, ooh, scary. And the other is the parasympathetic, which is getting more talk now, which is the opposite, which is related to rest, restorative, sleep, recovery, growth hormone, all these things. And both of these systems are on simultaneously all the time, but they jockey for predominance depending on what the demands are around you, right? So turns out the sympathetic part has a significant negative impact on cardiovascular health, as you might expect, right? If you're driving your car at five thousand RPMs-- now, nobody has a stick shift anymore-- but if you're driving at five thousand RPMs, you're gonna wear down your engine, even if you go at the same speed as someone who has a two thousand RPMs, right? It, it's, it's what's going on inside the hood there is really important. So stress responses chronically do have measurable, tangible, well-published effects on cardiovascular mortality in long prospective studies. So if we had a magic something, we would do something to lower that epinephrine adrenaline response. Unless, of course, you're in the military, where someone's-- you need every heightened, m-- you know, response that you can get to survive. But for the rest of us, it's better that that system does not ramp up and activate. And we all have a different propensity to how powerful it is and how much it turns on, and also how poorly it turns off. So the stress response, we think of it like epinephrine, adrenaline. That's the easiest way to do it. So what you'd wanna do is to make sure this magnificent part of your brain that is your-- does all your housekeeping functions, this autonomic nervous system, the command and control center that you just wanna work, you don't wanna think about it, is not on a turbocharged, right? And there are people I take care of that they were just born that way. A lot of them, by the way. So things like all the wellness opportunities you can think of are, are targeted just to simply calm the autonomic nervous system. Tai chi, meditation, diet, exercise, all these things have been around for thousands of years because of that. That's what they do. And the practitioners will share that with you. I mean, the there are monks that can lower their heart rate, you know, to like, you know, what would seem lethal to the rest of us, right? That's the parasympathetic drive that lowers heart rate, lowers blood pressure. So those wellness opportunities are real. It will be important that you can manage whether the-- what you're doing is working or not. [00:21:04] Lindsey Dinneen: Mm-hmm. [00:21:04] Andrew Holman: Right? And that's where my company comes in. But the other is things like obstructive sleep apnea. You might think heavy guys... See, someone's gonna send me for a sleep study for sure, but they're not gonna send you. Big mistake, because it turns out that fifty-three percent of Japanese women with rheumatoid arthritis have unexpected obstructive sleep apnea. Oops. And, and we were just taught that we wouldn't even check those people. Well, turns out sleep apnea untreated is a major cardiovascular risk factor equal to cigarette smoking, according to the Sleep Heart Health Study in 2004. That's a big deal. And also, we learned in rheumatoid arthritis, getting back to my work, world, that patients with rheumatoid arthritis don't die from joint disease, they die from premature heart disease. They can also get cancers. So why is that? Well, there's been a lot of effort to try to figure that out in the last twenty-five years, and their risk factors for cardiovascular disease are not explained by the Framingham risk factor of hypertension, cholesterol, smoking, and all the things we, we look, see. But nobody looked at sleep apnea. [00:22:15] Lindsey Dinneen: Mm-hmm. [00:22:17] Andrew Holman: The other reason it's so relevant, though, is sleep apnea is a potent sympathetic arousal. It, it-- You struggle to breathe, right? You kind of obstruct. And what part of your brain tells you to breathe? Your autonomic nervous system. Breathe, right? And it stimulates this adrenaline response over and over and over, and it pounds your heart over the years, and it can lead to sudden death and arrhythmias. So there's a, there's a link there. Never miss sleep apnea. The other one is we found in our office and published about restless leg syndrome. You know, people tap their toes in the airport or they kick the covers around at night. It's pretty benign for most people, but it looks like it very well might be a sympathetic arousal, and there may be relevance there. The therapies for that may have relevance to what we're talking about. Again, very off-label. We're not talking about FDA-approved here. But it-- You ask what can you do? The other one that's coming is vagus nerve stimulation. That is FDA-approved now for rheumatoid arthritis, and they're going to other opportunities to, again, to, to increase the parasympathetic and to lower the sympathetic, right? So that background activity doesn't harm you. The autonomic nervous system may be the primary reason that two patients respond differently to the same treatment. What you bring to the table. It's no different than if I have two people coming to me for a back problem. One is five foot three and one is seven foot three. The way their spine is designed makes it a whole lot harder to treat the seven-foot back, right? I'm not surprising anybody here. So there are things that the patients can bring to the table that matter. Here's the irony. Ninety-seven percent of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in a survey in England said that stress affected their disease activity. It's no surprise to them. And sixty-five percent said they thought it predated getting the disease, that it actually contributed to getting it in the first place. And now there's evidence to suggest that may be true. [00:24:17] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh, boy. [00:24:19] Andrew Holman: So we can't miss sleep apnea just out there. We can't miss restless leg. We can't miss Ehlers-Danlos type three hypermobility type where people can... you can't see me here, but my fingers can bend backwards. But it's, it basically it's very, very common, and those people tend to have increased sympathetic activity naturally. [00:24:39] Lindsey Dinneen: Fascinating. [00:24:39] Andrew Holman: So yeah, so we're, we're waking up a little bit to some very important features here of individuals that may help us do better with the diseases they also come in. [00:24:50] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Wow. [00:24:52] Andrew Holman: Sorry, long answer. Sorry, but there's a lot. [00:24:54] Lindsey Dinneen: No, that's great. I appreciate it, and yeah, well, then there you go. Managing stress is critical to, to your health. It's not just a nice to have, like yeah, yeah, kind of thing. Okay. Whew. [00:25:07] Andrew Holman: Good learning. [00:25:08] Lindsey Dinneen: Okay, awesome. Yeah, so, I'm curious... Okay, so, so again, I like, I like looking at guests' LinkedIn profiles and, and learning more about, you know, what makes you tick outside of your career as well, and I noticed some very fun things that you have listed. So we've got creative writing, horsemanship, golf, and vintage passenger rail cars. I feel like this warrants... [00:25:33] Andrew Holman: Yeah, it's called... Yeah, the American Association of Private Railcar Owners. Yeah. I get ribbed a lot for that, but they're a great bunch. There are about --I don't know if I know all the numbers now, but about 75 to 80 vintage cars from the '20s, '30s, '40s, '50s, who tag on the back of Amtrak, and Amtrak drags them around, and you can actually go rent them, stay in them, whatever. And they have a a annual meeting where they just get on a private train, and they go on tracks that you wouldn't go on naturally, like private rails