ACR Journals On Air

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.

Dr. Grant Schulert, an expert in auto-inflammatory disorders and single-cell immune landscape research, joins forces with Dr. Arthur Kaser, a leading figure in inflammatory bowel disease and T-cell priming. They delve into the complexities of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) and reveal groundbreaking insights at the single-cell level. The discussion showcases innovative methodologies like UDON and SATAY-UDON, alongside exciting new therapeutic targets for autoinflammatory diseases, igniting curiosity for future advancements in medicine.

Nicola Dalbeth, a renowned professor and head of medicine at the University of Auckland, and Dr. Dansoa Tabi-Amponsah delve into innovative gout treatment strategies. They highlight the game-changing role of Dual-Energy CT (DECT) in visualizing urate crystals, enhancing patient care and remission possibilities. Discussions also cover defining gout remission criteria, ongoing research to predict patient outcomes, and the significance of early intervention in chronic gout management. Their insights shed light on future approaches to effectively fighting gout.

David S. Pisetsky, a Professor at Duke University and lupus pathogenesis expert, dives deep into systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). He uncovers how antinuclear antibodies and active DNA interplay to trigger inflammation. The podcast explores various immune responses, from the historical LE cell discovery to the complexities of cell death mechanisms. Pisetsky also discusses the genetic factors influencing autoimmunity and offers insights into effective scientific writing, blending storytelling with rigorous research to improve communication in the field.

Joan T. Merrill, a leading figure in lupus research at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, shares insights on her groundbreaking SLEek Study. She discusses the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib and elsubrutinib for systemic lupus erythematosus. The conversation delves into innovative trial designs, challenges in lupus treatment trials during the pandemic, and personal anecdotes from her unique journey into rheumatology. Merrill emphasizes how patient experiences shape research and highlights the promising outcomes of recent clinical trials.

Dr. Christine Parks, an epidemiologist at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, studies environmental risk factors for autoimmune diseases. She discusses how psychosocial stressors, like caregiving, can elevate the risk of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The conversation highlights the importance of life events and trauma in relation to autoimmune diseases. Parks also introduces the Reserve Capacity Model, emphasizing the role of socioeconomic factors in individual stress responses and the need for innovative research methods.

Dr. Philip J. Mease, an ACR Master and leading researcher on fibromyalgia in psoriatic arthritis, shares insights from his groundbreaking study on pain prevalence in psoriatic arthritis patients. He discusses the significant interplay between fibromyalgia and disease severity, revealing how chronic pain mechanisms complicate treatment. Dr. Mease emphasizes the importance of tailored strategies for pain management and reflects on the personal narratives that shape clinical research. A captivating look into the evolving landscape of rheumatology!

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Bella Mehta, a researcher specializing in innovative mixed-methods approaches in clinical medicine, shares her insights on the intersection of AI and healthcare. She explores how large language models can analyze patient interviews to reveal barriers to joint replacement surgery. The conversation dives into the balance between AI efficiency and the necessity for human oversight. Dr. Mehta also emphasizes the implications of AI in medical education and the evolving landscape of scientific research, stressing the importance of adaptability.

Dr. Shivani Garg, a researcher dedicated to social determinants of health, discusses the profound impact these factors have on patients with Lupus Nephritis. She reveals how adverse social conditions can significantly worsen health outcomes, creating a multiplicative effect on patient experiences. The conversation highlights challenges faced by young lupus patients, especially among Latinx women, and emphasizes the need for holistic approaches in healthcare. Dr. Garg also shares her journey into rheumatology and the importance of mentorship in medicine.

Dr. Paul Emery, a renowned expert in rheumatology and early intervention for rheumatoid arthritis, discusses the complex process of tapering biologic therapies. He shares insights from his latest study on predicting flares, emphasizing the importance of individualizing treatment based on patient characteristics. The conversation highlights the evolution of remission strategies, patient-centric approaches, and the necessity of biomarker testing. Emery also touches on the role of mentorship in advancing rheumatology practices, showcasing the human side of patient care.