Dr. Rita Knotts and Dr. Elizabeth Volkmann discuss the intersection of their specialties in the care of patients with scleroderma, interstitial lung disease, and esophageal conditions. They explore the relationship between reflux disease and lung function, concerns and risks of proton pump inhibitors, the multidisciplinary model for interstitial lung disease and scleroderma, and the collaboration between surgeons and gastroenterologists in managing esophageal disorders.

Dr. Elizabeth Volkmann, Director of the UCLA Scleroderma Program and founder of WINS, teams up with Dr. Carol Feghali-Bostwick, a distinguished professor and leader in scleroderma research. Together, they tackle the challenges women face in advancing scientific careers. They emphasize the importance of mentorship and networking, discussing how WINS fosters professional growth in scleroderma. Their insights highlight collective efforts needed to empower women in academia and ensure gender equity in research fields, fueling a vital conversation for future generations.