in the, you know, middle of nowhere. So that's what they like to do. And it's just a lot of fun, especially the dome cars. [00:26:12] Lindsey Dinneen: Okay. That's so cool. [00:26:14] Andrew Holman: I've been a handful of times. I've got a lot of friends there. I don't own a car, but boy, I'd sure like to have one. [00:26:19] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Okay. That is so cool. And then how about horsemanship? How did you... Have you been riding horses your whole life, or how did that come about? [00:26:29] Andrew Holman: So I went to a high school called Thatcher School in Ojai, California, where there are 50 in a class, and there was a requirement, this is over 100 years old, this school, that you had to have a horse. And they would say s- that something about the "outside of a horse is good for the inside of a boy," right? I was the last all-male class in 1977. Now young women get to go there too. It's of note that I have 15 people from Thatcher investing as family and friends in, Inmedix. So, th-they that, that's pretty special. But it's a boarding school. I was there for four years. My dad had gone there, so I'd heard of it. But I got a tremendous education. Th-there aren't a lot of prep schools on the West Coast, but there are some. And, and that's where I learned how to ride a horse like riding a bicycle. My sister is a thoroughbred horse trainer for 40 years. She's retired. She had three or four or five horses, a har-- not the fancy kind of stuff at the Derby. But they, you know, get up at 4:00 a.m. and ride, you know, that kind of... Tough life, but she loved horses. So yeah, I, I'm as, I'm more comfortable on a horse than I am around anything, probably. [00:27:34] Lindsey Dinneen: That's so cool. Okay. Well, this has been really fun to, to get to hear your incredible life story so far, and I'm excited to see where the company continues to advance medical technology. So, you know, I really appreciate everything you're doing. But I do want to ask, is there a moment that stands out to you along your career path so far where you just thought, "Wow, I am in the right industry at the right time"? [00:28:02] Andrew Holman: Yeah, I'd, I'd say there probably was. When we unblinded the prospective double-blind study that we did looking at this five-minute next generation heart rate variability, this HRV we got through the FDA last year. When we unblinded the study, and although that's not part of the FDA clearance, it was a very important moment for me because it showed that it predicted a year in advance who would respond to treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with ninety percent sensitivity, ninety-five percent specificity. So I wanna emphasize that is not what it's cleared for. It's cleared as an HRV tool that doctors can use at their discretion. But that study is what you asked me to answer. And when you unlock a study and you see the results, two things happen. One is we were happy that I was on the right track. That was nice. You know, positive study. Your hypothesis is valid. But it completely changed the view of immunology, [00:28:58] Lindsey Dinneen: Hmm. [00:28:59] Andrew Holman: Because we would have a test now that could measure the autonomic nervous system with exquisite precision. Nobody cared except me. About 10 years ago, we were waiting for better biologics, the things on TV, right? They asked, "Ask your doctor if it's good for you." Nobody realizes that they work about twenty-five percent of the time in terms of disease control. That's a big gap, but it looks like it's the brain that monitors inflammation. The inflammation the immune system is not firewalled against everything. The brain c-controls it, and it's not the endocrine so much with cortisol, it's the autonomic that works in milliseconds that, that epinephrine response. So that's a... You know, you're pretty nervous when you un-- when you-- someone tells you, "Okay, here is the results." [00:29:48] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Wow. [00:29:50] Andrew Holman: And, and, and that was it. And then it turned out in 2015, the other moment was when I was going through the airport at Seattle and I saw the cover of of Scientific American, Bioelectric Medicine, Setpoint Medical's vagus nerve stimulation, hacking the the vagus nerve to fix the autonomic nervous system to reduce the burden of rheumatoid arthritis. I go, "Okay, now it's time." We had the patent on it. Okay. Ten years forward, we're where we are now. We're launching in June, and we have a software juggernaut here and a literally a vital sign. So, th-the doctors decide what to do with this, but we've put it in their hands, and it's paid for by insurance. So yeah. [00:30:34] Lindsey Dinneen: Amazing. Well, that's, that's so cool. Congratulations on that. That's fantastic. Okay, so to pivot the conversation a little bit just for fun, [00:30:43] Andrew Holman: Hmm? [00:30:43] Lindsey Dinneen: imagine that you were to be offered a million dollars to teach a master class on anything you want. What would you choose to teach? [00:30:53] Andrew Holman: Well, I, I learned that you've all had professors that didn't probably know as much as they should about a subject, but they thought it was just fun. I would probably stick with what I know. So I would do a master class on fibromyalgia because you can actually treat it. And there's published data, but it's very-- it's not widely known. We will be using Inmedix and autonomic testing to do research to validate and get that problem finally solved and put to bed. And then the other is this thing called immunoautonomics. It, the term-- I made up the term 15 years ago. It's in the medical literature. So that's what I would teach. Teach what I know. [00:31:27] Lindsey Dinneen: I love that. Okay, excellent. And how do you wish to be remembered after you leave this world? [00:31:34] Andrew Holman: Well, I, you know, it all come... I define myself by what the patients, how they do and what they say. It's not about five stars and all that, you know, you know, there's plenty of those. But it's, it's... I made a, a commitment if somebody says anything about me, I made a commitment when I was a rheumatologist with all these mostly young women upset, that I would never leave the room with them crying. Didn't matter how far behind I was, didn't matter. We went through a lot of Kleenex. There's a l- it's devastating to get these diseases when you're a young woman. And they can put that on my tombstone, not to dismiss people. We had a saying in the office, "It's gotta be something." You know? It's, it's always something. Drives me crazy when doctors will say, "Oh, that's nothing." Well, well, first of all, we know it's not nothing. It, it is always something, and there's something that defines your success, and there has to be things that define your failure. So let's figure out what the something is, but let's not argue that there's nothing there. So let's not dismiss people who are frightened and worried, and maybe they don't tell the story as clearly as we'd hope. But you know what? It's not, it's not their fault. They're in distress. It's amazing what people are like after you help them with their chronic pain. [00:32:45] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah. That is really cool and makes so much sense. Yeah. Thank you. Okay, and then final question: what is one thing that makes you smile every time you see or think about it? [00:32:59] Andrew Holman: It's making me smile right now. When I talk to the young fellows that are in their training and they're finishing up, so they've done three years or four years of medicine, three years of internal medicine after that, and then they do three or two, three, four years of rheumatology, and then they're gonna go out, I tell them how jealous I am of what they're gonna see. The, the last, the last 40 years we had these young men mostly coming in with terrible weight loss and immune systems, falling apart, and these strange tumors, and they're dying of, of infections like yeast and candida that, you know, everybody did fine with, and it was HIV, right? It had to be figured out. Now HIV is a chronic disease. It's like diabetes. We had so many people die in the '80s. Hepatitis C was... You'd have liver enzymes up, and it wasn't hepatitis A 'cause we could test for that, and it wasn't hepatitis B 'cause we could test for that. So we just called it non-A, non-B. Literally, that's what we called it. And then that got to be called hepatitis C, right? 