19. ACR COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance Recommends Vaccination, Addresses Immunosuppressant Drugs & Patient Concerns
Release Date: 02/10/2021
Advocacy in Action: 2025 Progress Report
ACR on Air
In this episode, we deliver a critical update on the rapidly evolving legislative landscape impacting rheumatology. We explore the intense policy battles shaping the future of the field, including steep Medicare reimbursement cuts threatening the survival of many practices. We also examine the ongoing challenges posed by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and the growing uncertainty around research funding. Joining us is a special guest, Lennie Shewmaker McDaniel, JD, who brings a firsthand perspective from Capitol Hill, shedding light on what it truly takes to advocate for our patients and the...
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Chronic Pain in Spondyloarthritis: Differentiating Active Disease From Fibromyalgia
ACR on Air
In this episode, we examine the evaluation of pain in patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis, with particular attention to spondyloarthritis and its clinical overlap with fibromyalgia. We explore why some patients continue to report persistent pain despite well-controlled inflammation, and the importance of distinguishing between active inflammatory disease and centralized pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia. Join us as we unpack the diagnostic nuances that can significantly impact patient care.
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Use of GLP-1 in Rheumatology
ACR on Air
This episode explores the evolving role of GLP-1 agonists in rheumatology, highlighting their potential to influence weight, inflammation, and overall disease activity. Our guest expert unpacks how adipose tissue contributes to systemic inflammation and why managing body weight is crucial in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. We delve into the underlying science, real-world clinical applications, and the exciting future of incorporating GLP-1 therapies into comprehensive rheumatologic care—offering fresh insight into a therapeutic class with game-changing potential.
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The Role of AI in Rheum’s Workforce Challenges
ACR on Air
In this episode, we dive into the evolving role of AI in rheumatology—exploring how it's already reshaping workflows, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, optimizing treatment selection, and helping us monitor patients remotely. We tackle big questions around bias, control over critical data and whether we're truly ready to let AI serve as our assistants—or even gatekeepers. From addressing workforce shortages to revolutionizing medical research and education, we examine both the promise and the pitfalls of this powerful technology, and why caution must guide its integration into our...
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Emerging Therapies for IgG4-Related Disease
ACR on Air
In this episode, we dive into the complexities of IgG4-Related Disease (IgG4-RD), a mysterious and multi-organ condition that continues to challenge both patients and physicians. , and today, Dr. Matthew Baker joins us to provide an exciting update. With new therapies on the horizon, we explore the role of B and T cell pathogenesis, the limitations of traditional steroid treatments, and the off-label use of rituximab. We also take a closer look at the promising results from the “,” which offers hope for future strategies in managing this enigmatic disease. Join us as we discuss the...
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Diabetic Myonecrosis
ACR on Air
In this episode, we dive into a fascinating and often overlooked aspect of rheumatology: complications from diabetes that can mimic rheumatic diseases. Dr. Schiopu kicks off the discussion by shedding light on Diabetic Myonecrosis, a painful muscle condition that can be easily mistaken for other rheumatic disorders. We then explore Scleroderma, a skin-thickening muscle disorder that resembles systemic sclerosis (SSC) but has distinct underlying mechanisms. Dr. Schiopu shares invaluable insights on how to approach complex rheumatology consults in the hospital, emphasizing the importance of...
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The Year in Preview
ACR on Air
In this episode, we dive into the cutting-edge advancements presented by Dr. Christopher T. Ritchlin at Convergence 2024, where he shed light on the promising research set to transform the field of rheumatology. Join us as we break down key insights from one of the field’s leading experts, exploring the future of precision medicine, the role of TRBV9 cells in axSpA, the impact of sex differences on PsA, and the potential of urinary biomarkers in Lupus Nephritis. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on what’s next in rheumatology.
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Vagus Nerve Stimulation
ACR on Air
In this episode, we explore a potential paradigm shift in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. For years, pharmacologic interventions have been the cornerstone of management, but now a groundbreaking approach is emerging. John Tesser, principal investigator in , discusses the use of an implantable device that stimulates the vagus nerve. By tapping into the body’s nervous system to reduce inflammation, this novel approach offers a promising alternative to traditional drug treatments. Tune in to learn how this innovative technology could reshape the future of Rheumatoid Arthritis care. ...
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Caring for Older Adults in Rheumatology
ACR on Air
In this episode, we explore the unique challenges and considerations in treating older adults, focusing on the need for a different approach to care due to polypharmacy and multimorbidity. We delve into the complexities of managing these patients, emphasizing the importance of understanding frailty—how to assess, prevent, and address it. The discussion also covers late-onset rheumatoid arthritis, its distinction from rheumatoid arthritis, and why it often goes underdiagnosed and undertreated. We introduce the 5 M’s framework; a geriatric care model that helps clinicians focus on what...
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How to Become a Physician-Writer
ACR on Air
If you're a healthcare provider or a storytelling enthusiast, you'll enjoy this episode featuring Dr. Jason Liebowitz. A practicing rheumatologist and accomplished writer, Dr. Liebowitz discusses his journey toward becoming a physician-writer, how writing helps him process his experiences, and the art of storytelling in medicine, especially for a wider audience in today’s complex healthcare landscape.
info_outlineThis show is a special one and covers a topic that so many of you have been asking about! The American College of Rheumatology just released its guidance on the COVID-19 vaccine for patients with rheumatic diseases, and we have the lead author, Dr. Jeff Curtis, on with our host to discuss the research and recommendations.
Throughout the show, you will hear Dr. Curtis the ACR’s recommendation that all patients with rheumatic diseases should get the vaccine and that it does not matter which one you get—just make sure your second dose is by the same brand. Bottom line: get whichever one is available to you as soon as you can get it.
They also discuss the process of developing the ACR guidance, the experts involved including epidemiologists, rheumatologists, and infectious disease clinicians; and how they plan to keep the document updated.
And finally, they discuss the safety and efficacy of the vaccines despite how rapidly they were developed, the low risk of disease flares, and the importance of ongoing research on this topic.
This is the episode you want to listen to NOW!