I’m thrilled to have been selected to be a panelist on two presentations at the 2023 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP)’s annual “Convergence” Conference / Meeting!
This conference is where rheumatology professionals from around the world gather in person and virtually to discuss the latest scientific advancements in rheumatology care. Attendees are mostly Rheumatologists, physicians, and allied health professionals (nurses, occupational therapists, etc) who care for patients with rheumatic diseases. A small number of patient partners and nonprofits also attend and participate in the conference. Here’s where you can find me at the event:
Going Viral: How to Achieve Podcast Success (session #13M112)
On Monday, November 13th at 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM PST I’ll be part of a panel discussion featuring some of the brightest stars in rheumatology podcasting. We will cover such topics as:
- How to develop ideas for your own podcast program
- Failures and lessons learned from successful podcasters
- Balancing entertainment and education in rheumatology podcasting
- Practical tips on how to use social media to amplify your podcast content.
This will feature panelists Dr Adam Brown, MD (Cleveland Clinic), Dr. Paul Sufka, MD (Twin Cities Orthopedics), Dr. Jonathan Hausmann, MD (Boston Children’s Hospital / Massachusetts General Hospital) and Cheryl Crow, OTR/L (Arthritis Life), with moderators Dr Jason Leibowitz, MD (Columbia University Medical Center) and Dr Mike Putman, MD (The Medical College of Wisconsin).
It Takes a Team: Helping People with Rheumatic Diseases Successfully Navigate Work (Session # 14T162)
On Tuesday, November 14th I’ll be joined by an exciting multidisciplinary team to discuss how to support people with rheumatic disease at work beyond simply discussing ergonomics. I’ll be focusing on interventions to reduce or accommodate for fatigue specifically. This session will occur a5 4:00pm PSt in Room 23A-C
Our abstract reads: “Although estimates vary, research suggests that up to 45% of people with rheumatic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus, may be unemployed within 10 years of diagnosis. Work disability profoundly impacts all areas of a person’s life, socioeconomically, socially, in personal and professional relationships, as well as in one’s sense of identity and self-esteem.
There is a considerable body of research that explores and reports on the experience of rheumatic disease patients in the workplace and on the barriers they face in maintaining employment. These studies, however, largely focus on addressing concrete barriers and strategies, but inadequately explore psychosocial factors that may significantly influence and support one’s ability to continue working.
Drawing on the expertise of colleagues in social work, occupational therapy, and rheumatology, and a patient perspective, this session will underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach toward assessing and addressing unmet employment related to the needs of patients with rheumatic diseases.”
I will be joined by fellow panelists Diane Lacaille, MD (Rheumatologist), Janet Poole, PhD, OT (Occupational Therapist), Joan Westreich, MSW (Clinical Social Worker) and moderators Adena Batterman (MSW, Clinical Social Worker) and Natasha Trehan (patient advocate, founder of Take a Pain Check and student).
Follow along on social media!
If you aren’t able to attend but you’d like to follow along and hear about some of the most exciting developments, I encourage you to follow some of the most active rheumatology health professionals, nonprofits and and patient advocates on social media.
For example, the nonrofit International Foundation for AiArthritis (IFAiArthritis), which focuses on autoimmune and autoinflammatory arthritis, has a “go with us” program where you can keep up with the latest updates. You can also follow the CreakyJoints , Arthritis Foundation’s social media channels and other nonprofit channels. I will also be serving as a “social media ambassador” for the event, posting mostly to my X (formerly Twitter) account and Instagram stories.
BRACELET TRADING
Inspired by the Taylor Swift Eras tour, Dr. Jean Liew (@Rheum_Cat on Twitter / X) shared that she’s making rheumatology themed friendship bracelets to trade at the conference. I’ll also be bringing bracelets to trade including “ACR – ARP 23,” “Immunobuddies,” “Rheummates” and of course “Rheum to THRIVE” bracelets in honor of my self-management and support group program!