'Cause it was too embarrassing to call it n- what it wasn't. And now hepatitis C is curable with antiviral agents in, like, three weeks. I mean... And then the biologics showed up. They're not perfect, but they were a big step. And then this immunoautonomics and, and understanding how pain and sleep and the autonomic nervous system work. I'm just really jealous of what those young clinicians are gonna get to see. [00:34:27] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah, that's really... Yeah, I can see why. But it sounds like you are, you know, keeping, keeping your what, what would they say? Like, toe in the water or something so that you're able to, to watch some of this as well and be a part of that next [00:34:40] Andrew Holman: I feel like I'm a ne- I feel like I'm neck deep and I'm just hoping I don't go down any lower. [00:34:47] Lindsey Dinneen: Fair enough. [00:34:48] Andrew Holman: 'Cause I have to find a way to pay for it. [00:34:50] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. The details, you know. Yeah, yeah. [00:34:53] Andrew Holman: You got those details, yeah. [00:34:54] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Oh my gosh. Well, this has been an incredible conversation. I really appreciate your time today and sharing your insights and, and stories and, yeah, I'm so excited to see the future of medicine, and I appreciate perspectives of, like yours, where you just, you share a lot of hope and optimism, and you're actively working to change lives for a better world. So, thank you. [00:35:16] Andrew Holman: Yeah, I, I irritate a lot of people with that optimism, but I'm sorry, it's just there. I can't fix it. [00:35:22] Lindsey Dinneen: Brilliant. Well, I love it. It makes my heart happy, so thank you so much again, and I hope you have the best rest of your day. [00:35:31] Andrew Holman: Thank you so much. Thanks for having me. [00:35:32] Lindsey Dinneen: Of course. [00:35:34] Dan Purvis: The Leading Difference is brought to you by Velentium Medical. Velentium Medical is a full service CDMO, serving medtech clients worldwide to securely design, manufacture, and test class two and class three medical devices. Velentium Medical's four units include research and development-- pairing electronic and mechanical design, embedded firmware, mobile app development, and cloud systems with the human factor studies and systems engineering necessary to streamline medical device regulatory approval; contract manufacturing-- building medical products at the prototype, clinical, and commercial levels in the US, as well as in low cost regions in 1345 certified and FDA registered Class VII clean rooms; cybersecurity-- generating the 12 cybersecurity design artifacts required for FDA submission; and automated test systems, assuring that every device produced is exactly the same as the device that was approved. Visit VelentiumMedical.com to explore how we can work together to change lives for a better world.
Join Professor Peter Nash from the Griffith University in Brisbane, and Doctor van Mulligen, from the Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, as they discuss her recent paper ‘Long-term durability of a time-limited methotrexate intervention in patients with anti-citrullinated protein antibody-positive and anti-citrullinated protein antibodynegative arthralgia at increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis (TREAT EARLIER): 5-year data from a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial'.
What type of arthritis could be causing your joint pain? Not all arthritis looks the same and one of the first things a rheumatologist considers is whether joint pain is mechanical or inflammatory.In this Rheumatology 1-on-1 Live, Dr. Isabelle Amigues walks through several real-world clinical examples to explain how different types of arthritis can present, including:• Osteoarthritis and mechanical joint pain • Reactive arthritis • Psoriatic arthritis • Gout and CPPD (pseudogout) • Ankylosing spondylitis • Rheumatoid arthritis • Arthritis caused by infections • Other less common causes of inflammatory arthritisDr. Amigues also explains why symptoms such as morning stiffness, swelling, pain that improves with exercise, symmetric joint involvement, back pain, and sudden severe flares can give rheumatologists important clues.The goal isn't to diagnose yourself from symptoms but understanding these patterns can help you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider and know when seeing a rheumatologist may be helpful.Dr. Amigues also shares exciting news about expanding her rheumatology practice to Boulder, Colorado.
Join Cristiana Sieiro Santos, Ufuk Ilgen and Daliya Pencheva as they discuss the important role Country Liaisons play in connecting early-career rheumatologists across Europe, promoting EMEUNET opportunities at the national level, strengthening collaboration with national societies, and supporting educational and networking initiatives.We also hear about the development of the Country Liaison Recognition Award and the experience and achievements of its first recipient, including advice for those looking to get more involved in EMEUNET.Tune in to discover how Country Liaisons are helping build a more connected rheumatology community.
Join Amanda Mixon, PA-C, for a practical look at the role of the rheumatology advanced practice provider (APP) in recognizing and managing interstitial lung disease (ILD). Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Better Edge : A Northwestern Medicine podcast for physicians
In this episode of Better Edge, Eric Ruderman, MD, sits down with Anisha Dua, MD, and Brian Jaros, MD, co-directors of Northwestern Medicine's Vasculitis Center to walk through practical approaches to vasculitis care.They discuss:• Early recognition and diagnostic workup• Treatment decisions and evolving therapies• When to refer to a specialized center• How guideline updates and clinical trials are shaping practice
Have you ever thought about what meaningful patient engagement in a project looks like? Are you keen to work with patients in QI projects and research but don't know where to start? In this next episode of the patient voices series Lynn Laidlaw, experienced public partner and peer researcher, and Dr Charlotte Sharp, an academic Rheumatologist, talk to Dr Roz Benson about co-production and patient and public involvement in rheumatology. They discuss examples from grass roots projects to large scale national initiatives and their experiences along the way. After listening you'll fing yourself challenged to find a reason why you shouldn't be working to involve patients in your projects from the beginning!Resources:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10036989/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBSJKMYNOawhttps://www.bmj.com/content/358/bmj.j3453 Thanks for listening to Talking Rheumatology! Join the conversation on X using #TalkingRheum or tweet us @RheumatologyUK.BSR is the UK's leading specialist medical society for rheumatology and MSK health professionals. To discover how we can support you in delivering the best care for your patients, visit our website.
