19. ACR COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance Recommends Vaccination, Addresses Immunosuppressant Drugs & Patient Concerns
Release Date: 02/10/2021
Cognitive Dysfunction in Inflammatory Arthritis
ACR on Air
This episode explores the evolving intersection of rheumatology and cognitive science, beginning with what initially drew researchers to investigate cognitive symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We discuss the prevalence and nature of patient-reported cognitive concerns, how these subjective complaints compare with objective neurocognitive testing, and what current studies reveal underlying inflammatory and neurobiological mechanisms. The conversation examines the cognitive effects of commonly used RA therapies, as well as modifiable contributors—including...
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Assessing and Addressing Grief and Depression Utilizing Lifestyle Medicine
ACR on Air
In this episode, we explore what happens when clinicians look beyond the prescription pad and begin listening more deeply to what their patients have lost. This isn’t a conversation about rejecting medications but about expanding the tools we use to foster healing. We discuss the concept of disenfranchised grief—the often-unspoken losses that accompany chronic illness—the intricate links between depression and inflammation, and the transformative power of helping patients heal in ways that no pill alone can achieve. This episode was sponsored by
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Therapeutic Advances in CPPD
ACR on Air
In this episode, we shine a light on Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease (CPPD)—a condition that has been hiding in plain sight for decades. Despite being common, painful, and prevalent in clinics everywhere, CPPD has long been misdiagnosed, undertreated, and under-researched. Our guest has been working to change that by uncovering the genetic and molecular underpinnings of the disease and exploring new ways to improve patient outcomes. We discuss what’s new and what’s next for CPPD, why it may be the most common inflammatory arthritis after age 60, how it overlaps with rheumatoid...
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RheumCode
ACR on Air
In this episode, we explore RheumCode, a groundbreaking new initiative from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) designed to build a common digital language for rheumatology. RheumCode aims to ensure that data means the same thing wherever it lives—whether in an EHR, a clinic, or a registry—enabling systems to seamlessly communicate and make better use of the medical information already being documented. We discussed how RheumCode began, the collaboration behind its development, and its potential to transform the way clinicians practice; researchers study disease, and patients...
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Get Ready for ACR Convergence 2025
ACR on Air
Welcome to ACR Convergence 2025 in Chicago! Here, Dr. Hausmann delivers a quick update on what our podcasts will cover while the meeting is in session. Don't forget to tune in to ACR on Air and ACR Journals on Air each morning, starting this Saturday, to catch up on the latest in Rheumatology
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The Benefits of RhMSUS Certification
ACR on Air
In this week’s episode, we dive into the ins and outs of the rheumatology musculoskeletal ultrasound certification process—what it takes to log 150 scans, meet CME requirements, and ultimately sit for the exam. We’re joined by Dr. Liudmila Kastsianok, who shares her insights on how ultrasound is reshaping clinical practice, from enhancing diagnostic accuracy to opening new avenues in research. We also explore how incorporating ultrasound into routine care can deepen the physician-patient relationship and improve communication. Finally, Dr. Kastsianok offers her perspective on where the...
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ACR Convergence 2025 Preview
ACR on Air
In this episode, we preview ACR Convergence 2025 in Chicago this October with Dr. Greg Gardner, Chair of the Annual Meeting Planning Committee (AMPC). We’ll explore key topics like emerging therapies, AI in rheumatology, and highlights such as the Practice Innovation Summit, Ultrasound Course, and Fellows In Training (FiT) Program. Dr. Gardner also discusses highlights such as, CAR T-cell therapies, new non-renal lupus guidelines, a Live Journals Club focused on Big Data and why this year’s meeting is earlier on the calendar. Tune in for a sneak peek at what’s to come!
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RDAM 2025 – Rheum Moves!
ACR on Air
In recognition of Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month this September, this episode explores the critical yet often underutilized role of exercise in the management of rheumatic diseases. We examine how structured movement—ranging from step counts to resistance training—can significantly alter the trajectory of pain, function, and overall disease progression. Our discussion offers practical strategies for helping patients integrate physical activity into their daily routines, with a focus on starting gradually and maintaining consistency. We also address the heightened cardiovascular risks...
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2025 Guideline Summary for the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
ACR on Air
It’s been over two decades since the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) last released comprehensive treatment guidelines for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and much has changed. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Lisa Sammaritano to discuss the forthcoming 2025 ACR Guidelines for the Treatment of SLE. These updated recommendations reflect a significant evolution in our approach to lupus care, from the growing range of therapeutic options to a stronger emphasis on patient engagement and minimizing steroid toxicity. We’ll dive into how the guidelines tailor treatment across...
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Patient Support Groups
ACR on Air
In this episode, we’re joined by Karen Durrant, founder of the Autoinflammatory Alliance, who shares her powerful journey from a determined parent seeking a diagnosis for her child to the leader of a global patient advocacy movement. What began as a personal quest has evolved into an international network supporting thousands affected by autoinflammatory diseases. Karen discusses how her collaboration with Dr. Fatma Dedeoglu, a leading pediatric rheumatologist, helped bridge the gap between patient experience and medical research—ultimately contributing to the development of international...
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!