With usual in-person fundraisers and meetings not possible during the pandemic, RheumPAC is finding creative ways to keep advocating for influential legislation and ensure rheumatology’s voice is heard in Washington, D.C.... [Read More]
Kurt Ullman has been a freelance writer for more than 30 years and has written more than 600 articles for both professional and consumer audiences. He holds an A.A.S. in nursing, a Master's in Health Administration, and a B.S. degree in public administration with a minor in mass communications media. Other experience includes eight years as a registered nurse and six years of full-time writing and editing work in newspapers, radio, television and magazines. He is a two-time winner of the Apex Award for Writing Excellence, has received numerous Merit National Health Information Awards and was awarded the Media Orthopaedic Reporting Excellence Award.
Articles by Kurt Ullman
Incorporating Rheumatology Nurses into Training
At the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Division of Rheumatology, Baltimore, registered nurses (RNs) are an integral aspect of the rheumatology fellowship program. This gives the fellows information and insight into areas of practice they might not otherwise receive. “This [practice] is a result of our very strong belief that an integrated and interdisciplinary approach,… [Read More]
Do You Know Your Legal Obligations to Disabled Patients?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990 to protect the civil rights of people with disabilities. This law, and amendments passed in 2008, resulted in rules and regulations opening access to private settings serving the public, including doctors’ offices and medical facilities. The ADA includes a three-pronged definition of disability. If any… [Read More]
Survey Sheds Light on Physician Retirement
According to a survey commissioned by CompHealth, doctors work longer than the average American, intending to retire at age 68.1 Eventually, most physicians do decide to pull the plug on their careers. Questions about when to retire and what happens next are important to answer. “The primary question to ask yourself is, ‘Do I still… [Read More]
In Mouse Model, a TLR-9 Deficiency May Trigger Severe Lupus
Toll-like receptors play an important role in host defense. TLR-7 recognizes viral ssRNA, but also plays a role in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Genetic ablation of a similar receptor, TLR-9, results in opposite effects, with severe disease and kidney involvement. The mechanism of how this works remains unknown. Anna-Marie Fairhurst, PhD, from… [Read More]
In Combined Clinic, a Rheumatologist & Dermatologist See Patients Together
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), scleroderma and lupus often require management input from both rheumatologists and dermatologists. Usually patients see the two specialists separately. Combining both in a single rheumatology/dermatology clinic appointment can improve outcomes and increase both provider and patient satisfaction. “Physicians talk about tearing down silos of care, where each specialist focuses on their part… [Read More]
The Prevalence, Incidence, Mortality & Costs of RA-Related ILD
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) can be associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with significant morbidity and mortality. An article in The Journal of Rheumatology focused on calculating the prevalence, incidence, mortality and costs to the healthcare system of RA-related ILD (RA-ILD).1 “RA is the most common of connective tissue diseases encountered by rheumatologists—affecting about 1% of… [Read More]
Mouse Research Suggests the Microbiome Is Related to Lupus
Research in type I interferon (IFN) driven mouse models of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) suggests the microbiome may play a role in the development of autoimmunity. Additionally, changes in diet may induce protective effects in the gut.1 “Microbes in the gut worsen a lupus model related to the interferon pathway,” says Martin A. Kriegel, MD,… [Read More]
Rituximab Maintenance Study: Is Fixed-Schedule or Tailored Dosing Best?
Rheumatologists prescribe rituximab for induction and maintenance treatment for anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitides (AAV). Maintenance treatment typically employs fixed-schedule dosing, but in the recent maintenance of remission using rituximab in systemic ANCA-associated vasculitis II (MAINRITSAN2) trial, researchers from the French Vasculitis Study Group examined whether individually tailored maintenance dosing might work better. “The… [Read More]
Tips for Limiting Missed Appointments
Missed appointments have long been a problem for rheumatology practices. A recent poll from the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) found no-shows were the single biggest challenge reported by practice leaders, with 44% of respondents citing the issue.1 If a patient does not come to the office when scheduled, it starts a cascade of events… [Read More]
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