In this encore episode, Dr. Liew shares her personal journey to becoming a rheumatologist inspired by a friend's diagnosis. She then discusses the condition in detail, addressing common misconceptions such as it being exclusive to white men and always showing up on imaging. Listeners will gain invaluable insights into the challenges of diagnosing this condition, social determinants affecting diagnosis, and reliable resources for further information. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the labyrinth of rheumatic diseases, providing hope and knowledge to help you thrive. Episode at a glance: 00:00 Introduction to Rheumer Has It Podcast 00:26 Meet Dr. Jean Liew: Expert on Axial Spondyloarthritis 00:40 Understanding Axial Spondyloarthritis 01:41 Dr. Liew's Journey into Rheumatology 04:16 Busting Myths: Axial Spondyloarthritis and Demographics (it's not just men!) 06:50 Challenges in Diagnosing Axial Spondyloarthritis 10:27 The Role of HLAB 27 in Axial Spondyloarthritis 12:26 Imaging and Axial Spondyloarthritis 14:38 Final Thoughts and Resources Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels (including Rheumer Has It) was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode Sponsors Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Beyond The Prescription: Insider Tips On How To Be A Better Patient Despite incredible medical breakthroughs and massive funding, America continues to lag behind similar nations in overall health outcomes. The root of this crisis lies in our fragmented medical system, where profit is valued over true health. Our expert gives step-by-step advice on how to get exactly what you need out of your healthcare experience. Guest: Dr. Lucy McBride, primary care physician, Ackerly McBride Group, author, Beyond the Prescription Host and Producer: Kristen Farrah The Disease Of Kings: Breaking The Stigma Around Gout While an active lifestyle can prevent a lot of illnesses, some debilitating conditions strike out of nowhere. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis affecting over twelve million Americans. The pain can be so severe that even the weight of a bedsheet is unbearable. Our experts explain the root cause of gout and why a persistent, outdated stigma keeps millions of sufferers from seeking help. Guests: Dr. Suneet Grewal, rheumatologist, East Bay Rheumatology Medical Group; Glenn, patient Host: Greg Johnson Producer: Kristen Farrah Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Disease Of Kings: Breaking The Stigma Around Gout While an active lifestyle can prevent a lot of illnesses, some debilitating conditions strike out of nowhere. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis affecting over twelve million Americans. The pain can be so severe that even the weight of a bedsheet is unbearable. Our experts explain the root cause of gout and why a persistent, outdated stigma keeps millions of sufferers from seeking help. Guests: Dr. Suneet Grewal, rheumatologist, East Bay Rheumatology Medical Group; Glenn, patient Host: Greg Johnson Producer: Kristen Farrah Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 20, 2026) – A UK HealthCare patient who has lived with severe lupus for more than 20 years recently became the second patient in the United States to receive an experimental CAR-T cell therapy through a Phase 2 clinical trial. On this episode of 'Behind the Blue,' Dr. Paramarajan Piranavan, chief of the Division of Rheumatology at UK HealthCare, and Dr. Izabela Antic, the patient's primary rheumatologist and a sub-investigator on the study, explain how the trial came to UK and why researchers are cautiously hopeful about what this approach could mean for patients with severe, treatment-resistant autoimmune disease. CAR-T cell therapy is most often associated with blood cancers. In this study, researchers are testing whether a similar approach can help patients with severe lupus by targeting the B cells that help drive the disease. Dr. Piranavan explains how lupus disrupts the immune system, why some patients become refractory to available treatments and how an "immune reset" could allow the body to rebuild without the same harmful immune memory. The episode also explores what the treatment process requires, including screening, cell collection, genetic modification, chemotherapy, infusion and a 14-day hospital stay for close monitoring. Dr. Antic discusses the patient's decision to participate after years of aggressive disease and failed treatments, while both physicians emphasize that this remains an experimental therapy and that one patient's experience cannot determine whether the treatment will work for others. Also central to this complex clinical trial is the UK Center for Clinical and Translational Science, which has provided extensive support from its research coordinators, clinical research clinics and nurses, and regulatory and finance teams. Since the study involves multiple areas across UK's research enterprise and hospital system, combining standard patient care with investigational treatment, there are unique challenges that require a multidisciplinary, creative and highly dedicated team. "It has truly involved a herculean effort, and we are all so committed to the success of this clinical trial — not just for this patient but also to bring CAR-T forward as a cutting-edge treatment beyond oncology and thus open up the doors for so many other therapeutic areas," said Dorothy Ross, research coordinator and senior research development director for the CCTS. 'Behind the Blue' is available via a variety of podcast providers, including Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify. Subscribe to receive new episodes each week, featuring UK's latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists, writers and the most important news impacting the university. 'Behind the Blue' is a production of the University of Kentucky. Transcripts for most episodes are now embedded in the audio file and can be accessed in many podcast apps during playback. Transcripts for older episodes remain available on the show's blog page. To discover how the University of Kentucky is advancing our Commonwealth, click here. This interview has been edited for time and clarity.
Can the way you see yourself actually influence how you feel and function?In this Rheumatology 101 live, Dr. Isabelle Amigues discusses the Counterclockwise Study and what it can teach us about the connection between the mind and body.The study explored what happened when older adults were immersed in an environment designed to make them behave as though they were 20 years younger. Dr. Amigues connects this concept to rheumatology and the importance of how patients envision their health journey.Instead of constantly thinking, “I have this disease. I'm always going to be sick. Will I need this medication forever?” consider shifting the focus toward what is possible:“I am getting better.” “My treatment is helping me.” “I am working toward remission.” “What can I do today to help my body?”Modern rheumatology has powerful treatments, including targeted therapies and biologic medications. Mindset isn't a replacement for medical treatment—but the way you approach your health journey can be an important part of how you experience it.If you live with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or another rheumatologic condition, don't stop imagining what feeling better could look like.
In this session, attendees will be equipped to navigate the discernment process of identifying the best-fit sending agency for them.
Inflammation is an important and necessary part of the body's healing process. It's also long been a wellness buzzword used to sell products that do very little to treat it. This week, we look at inflammation through the lens of a new Mother Jones article, “The Great Inflammation Panic,” including an interview with the author, Julia Métraux, in segment two. We'll also discuss what inflammation is, how wellness influencers weaponize it, and what it represents in the context of Ayurveda. Show Notes The Great Inflammation Panic Chronic Inflammation and Cancer NIH Autoimmune Diseases Celiac Disease Cambridge press release — "Chronic diseases misdiagnosed as psychosomatic can lead to long term damage" Sloan et al., "I still can't forget those words" — Rheumatology (2025), DOI 10.1093/rheumatology/keaf115 Vasculitis diagnostic-delay data — PubMed Miranda Fricker interview — Philosophy Bites Bleuler 1911 coinage — NCBI Bookshelf, The Metamorphosis of Autism Bleuler's original 1911 text excerpt — Autism History Project Sontag, "Illness as Metaphor" — full text, NYRB Louise Hay — Natural Ways to Treat Autoimmune Disease Gabor Maté, When the Body Says No — critical review, Globe and Mail Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join Professor Peter Nash from the Griffith University in Brisbane; Professor Axel Finckh, from the Division of Rheumatology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland; and Bente Glintborg, an Associate Professor from the Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark as they discuss his recent paper ‘Influence of the shared epitope on the effectiveness of biologic antirheumatic agents in European patients with rheumatoid arthritis'.
