What Are the Predictors For Difficult to Treat RA?

In this episode, we explore why rheumatoid arthritis matters to the broader public, with a focus on difficult-to-treat RA (D2T-RA)—what it is, how often it occurs, and why early identification is critical. Our guest demystifies common RA research terms and outcome measures, introduces the real-world data sets behind the study, and explains—in plain language—how a predictive model was developed using modern statistical tools. We discuss the key risk factors for D2T-RA, including which findings were surprising, as well as the study's major strengths and limitations. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on how this work may shape future research, the potential role of AI in risk modeling, and practical advice for early-career researchers on balancing productivity and sleep. 

In this episode, we speak with a leading investigator in large-vessel vasculitis, Dr. Anne Bull Haaversen, to clarify the full spectrum of giant cell arteritis (GCA), including its aortic involvement. We reviewed the prevalence of GCA-related aneurysms, why the team compared ultrasonography with other imaging modalities, and how the ascending aorta can be assessed with ultrasound. Our Dr. Haaversen summarizes the study design, key findings, and limitations, and reflects on how these results may inform future guidelines. We close by discussing the evolution of their research focus on large-vessel imaging and how rheumatologists can balance advanced diagnostics with empathetic patient care. 

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Aaron Smith to explore why the rheumatology community urgently needs stronger grounding in aging principles and more adaptable care strategies for older adults living with rheumatic conditions. Dr. Smith walks us through his innovative research examining the attitudes and perspectives of healthcare professionals, explains how tools like the ERA-12 help illuminate key patterns, and shares what his team learned about how clinicians approach the care of aging patients. He discusses which findings surprised him, what limitations shaped the study, and how this work opens new directions for future investigation. Near the end, Dr. Smith offers practical takeaways clinicians can apply right away and reflect on his own early-career journey—including what he hopes to accomplish between fellowship and the far future stages of his career. 

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sandra Pinho, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Chicago, to explore the fascinating intersection of stem cell biology, aging, and the bone marrow niche. From her early days studying biology in Portugal to groundbreaking research in London and New York, Dr. Pinho shares her scientific journey and the mentors who shaped her career. In a conversation that begins with Halloween monsters and ends with cutting-edge aging research, we uncover how megakaryocytes—cells best known for making platelets—play surprising roles in immune regulation and the aging process. Dr. Pinho discusses how changes in these cells can influence immune balance, contribute to age-related dysfunction, and even hint at new therapeutic strategies for healthy aging. Blending curiosity, science, and a touch of the spooky, this episode offers both personal insight and a deep dive into the hidden dynamics of our "spooky skeletons." 

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Sharon about the complex intersection of oncology and autoimmunity through the lens of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)—therapies that have transformed cancer care but can also unleash immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Dr. Elad explains how ICIs work, why they can trigger autoimmune-like toxicities, and what distinguishes rheumatologic irAEs from classic autoimmune diseases. We explore the mechanistic overlaps between cancer immunotherapy and autoimmunity, the ethical and clinical dilemmas of balancing immune suppression with cancer control, and emerging biomarkers that may predict risk. Dr. Sharon also reflects on his career journey—from leading drug development efforts at the National Cancer Institute to returning to academia—and shares insights on collaboration, innovation, and the evolving partnership between oncologists and rheumatologists in managing these challenging conditions. 

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kristin to discuss her session at ACR Convergence on taking a personalized approach to pulmonary hypertension in connective tissue diseases. She shares why now is the critical moment for this shift and how "personalized" care extends beyond biomarkers and imaging to encompass clinical nuances, patient-reported symptoms, and multidisciplinary collaboration. We explore the key challenges in detecting pulmonary hypertension early, the promise of emerging technologies like AI-assisted imaging and molecular diagnostics, and the subtle red flags clinicians should recognize in at-risk patients. Dr. Kristin also reflects on her unique dual training in rheumatology and pulmonology, the defining moments that shaped her career, and how mentorship continues to drive innovation and compassion in the care of patients with connective tissue lung disease. 

In this episode, Dr. Shaun Jackson uses a compelling patient case to illuminate the complex mechanisms of immune tolerance and autoimmunity. He explains how B cells learn to avoid targeting the body's own tissues through central and peripheral tolerance—and how these safeguards can fail. The discussion covers the roles of germinal centers, T cells, and rare genetic disorders in shaping immune regulation, with Alport's syndrome and post-transplant Goodpasture's disease serving as striking examples. Dr. Jackson also reflects on emerging directions in autoimmune research and shares his journey from medical training in South Africa to leading a research program in Seattle, offering valuable insights for future physician-scientists. 

In this episode, our guests Dr. Sabrina Hoa and Dr. Marie Hudson explore new insights into late-onset interstitial lung disease (ILD) in scleroderma. Using data from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group, they discuss how ILD can still develop years after diagnosis, challenging traditional screening timelines. They cover key findings, clinical implications, treatment patterns, and the need for more inclusive trials. The conversation also touches on mentorship and what's next in scleroderma research. 

In this episode, we review the Arthritis & Rheumatology manuscript, "Diagnosis and Treatment of Castleman Disease," with Drs. Luke Chen and David Fajgenbaum. The discussion (which provides an essential, up-to-date overview of a rare but critical disease) highlights the clinical subtypes of Castleman Disease, its overlap with autoimmune and autoinflammatory syndromes, and current diagnostic and treatment strategies. Dr. Chen offers a hematologist's perspective on disease classification, pathology, and practical management tips, while Dr. Fajgenbaum shares insights from his personal experience as a patient and his work advancing research through the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network and Every Cure. 

In this episode of ACR Journals on Air, host Dr. Vicki Shanmugam speaks with Dr. Alain Sanchez-Rodriguez about a new study from the Lupus Midwest Network (LUMEN), published in Arthritis Care & Research. They explore how patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experience delays and disparities in care, the types of physicians involved in diagnosis, and what the data reveals about access to specialized treatment. Dr. Sanchez-Rodriguez also shares his research journey and insights on improving equity in rheumatology.