In this episode, Dr. Bharat Kumar, physician editor of The Rheumatologist, discusses the definition of empathy and its role in rheumatology.
When Is Arthroplasty Recommended? New ACR/AAHKS Guideline Offers Considerations for Timing of Elective Hip or Knee Arthroplasty
The ACR released a new arthroplasty guideline in an effort to remedy significant & detrimental delays faced by osteoarthritis or osteonecrosis patients who require surgical intervention.
The Role of Empathy in Therapeutic Relationships
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. I was at a mandatory “training session” on patient communication for all clinicians at my institution. There, I was being coached on how to properly talk to patients. In theory, this isn’t a bad thing—we all need more education on how to facilitate inclusive and equitable conversations with…
President’s Perspective: Deborah Dyett Desir, MD, Assumes ACR Presidency
Deborah Dyett Desir, MD is the 87th ACR president and the first Black person elected to the position. In conversation with The Rheumatologist, this profile follows her career from academic research to private practice to Yale faculty & the ACR presidency.
ARP Welcomes a New President: A Conversation with Aileen Ledingham, PT, MS, PhD
With roots in physical therapy & rehabilitation research, Dr. Ledingham brings to the ARP a deep enthusiasm for volunteering & collaboration, as well as a commitment to building public knowledge about the field of rheumatology.
ACR Image Competition 2023 Results, Part 1—Best Overall
For the 2023 Image Competition, the ACR sought images representing a diverse range of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) or IIM mimics. The images selected as Best Overall by the judges this year come from North America. Systemic Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis Masquerading as Inflammatory Myositis These images depict an 81-year-old man who presented…
Belimumab vs. Oral Immunosuppressants: Infection Risk in Patients with Non-Renal SLE
Materne et al. aimed to compare the risk of infection among patients with non-renal SLE using the injectable immunosuppressant belimumab vs. an oral immunosuppressant, azathioprine, mycophenolate or methotrexate.
Cannabis for Pain Relief: An Area Ripe for Research
Medical cannabis may benefit patients experiencing pain, and rheumatologists should be able to discuss its potential risks and benefits with their patients. Here are insights from Dr. Mary Ann Fitzcharles on current research, patient use and more.
Concerning the Back: Updates in AS & nr-axSpA
During the 19th Annual Johns Hopkins Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of the Rheumatic Diseases Symposium, Dr. Atul Deodhar provided an overview on axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and non-radiographic axSpA, with helpful insights into the diagnosis and care of patients with these conditions.
From Basic Science to Clinical Treatments: An Update on PsA
Dr. Christopher Ritchlin provided insights into the underlying mechanisms of the immune system that promote disease activity in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), the latest research on how to optimize therapy for PsA and more.
‘Better Equipped to Serve the College’: A Look at CORC Achievements Through the Pandemic
Outgoing CORC Chair Marcus Snow, MD, FACR, and the College look back on the tremendous achievements made during the past three years, including pandemic care guidance, improved patient access to care and direction through new biosimilars choices.
We Want You: Your Role in the CPT Valuation Process
Accurate reimbursement for rheumatology services ensures rheumatologists can run successful practices and provide needed care, but only if they speak up through survey input to explain how much that care costs. Here’s how to participate in the process when rheumatology CPT codes come up for review.
Welcome to ACR Convergence!
SAN DIEGO—Award presentations & artificial intelligence topped the list in the ACR Convergence 2023 Opening Session & Keynote Lecture on Nov. 11.
The Eyes Have It
SAN DIEGO—Many rheumatologists see patients referred for uveitis, and Laura Kopplin, MD, PhD, assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, discussed inflammatory disease of the eye at ACR Convergence 2023.
Growing Up
SAN DIEGO—In the pre-ACR Convergence 2023 Review Course, Rebecca Sadun, MD, PhD, assistant professor in medicine and pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, N.C., focused on transitions from pediatric to adult rheumatology care for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
Thrombotic Microangiopathies & Rheumatology
SAN DIEGO—Thomas Ortel, MD, PhD, chief, Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, N.C., discussed thrombotic microangiopathies at ACR Convergence 2023. With a variety of causes, including autoimmune diseases, the connection with rheumatology is evident.
Doctor & Patient: A Study in Relapsing Polychondritis
SAN DIEGO—Marcela Ferrada, MD, who most recently was on faculty with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Md., discussed relapsing polychondritis (RP), a condition that she herself has.
Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Review
SAN DIEGO—Alexis Ogdie-Beatty, MD, MSCE, associate professor of medicine, associate professor of epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, gave a presentation on non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in the Review Course prior to ACR Convergence 2023.
Life with Arthritis: Kaleb Michaud, PhD, Shares His Story
SAN DIEGO—“I’m going to get personal,” said Kaleb Michaud, PhD, in the ARP Distinguished Lecture at ACR Convergence 2023. When he was 3 years old, the young Kaleb was diagnosed him with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).
The 2023 ACR Awards of Distinction
SAN DIEGO—During ACR Convergence 2023 on Nov. 11, the ACR honored a group of individuals who have made significant contributions to rheumatology research, education and patient care by announcing the recipients of the ACR’s 2023 Awards of Distinction, as well as the 2023 ACR Masters who were recognized for their contributions to the field.
ACR Masters Honored
SAN DIEGO—Recognition as an ACR Master is one of the highest honors the College bestows. This year, the ACR conferred the honor on 25 distinguished rheumatologists.
ACR Honors Distinguished Fellows
SAN DIEGO—Each year, the ACR honors up to 10 clinical and research fellows who have performed meritoriously. Meet this year’s Distinguished Fellows who are bridging the gap between research and patient care and who were recognized at ACR Convergence 2023 in November.
Get Your Patients Moving: Physical Activity Is Key for Pain Management & Overall Health
Regular movement is crucial for everyone, but patients with rheumatic disease may feel overwhelmed about starting and maintaining a routine. Here’s how physical and occupational therapists can help patients establish and reach movement goals, while improving their pain management and overall health.
Dr. Hasan Yazici in the Spotlight
In 1937, the Turkish physician Hulusi Behçet described a number of patients with relapsing aphthous ulcers in the mouth and over the genitalia, as well as hypopyon iritis. Since that time, the eponymous condition, known as Behçet’s disease, has been recognized as a multisystem vasculitis that can present with myriad other signs and symptoms. Although…
FDA Approves Canakinumab to Treat Gout Flares
Canakinumab has received FDA approval for the treatment of patients with acute gout flares.
FDA Approves New Biosimilar for Adult & Pediatric Arthritis
This year, tocilizumab biosimilars have been approved to treat adult and pediatric patients with rheumatic disease, including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and more, in both Europe and the U.S.