What should you do when your treatment isn't working—or you're actually getting worse?In this Rheumatology 101 episode, Dr. Isabelle Amigues shares an important lesson from her clinical practice: when a treatment isn't working the way it should, sometimes the answer isn't simply increasing the medication. It's time to pause and reconsider what is really going on.Steroids such as prednisone can work quickly for many inflammatory conditions. But when symptoms don't improve as expected, or worsen despite treatment, that can be an important signal to stop and reassess.Dr. Isabelle explains why rheumatologists may need to consider whether:• The original diagnosis is correct • Another rheumatologic condition could be causing the symptoms • More than one condition is present • An infection could be contributing to symptoms • Another medical specialty should be involved • Increasing immunosuppression could potentially cause harmShe also discusses a patient whose symptoms were initially thought to be rheumatoid arthritis but were ultimately found to be related to coccidioidomycosis, a fungal infection—highlighting why doctors need to remain open-minded when a patient's response doesn't match what is expected.Most importantly, Dr. Isabelle shares what patients can ask when their doctor says, "I'm not sure."You deserve an answer, or at least a clear next step.Don't continue down a path that isn't helping you. Pause. Ask questions. Reassess. And make sure you leave with a plan for what comes next.This video is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice.
This episode covers Henoch-Schönlein purpura.Notes: https://zerotofinals.com/paediatrics/rheumatology/hsp/Questions: https://members.zerotofinals.com/Books: https://zerotofinals.com/books/The audio in the episode was expertly edited by Harry Watchman.
What should you do if you have an autoimmune flare?Whether you have rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, lupus, or another inflammatory condition, a flare can be painful and discouraging—but it doesn't necessarily mean your treatment has failed.The goal in rheumatology is always full remission, and understanding your flares helps you and your rheumatologist make the best treatment decisions.If you're living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, lupus, vasculitis, Sjögren's syndrome, or another autoimmune disease, this video will help you better understand what to do when symptoms suddenly worsen.
Turning 18 doesn't mean that a young person is suddenly ready to manage a lifelong illness alone. Between 25 and 75 percent of young people with rheumatic diseases experience a gap in care or are lost to follow-up after moving into the adult system — even though most will require ongoing treatment and monitoring.Join pediatric rheumatologist Dr. Michelle Batthish as she chats with our hosts Dr. Janet Pope and Dr. Daniel Ennis about why transition should be a gradual process rather than a single transfer of care.They explore how clinicians can assess readiness, help patients become more independent with appointments and medications, and support parents as their role changes. They also discuss young-adult rheumatology (YARD) clinics, the reasons patients are lost to follow-up, and the importance of addressing mental health, relationships, and the other pressures facing young adults.Dr. Michelle Batthish is a pediatric rheumatologist at McMaster Children's Hospital and associate professor of pediatrics at McMaster University. She is a CanChild scientist and chairs the Canadian Rheumatology Association's Transition Working Group. Her research focuses on healthcare transition and quality improvement in pediatric rheumatology.Dr. Daniel Ennis is a rheumatologist and clinical faculty member in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of British Columbia.Dr. Janet Pope is a professor of medicine at Western University and division head of rheumatology at St. Joseph's Health Care London. Her research focuses on systemic sclerosis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.Around The Rheum is produced by the CRA Communications Committee. A special thank you to the podcast team, Dr. Dax G. Rumsey (CRA Communications Committee Chair), Dr. Daniel Ennis (Host), Dr. Janet Pope (Host), David McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca and Erin Stewart (CRA) for leading production.Our theme music was composed by Aaron Fontwell.For more on the work of the Canadian Rheumatology Association, visit rheum.ca
Drawing from their own lived experiences, they discuss everything from when to disclose a diagnosis while dating to navigating rejection, communicating with partners, managing physical intimacy, and recognizing relationship red flags. They also share practical advice for building healthy partnerships rooted in honesty, empathy, and mutual support. Along the way, Cheryl and Eileen examine what research tells us about chronic illness, loneliness, and relationship outcomes, while challenging the myth that arthritis inevitably harms romantic relationships. Instead, they argue that although chronic illness can create real challenges, it can also deepen connection, vulnerability, and resilience with the right partner. Above all, they emphasize that the strongest foundation for any relationship is cultivating self-compassion, self-worth, and a healthy relationship with yourself first. Episode at a glance: 00:00 Welcome and Premise 00:33 Why This Topic Matters 01:02 Eileen and Cheryl Backgrounds 03:05 When to Disclose Illness 06:26 Cheryl Dating Lessons 10:36 Myth vs Fact Impact 12:56 Self Love and Breaks 18:34 Sex and Intimacy Tips 27:28 Relationship Styles That Work 30:30 Loneliness and Health Research 34:19 Key Takeaways and Wrap Up Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels (including Rheumer Has It) was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode Sponsors Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Can you exercise if you have rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain, or an autoimmune disease?In this Rheumatology 101 conversation, Dr. Isabelle Amigues is joined by pediatrician, running coach, and founder of Mindful Marathon, Dr. Michelle Quirk, to debunk one of the biggest myths about exercise and chronic pain.You'll learn:✔️ Why exercise is one of the best treatments for inflammatory arthritis✔️ The biggest myth keeping people with chronic pain from moving✔️ How to safely start exercising—even if you're starting from the couch✔️ Why walking may be the perfect first step✔️ How running can improve heart health, mood, sleep, and inflammation✔️ The connection between exercise, autoimmune disease, and longevity✔️ Why consistency matters more than intensityIf you've been avoiding exercise because you're afraid it will damage your joints, this episode may completely change how you think about movement.At UnabridgedMD, our mission is to help patients achieve remission through evidence-based medicine, education, and hope.
Join Professor Peter Nash from the Griffith University in Brisbane, and Laura Coates, Professor at the University of Oxford's Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, as they discuss a recent paper ‘Ixekizumab with tirzepatide achieved greater disease control than ixekizumab alone in adults with psoriatic arthritis and overweight or obesity: Results from a randomized clinical trial'.
