Dr. Minna Kohler, Director of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound at Massachusetts General Hospital, discusses the use of ultrasound in diagnosing rheumatic diseases like Arthritis and Vasculitis. Topics include ultrasound's therapeutic benefits, training opportunities, patient experiences, controversies, and future implications in the field of Rheumatology.

Join us this week as Jon meets with a truly influential woman in the medical field, Dr. Elizabeth Ang, being one of the first pediatric rheumatologists in the Southeast Asian region to receive pediatric rheumatology training and is the Co-Convenor of the Paediatric Rheumatology Special Interest Group of APLAR (Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology). Beyond this, and so that children with rheumatic disease in the region have the opportunity to be diagnosed and treated, Dr. Ang trains local doctors and shares her knowledge and experience with them in Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Myanmar. In this episode she and Dr. Hausmann discuss Singapore’s healthcare system, access to biologics, cultural barriers to treatment and much, much more. 

Dr. Marcy Bolster discusses the vital role of rheumatologists in managing Osteoporosis and the importance of bone health. Topics include early diagnosis through fracture liaison services, personalized treatment plans for different patient groups, and the impact of osteoporosis on overall well-being. The conversation also covers the challenges in selecting treatment options, identifying fracture risks in osteopenia patients, and improving osteoporosis care post-fracture.

Dr. Laura Cappelli discusses Immune Related Adverse Events (IRAEs) of checkpoint inhibitors. She explains their development, common occurrences, risk factors, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Topics include monitoring strategies, treatment approaches, collaboration between rheumatology and oncology, and using corticosteroids as primary therapy.

Get ready for the State-of-the-Art Clinical Symposium with insights on CAR T Cells, CPPD, and Check Point Inhibitors. Discover the interactive networking event, physical exam workshops, and engaging debates for fellows at the upcoming event. Learn how to get involved and make the most of this exciting symposium!

Learn about the Rheumatology Access Expansion Initiative aiming to train Navajo healthcare providers in rheumatology care using the ECHO model. Discover the challenges of rheumatology care shortages in underserved areas, incorporating real patient cases in training, funding obstacles, and the success of the rheumatoid arthritis program in the Navajo Nation.

Cheryl Crow, founder of Arthritis Life, shares insights on occupational therapy, including managing pain with compression gloves and the impact of strength training on brain fog. She discusses empowering children with juvenile arthritis and emphasizes a holistic approach to occupational therapy.

Delving into the intricate world of placebo effects, the podcast explores their impact on pain management in rheumatology. It discusses the nuances of placebo effects, including their dual nature and the surprising effectiveness when patients are informed about taking placebos. The conversation also touches on utilizing placebos for chronic fatigue and pain relief, the role of authority in placebo effects, and the challenges in the medical community regarding their use.

Dr. John Stone, premiere researcher in the field of IgG4-Related Disease, discusses the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment options, and ongoing research of the disease. Topics include the autoimmune nature of the disease, risk factors, effectiveness of B cell depletion therapy, curability and long-term disease remission, as well as other conditions with elevated IgG4 levels.

Rheumatology experts Joan Bathon and Jill Buyon discuss upcoming abstracts in the field. Topics include the use of AI, steroid use, hydroxychloroquine dosing, preventing RA in lupus, pregnancy in lupus, and methotrexate dosing.