Sunday, Oct. 21
Sessions begin at 7:45 a.m. on Sunday. Topics of the day include treat to target for rheumatoid arthritis, pediatric rheumatology, clinical trials, chronic musculoskeletal pain and much more.
From 2:30–4 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, during “The Great Debate: Guidelines for SLE: HCQ Dose Should Be No More Than 5 mg/kg in All Patients.” Why attend the 2018 Great Debate? Multiple studies show that HCQ has many benefits in SLE, such as the prevention of disease flares and cardiovascular benefits. HCQ is the only drug shown to prolong survival in lupus. However, recent ophthalmology guidelines point to potential retinal risks of long-term HCQ use.
Many rheumatologists are confused by the guidelines, the screening tests and their interpretation. In this symposium/debate, attendees will increase their understanding of the benefits and risks of HCQ in SLE and the role of the recent guidelines.
Other sessions include:
- Meet the Professor: Pulmonary Manifestations of Rheumatic Disease, 7:45–9:15 a.m.;
- ACR: Sjögren’s Syndrome: Beyond Dryness: A Comprehensive Approach to Diagnosis & Management, 12:30–2 p.m.; and
- ACR/ARHP: Psychiatry for the Rheumatology Practice, 2:30–4 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 22
Monday includes the ARHP Daltroy Memorial Lecture: “What Matters in Patient-Provider Relationships? Values, Attitudes & Beliefs,” from 7:30–8:30 a.m. This session addresses how history, life experiences and perspectives informed by race, culture, ethnicity and family of origin can play an important role in patient-provider relationships. Adena Batterman, LCSW, and Jillian Rose, LCSW, MPH, will discuss the importance of the clinician’s own self-awareness and understanding of the patient’s experience from a multicultural perspective. They will provide clinical tools and best practices to help providers work from this framework to uncover what matters most to the patient in an effort to optimize clinical outcomes.
Other sessions include:
- ACR Clinicopathologic Conference: Under the Microscope: The Evolution of a Diagnosis, 7:30–8:30 a.m.;
- ACR: AFLAR: Out of Africa: Of Rheumatic Diseases: Pattern, Genetics & Advocacy, 8:30–10 a.m.; and
- ACR/ARHP: Get Smart: Mobile & Wearable Technology in Rheumatology, 9–10 a.m.
Tuesday, Oct 23
Throughout the Annual Meeting, attendees have the opportunity to register for and participate in workshops, which foster hands-on learning. On Tuesday morning from 7:45–9:45 a.m., attendees can participate in workshop designed to address physician burnout and the stresses associated with working in the healthcare system.
During “Mindfulness for the Physician: Techniques & Skills,” participants will learn the basic constructs of mindfulness, research findings supporting mindfulness meditation for health and well-being, and practice several mindfulness meditation exercises. Methods and resources to apply mindfulness to daily life will also be presented and discussed.