In this updated introduction, I share how my response to this question has changed, the importance of exploring internalized ableism, and why I think a better question is: Can I build a joyful, meaningful life with rheumatoid arthritis along for the ride? After these reflections, you'll hear the original 2021 episode and see what has changed, and what has stayed the same in my thinking over the years. This is very much informed by the rich discussions I've had with people in the Rheum to THRIVE communities and the Arthritis Life community at large, whether on social media, email or in person. I would love to hear your thoughts on this question after listening to the episode! Episode at a Glance 2026 updated thoughts: 00:00 Why Revisit Normal 02:16 Redefining Normal Life 06:05 Ableism And New Goals 08:50 Acceptance Not Giving Up 17:24 Thriving Without Remission 19:28 Toolboxes Fixing And Adapting 22:22 Community And Imperfection 2021 original audio: 26:08 Origins Of The Question 29:43 “Normal Compared To What?” 33:25 Uncertainty And Remission Paths 34:44 Truth Bombs And New Normal 41:43 Pain Versus Suffering 44:34 ACT In Practice 50:43 Rheum To THRIVE Framework 53:22 Final Takeaways Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode Sponsors Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Dr. David Chernoff, Chief Medical Officer of Setpoint Medical, discusses electrically driven vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a “neuroimmune modulation” approach to autoimmune and inflammatory disease. Chernoff explains the vagus nerve's sensory role in monitoring organs and signaling the brainstem and spleen to regulate immune responses, and how precise stimulation can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines without immunosuppression. Setpoint's miniaturized, wireless, MRI-compatible implant is placed in an outpatient 45-minute neck procedure and delivers one minute of daily stimulation titrated to an upper comfort level; long-term safety is supported by prior surgical experience and a 242-patient blinded RA study with two-year data, leading to FDA approval for rheumatoid arthritis. The discussion covers add-on use with medications, potential steroid tapering, reimbursement, and research in Crohn's disease, relapsing MS (vision and remyelination), and other conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, lupus, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. David Chernoff, Chief Medical Officer of Setpoint Medical.
En este episodio de la Serie de Expertos de la Fundación de Lupus de América, nos centramos en las nuevas guías de tratamiento para el lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) publicadas por el Colegio Americano de Reumatología (American College of Rheumatology). Nuestro invitado, el Dr. Jorge Sánchez-Guerrero, explica la importancia de estas guías para ofrecer recomendaciones basadas en evidencia orientadas a una atención personalizada del paciente, así como el proceso de elaboración y actualización de dichas guías y los cambios clave que priorizan un control óptimo de la enfermedad y la reducción del uso prolongado de corticosteroides. El Dr. Sánchez-Guerrero destaca la necesidad de la participación activa del paciente y de una buena comunicación con los profesionales de la salud para garantizar un manejo eficaz del lupus. Regístrate para recibir correos electrónicos de la Fundación de Lupus de América (LFA) cuando se publiquen nuevos episodios (en inglés): https://support.lupus.org/site/SPageNavigator/email_subscribe_expert_series.html?s_src=lupus.org&s_subsrc=TES_s9e4Conclusiones:Las nuevas directrices sobre el lupus hacen hincapié en lograr la remisión de la enfermedad y reducir el uso de esteroides para prevenir efectos secundarios irreversibles.Las directrices de tratamiento son recomendaciones, no obligaciones, y respaldan — en lugar de sustituir — el criterio clínico de su médico.El tratamiento debe adaptarse a las necesidades individuales del paciente y a las manifestaciones de la enfermedad.Las terapias biológicas e inmunosupresoras pueden ayudar a controlar la actividad de la enfermedad.La comunicación abierta y la participación activa del paciente son fundamentales para tomar decisiones eficaces sobre el tratamiento.Recursos relacionados:Pregúntele a una educadora de la salud: https://www.lupus.org/es/care-support/ask-a-health-educatorEl Centro Nacional de Recursos sobre el Lupus: https://www.lupus.org/es/resourcesEncuentra apoyo cerca de ti (en inglés): https://www.lupus.org/es/support-groupsNuevas directrices para el tratamiento del lupus (en inglés): https://rheumatology.org/press-releases/new-lupus-sle-clinical-practice-guidelines-released
How can independent rheumatology practices succeed in an increasingly challenging healthcare environment? Hosts Heather and Matthew welcome Mike Chavez and Ray Waldrop, Co-Founders of The Leaders Rheum, to discuss the challenges facing rheumatology practices, including workforce shortages, rising costs, and increasing payer pressures. We also explore how independent practices are leveraging technology and collaborative business models to improve operations while maintaining physician autonomy. Tune in for a look at how The Leaders Rheum is empowering rheumatology practices for long-term success!
