Ep. #269 "Melodies & Medicine: Navigating Psoriasis with Art Garfunkel"

Description:

In this episode hear board-certified dermatologist Dr. Omar Noor and special guest, music icon Art Garfunkel discuss management of and living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Join us for this special episode of Psoriasis Uncovered as music icon Art Garfunkel shares his personal journey with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Alongside renowned dermatologist Dr. Omar Noor and moderator Max Blitstein, Art shares insights on his diagnosis, how psoriasis has impacted his musical career, and his experience using the treatment Ilumya (tildrakizumab-asmn). Tune in to explore the intersection of melodies, medicine, and advocacy, and gain inspiration for living with psoriasis.

The intent of this episode is to share Art Garfunkel’s story of living an active music career with plaque psoriasis and how he eventually found a treatment that works for him.

This episode is sponsored by Sun Pharma . For important safety information: https://bit.ly/2We7fIS

Timestamps:

(0:23) Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered and guest welcome to dermatologist Dr. Omar Noor, Co-Owner Rao Dermatology, and special guest, music icon, poet, author and actor Art Garfunkel who lives with plaque psoriasis.

1:04 Psoriasis came quietly into Art’s life but wasn’t easy.

1:36 Art’s life on the road touring and being in the spotlight with psoriasis.

2:50 Having a strong support system is just as important as managing the physical symptoms of psoriasis.

3:59 A personalized approach to treatment options is possible when having an open dialogue with your doctor.  You don’t have to face the challenge of living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis alone.

5:27 What to expect when using Iluyma®, a biologic given 4 times a year.

8:54 Art’s message to anyone newly diagnosed with plaque psoriasis who feels overwhelmed.

9:20  Your treatment plan is a collaborative decision between you and your health care provider and stay informed with reliable evidence-based resources.

10:57 Closing comments and where to learn more information about Iluyma®.

11:39 Important Safety Information about Iluyma®.

Key Takeaways:

·       Living with psoriasis can be a private struggle with challenges to overcome both physically and emotionally but know that you are not alone.

  ·       Since no two people are alike and given the variety of available treatment options, tailoring            treatment options to the needs of an individual’s lifestyle is possible.

 ·       Open communication between you and your health care provider is key to finding the right              treatment for you.

Guest Bios:  

Art Garfunkel is a music legend, poet, author and actor who has received numerous awards and honors throughout his life including being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Internationally recognized for having a distinctive voice as part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel and later Garfunkel & Garfunkel, he inspired many with his melodies and rhythms. But behind the harmonies and stage lights he was struggling to live with the challenge of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis feeling isolated and depressed. Finding the right treatment after years of struggling, Art hopes to inspire others through his story saying “There’s real power in speaking our truths. Vulnerability, as it turns out, is not weakness, it’s connection. And connection is healing. Take a breath. You will find your way through this.” 

Omar Noor, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist and co-owner of Rao Dermatology in New York and New Jersey. He started his dermatology career as a partner in his practice with a focus on medical dermatology, having a clinical interest in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Dr. Noor has received several awards from the New York Academy of Medicine in the field of dermatology. He currently serves as a member of the Editorial Advisory Board for Dermatology Times and the NYC Medical Reserve Corp.

 Resources:

• “Embracing Resilience”, Read more about Art’s story at Advance Online, National Psoriasis Foundation. August 26, 2025.
• Learn more about psoriasis from types, symptoms, typical locations, to diagnosis and life with psoriasis.