Rheum After 5: Embracing Their Inner Swiftie

“I love that Taylor Swift is a songwriter, musician and performer,” Ms. Blanks says. “I always enjoy good storytellers who paint a picture and tell a story with their music and lyrics. I also love that Taylor’s music isn’t for just one type of person or fan. From the young to the young at heart, there’s something in her music everyone can relate to.”

Ms. Blanks attended Night 2 of Swift’s Eras tour in Tampa and hopes to attend another concert soon. She also enjoyed meeting other Swifties at the ACR annual meeting in San Diego.

“We traded friendship bracelets and struck up a conversation that continues to this day,” she says.

“Taylor’s lyrics often center on finding your voice, taking control of your story and remembering you’re not in competition with others,” Ms. Blanks says. “As Taylor says, “we all have crowns,” and I think that’s an empowering message to remember.”

Ms. Blanks tries to apply Swift’s positive messages to her work.

“My work for the ACR in health disparities focuses on reducing time between symptom onset and diagnosis,” she says. “Just like Taylor’s lyrics often have hidden depths, I’ve found the symptoms of rheumatic diseases, like lupus, aren’t straight forward and require careful interpretation to diagnose.”

Jennifer Eastin

Favorite era: “Folklore is a really introspective album with an indie folk sound and really good storytelling.”

Jennifer Eastin

Jennifer Eastin, MSc, senior specialist and global engagement manager at the ACR, Atlanta, grew up listening to Taylor Swift’s music and has always felt an affinity to the singer since they’re close in age.

“I was experiencing some of the same life milestones Taylor was singing about, so it mirrored my own journey,” Ms. Eastin says. “A lot of her songs cover topics like standing up for yourself, and have themes of self-discovery, resilience and independence that make you feel very empowered.”

Ms. Eastin recently attended her first Swift concert with some friends when the Eras tour came to Indianapolis.

Through her job, Ms. Eastin has gotten to know fellow Swifties and rheumatology professionals, including Dr. Noelle Rolle and Dr. Jean Liew.

“Both doctors have been involved in some of my global projects, and it was fun to also connect with them over Taylor Swift,” she says. “I knew Dr. Liew was a big Swiftie, and at ACR Convergence, she gave me some handmade friendship bracelets. Since I work remotely, it’s been fun to connect with other rheumatology colleagues in a way that goes beyond work.”