What is actually driving the rise in autoimmune disease? In today's episode, Haylie Pomroy is joined by Dr. Marc Kesselman, Chair of Internal Medicine and Chief of Rheumatology at Nova Southeastern University, to dig into the hidden drivers of autoimmune disease and what patients can actually do about them. Dr. Kesselman breaks down how COVID-19, vaccine adjuvants, environmental toxins, gut microbiome imbalance, and Epstein-Barr virus all contribute to the rising wave of autoimmune conditions. He explains why non-celiac gluten sensitivity is real even when tests come back negative, how food rotation and plant diversity help protect the microbiome, and why autoantibodies can appear in the bloodstream 15 to 20 years before a single symptom shows up. He also covers a piece of the autoimmune conversation that most patients never hear: why chronic inflammation significantly raises cardiovascular risk even when cholesterol looks normal, and which tests can catch it before it becomes a crisis. If you have been told your labs are fine but something still feels wrong, this episode is for you. Tune in to Fast Metabolism Matters. If your body feels like it's running on empty, overburdened, or just not responding the way it used to, Haylie's latest book, Toxic Overload, tells you exactly what to do. Download your free digital copy today and start understanding what your body is trying to tell you. Free Download: Get Your Copy of Toxic Overload
This episode's Community Champion Sponsor is Ossur. To learn more about their ‘Responsible for Tomorrow' Sustainability Campaign, and how you can get involved: CLICK HEREEpisode Overview: Mobility is foundational to life itself, yet musculoskeletal conditions quietly rob millions of people of the very movement that makes living worthwhile.Dr. Bryan Kelly, President and CEO of HSS, is leading a bold answer to that challenge. As the steward of the world's top-ranked orthopedic institution, now embarking on what he calls a Mobility Revolution, Dr. Kelly is expanding HSS far beyond its storied Manhattan campus.Through landmark partnerships with Deerfield Management, General Atlantic, Peloton, and beyond, HSS is building a global platform to unlock mobility for everybody, everywhere.Join us to discover how Dr. Kelly and the HSS team are leveraging cutting-edge innovation, data intelligence, and how his unwavering focus on the patient are redefining musculoskeletal health for generations to come. Let's go!Episode Highlights:HSS, founded in 1863, has grown into a world-leading musculoskeletal ecosystem spanning surgery, research, and rheumatology.Dr. Kelly, originally a music major, found his calling in orthopedics and built the nation's largest hip preservation service at HSS.HSS's bold new vision, "unlock mobility for every body, everywhere," targets the full care continuum from prevention to recovery.HSS is executing a four-concentric-circle growth strategy, physical expansion and a digital platform built on deep musculoskeletal data.Dr. Kelly and Deerfield Management launched a dedicated mobility venture fund targeting $400 million to $1 billion for musculoskeletal innovation.About our Guest:Dr. Bryan Kelly is the President & CEO, Surgeon-in-Chief Emeritus at HSS, which is the world leader in orthopedics, rheumatology and related disciplines. At the core of HSS is Hospital for Special Surgery, the largest academic medical center specialized in musculoskeletal health, founded in 1863. US News & World Report ranks HSS #1 in Orthopedics nationwide (past 16 consecutive years) and as a national leader in Rheumatology and a Best Hospital for Pediatric Orthopedics. HSS leadership spans patient care, research, education and innovation.Dr. Kelly and his more than 5,000 HSS colleagues are dedicated to the purpose of helping people get back to what they need and love to do, better than any other place in the world. To achieve this, he is focused also on advancing HSS as the best place for specialists in musculoskeletal health and all other team members to advance their careers.A world-renowned surgeon, scientist and educator specialized in sports medicine and hip preservation, Dr. Kelly arrived at HSS in 1996 with undergraduate and medical degrees from Brown University and Duke University. He completed his residency and two-year fellowship at HSS, followed by additional fellowships under the direction of Dr. Marc J. Philippon at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Dr. Herbert Resch at the Landeskliniken Hospital in Salzburg, Austria. He has spent much time collaborating with Professor Michael Leunig in Zurich, Switzerland and has established an exchange program for hip preservation trainees. Dr. Kelly completed his MBA at NYU Stern School of Business in 2019.Prior to assuming his role as President and CEO in 2023, Dr. Kelly served in several other leadership positions at HSS including Surgeon-in-Chief, Chief of the Sports Medicine Institute, and Chief of the Hip Preservation Service. He has a faculty appointment as Full Professor of Orthopedics at Weill Cornell Medical College and medical staff appointments at HSS and New York - Presbyterian Hospital. He has cared for several sports teams, serving as Head Team Physician for the New York Rangers, Assistant Team Physician for the New York Giants and Orthopedic Consultant for UFC.Over the past 20 years and with over 200 peer reviewed scientific publications, Dr. Kelly has played an instrumental role in the evolution and maturation of the field of hip preservation, which helps people of all ages with non-arthritic hip disorders to maintain mobility and stability. In 2010, he started the Hip Preservation Service at HSS, which is now the nation's largest with a 12-year record of fellowships.Dr. Kelly has a broad range of both clinical and basic science research interests including the development of a clinical outcomes registry; biomechanical studies evaluating conflict patterns in femoroacetabular impingement and techniques in labral refixation; development of synthetic scaffolds for labral reconstruction and cartilage injuries in the hip; and the development of novel surgical techniques for managing soft tissue injuries around the hip joint.More information about HSS can be found at HSS.edu.Links Supporting This Episode: HSS website: CLICK HEREDr. Bryan Kelly LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREHSS LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREMike Biselli LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREMike Biselli Twitter page: CLICK HEREVisit our website: CLICK HERESubscribe to newsletter: CLICK HEREGuest nomination form: CLICK HERE
Did you know doctors are paid systematically less for procedures on female anatomy? (For example, 45% more to biopsy a penis than a vagina). This shocking reality, highlighted by creator René Jay @bornwithadarktan and Dr. Kemi Doll's book A Terrible Strength, is a baked-in structural issue.In this episode of Our Womanity, host Dr. Rachel Pope sits down with urogynecologist Dr. Jocelyn Fitzgerald—the lead researcher behind the landmark study "Price and Prejudice"—to dismantle the financial architecture failing female patients and their specialists.Dr. Jocelyn Fitzgerald, MD is a board-certified urogynecologist and reconstructive pelvic surgeon at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, and an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Her clinical work and research span chronic pelvic pain, female sexual dysfunction, pelvic floor disorders, and genitourinary syndrome of menopause. She is a prominent advocate for equity in women's healthcare, famously publishing research detailing the surgical reimbursement inequities embedded within female anatomy billing.Key Conversation Highlights: The RVU Trap: How the Relative Value Unit (RVU) billing system systematically devalues the female body, gynecologic surgery, and non-surgical menopause visits. "Moms of Medicine" Dilemma: Why society expects OBGYNs to constantly absorb uncompensated emotional labor and primary care duties, diluting their specialized surgical value. The Workforce Crisis: Why post-op "ghost towns" and devalued billing are driving a massive OBGYN shortage, with only six states projected to have adequate care by 2040. Beyond "Lady Stuff": Why menopause is a systemic transition overlapping with cardiology, rheumatology, and neurology, demanding interdisciplinary research. The Allderdice Connection: A fun look back at Rachel and Jocelyn's shared feminist upbringing at Taylor Allderdice High School in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh."In medicine, if we don't study it and we don't name it, it's not there. It's just treated as 'lady stuff.'" — Dr. Jocelyn FitzgeraldConnect & Listen:Subscribe to Our Womanity on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and follow Dr. Rachel Pope on Instagram: @DrRachelPope for daily midlife wellness tips!The Study: Price and Prejudice: Reimbursement of Surgical Care on Male Versus Female Anatomies by Madeline Penn, Donessa Colley, Pratistha Koirala, Dr. Louise King, and Dr. Jocelyn Fitzgerald.
Dr. Jack Cush lectures on giving a great presentation; based on 40 years of lecturing in Rheumatology.
