Dr. Bharat Kumar, a clinical rheumatologist and allergy immunologist at the University of Iowa, sheds light on inborn errors of immunity (IEI). He discusses the challenges in diagnosing IEI, especially their symptom overlap with rheumatic diseases. The importance of a detailed clinical history and collaboration between specialties is emphasized. Dr. Kumar also covers advancements in treatments, the role of cytokine profiles, and the significance of specialized training in allergy immunology for better patient care.

Join Dr. Shah, a healthcare professional specializing in rheumatic diseases, as he discusses the power of self-management strategies. He emphasizes patient empowerment beyond medication, unveiling tools to improve quality of life. The conversation dives into managing stress and sleep, addressing their impact on disease flares and overall health. Dr. Shah also highlights advocacy efforts for better healthcare policies and encourages listeners to participate in improving support for those affected by rheumatic diseases.

Dr. Kelly Weselman, Chair of the ACR Ethics Committee, delves into the murky waters of ethical dilemmas in rheumatology. She discusses the balancing act between patient autonomy and medical recommendations, highlighting how tech advancements complicate these issues. The conversation navigates the tough terrain of access to care, treatment costs, and conflicts of interest with pharmaceutical companies. Weselman emphasizes maintaining ethical standards and transparency while addressing the challenges posed by defensive medicine and evolving patient demographics.

Dr. Philip J. Mease, a leading rheumatologist specializing in psoriatic arthritis, provides invaluable insights into diagnosing and treating PsA. He discusses the importance of differentiating joint pain causes and highlights the role of collaboration between dermatologists and rheumatologists. Dr. Mease also explores treatment advancements, including the significance of biomarkers and aggressive strategies to minimize long-term damage. Additionally, he dives into gender differences in treatment responses and the challenges of managing complex cases, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach.

Adam J. Brown, MD, a leading voice in rheumatology and host of the Rheumination podcast, discusses the fascinating evolution of the field. He chronicles its journey from ancient understandings to a specialized discipline recognized in the 1970s. Key historical figures and treatments, including the transformation from unorthodox remedies to modern biologics, are examined. Brown also highlights the importance of storytelling in patient communication and the educational value of historical context in improving rheumatology training.

Dr. Yasser Salem, a distinguished professor and program director with over twenty years in education, shares invaluable insights on the pivotal role of physical therapists in rheumatology. The conversation highlights optimal referral timing and the importance of effective communication between therapists and rheumatologists. They explore the benefits of personalized home exercise programs and aqua therapy for recovery. Dr. Salem also addresses the growing demand for physical therapists and provides guidance for those considering a career in this vital field.

The podcast delves into the current impact and future potential of AI in rheumatology, discussing its role in disease diagnosis, personalized medicine, and remote patient monitoring. It highlights the use of technologies like Chat GPT and Google's Gemini in reshaping healthcare while addressing concerns around privacy, security, and ethical considerations in employing large language models.

Dr. Max Konig delves into CAR-T Cell therapy, discussing how it's made and administered, risks, side effects, rheumatic diseases it treats, and the ethics and costs involved. Explore the success in treating cancer, risks like cytokine-related toxicities, and the potential for autoimmune diseases. Learn about the evolution of therapies, impact on memory B cells, and advancements in precision immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Allen Steere discusses Lyme Arthritis, its history, diagnosis challenges, varying manifestations, treatment options, and post-treatment syndromes. The podcast explores the links between Lyme Arthritis and autoimmune diseases, post-treatment syndrome management, and the impact of climate change on Lyme disease spread.

Dr. Elana Bernstein, a specialist in Systemic Sclerosis, discusses lung disease in SS, including symptoms, diagnosis, and how it affects the lungs with topics like pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease. She shares insights on screening, management strategies, and the latest research in the field.