Dr. Hazelwood emphasizes the importance of balancing risks and benefits and provides insights into how modern treatments can significantly improve quality of life. The episode emphasizes the safety and necessity of these medications and highlights the benefits of starting treatment early to prevent long-term complications. This episode is particularly valuable for anyone newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who is navigating the complexities and concerns surrounding medication. Episode at a glance: Meet Rheumatologist & Researcher Dr. Glenn Hazelwood: Busting Myths About Medications Challenging Stigmas Around Advanced Treatments Addressing Misconceptions About Medication Use Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels (including Rheumer Has It) was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode Sponsors Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl Crow, OT created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Understanding how values and communication styles differ across cultures is key to succeeding internationally. That’s why training in cross-cultural communication has become commonplace in the international business world. In this session, we’ll look at 6 dimensions of cross-cultural communication and their application to medical scenarios.
Mehlman Qbanks: https://qbanks.mehlmanmedical.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/mehlman_medical/Main Website: https://mehlmanmedical.com/
What happens at one of the world's largest rheumatology conferences, and why should patients care? In this special episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark is joined by Dr. Shilpa Venkatachalam, Director of Patient-Centered Research at the Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF), to discuss the biggest takeaways from EULAR 2026, the annual congress of the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology. The conversation explores why conferences like EULAR are so important for advancing patient care, how researchers, physicians, and patient advocates work together to shape the future of rheumatology, and why the patient voice has become an essential part of medical research. Steven and Shilpa also highlight GHLF's contributions to this year's conference, including two original research posters examining barriers to the early recognition of hidradenitis suppurativa and the unmet informational and support needs of people living with Sjögren's disease. Along the way, they discuss exciting emerging trends in rheumatology and clinical care, especially the increasing emphasis on patient-reported outcomes. Whether you're living with a rheumatic disease, caring for someone who is, or simply interested in the future of healthcare, this episode offers an inside look at how today's research is helping shape tomorrow's treatments—and why patient perspectives are more important than ever. Access the GHLF HS Diagnosis Accelerator: https://ghlf.org/hscheck/ Contact Our HostSteven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.orgA podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.orgListen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of The Brave Enough Show, Dr. Sasha Shillcutt and Dr. Barb Edelheit discuss: The silent grief of the empty nest Reclaiming desire, ambition, and agency Redefining purpose beyond caretaking Giving yourself permission to want more again "Not every stage of life is fabulous, and we put a lot of pressure on ourselves as working moms. We can be intentional in the moments of motherhood and enjoy the moments we can, even in the busy years." Dr. Barb Edelheit Guest Bio: Barbara Edelheit, MD, is an accomplished pediatric rheumatologist, educator, and passionate advocate for gender equity in medicine. She serves as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, where she has made significant contributions to both clinical care and academic leadership. At Connecticut Children's in Hartford, CT, Dr. Edelheit holds several key leadership roles, including Division Head of Rheumatology, past Board Chair of the Connecticut Children's Specialty Group, and Vice President of the Medical Staff. Dr. Edelheit's clinical expertise centers on the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. She earned her medical degree from the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, followed by residency at The New York Presbyterian Hospital – Cornell Medical Center. She then completed her pediatric rheumatology fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery. A dedicated mentor and educator, Dr. Edelheit is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of medical professionals. Her leadership extends to promoting women in medicine, most notably through founding and chairing an affinity group for women physicians at Connecticut Children's. She strongly believes in the critical importance of mentorship and sponsorship throughout medical careers. As the National Mentorship Chair for the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA), Dr. Edelheit works to empower women in medicine, advocating for their success and professional growth. She also serves as the faculty mentor for the University of Connecticut's AMWA student chapter, providing guidance and support to medical students pursuing their careers. Brave Enough 2026 CME Conference: For ten years, women have gathered at the Brave Enough Conference to step away from the demands of medicine and into a space of renewal. This anniversary year, we celebrate a decade of empowerment and sisterhood—ten years of lifting each other up, reigniting purpose, and remembering that none of us has to do this alone. Join us September 24-27, 2026, at the Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa. Follow Brave Enough: WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | LINKEDIN Join The Table, Brave Enough's community. The ONLY professional membership group that meets both the professional and personal needs of high-achieving women.
Drs. Jack Cush & Arthur Kavanaugh, two of rheumatology's most trusted voices, provide a breakdown of the latest breakthroughs and hottest topics in rheumatology from the EULAR 2026 meeting in London.
What actually happens at a major international medical conference — and why should patients care? In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark reports from EULAR 2026 in London, one of the world’s largest rheumatology conferences, to explain how meetings like this help shape the future of patient care. The episode explores why conferences matter not just for doctors and researchers, but for patients and advocacy organizations as well. Steven discusses how practicing clinicians learn about the latest medical advances, how researchers connect directly with physicians treating patients every day, and why organizations like GHLF play an important role in bringing real-world patient experiences into scientific and medical conversations. The episode also highlights several emerging themes already generating excitement at EULAR this year, including the growing role of artificial intelligence in rheumatology and the potential future of CAR-T and cell therapies for autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Most importantly, the conversation explains how scientific innovation ultimately connects back to what matters most: improving the daily lives of patients. Contact Our HostSteven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.orgA podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.orgListen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the future, can autoimmune disease become curable? A groundbreaking study from Germany suggests there may be a pathway in some cases. Patients with severe, treatment-refractory lupus who received CD19 CAR-T cell therapy have remained in drug-free remission for up to five years without ongoing immunosuppression. In this episode, we discuss how these findings are shifting the conversation from disease control to the possibility of cure, and what they could mean for lupus, inflammatory myopathies, systemic sclerosis, vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune diseases more broadly. We also explore CAR-T therapy, immune resets, regulatory T cells, relapse risk, and the future of rheumatology with Dr. Georg Schett.
Drs. McMahon and Kalunian discuss how the latest lupus nephritis guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology and European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology are shifting care from short-term, reactive treatment to longer-term, continuous maintenance—often 3 to 5 years or more—to better prevent kidney flares and preserve renal function. They highlight emerging data on biologic-based triple therapy (including belimumab); the importance of biomarkers and repeat biopsies; and the growing push toward personalized, sometimes indefinite, therapy for high‑risk patients.
Fifty years ago, pediatric rheumatic disease was often marked by disability, limited treatment options, and low expectations for long-term outcomes. In 1976, a small group of clinicians and scientists helped launch a new understanding of immune-mediated disease in children and laid the foundation for modern pediatric rheumatology. In this episode, we explore how the field evolved from managing chronic disability to expecting remission, transforming both treatment and quality of life for children. We also examine the scientific breakthroughs, models of care, and remaining challenges that continue to shape the future of pediatric rheumatology.
Dr. Jack Cush discusses his favorite journal articles from the past week on RheumNow.com.