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My Take on New Ocular Screening Guidelines for Plaquenil

A recent article published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology presented new recommendations for screening of patients being managed with hydroxychloroquine that changed the previous monitoring paradigm. More importantly, it has repositioned hydroxychloroquine from one of the safest medications that rheumatologists use to a drug that can have potentially significant ocular morbidity (if used in doses greater than 5 mg per kilogram and or for prolonged periods of time).

TIPS for Arthritis Travelers

Travel can be challenging for arthritis patients. Here are some useful tips to travel smoothly and pain free.

Georgia Society of Rheumatology: Education Leads the Way

Rheumatologists in Georgia and across the country are under extreme pressure to care for our patients. The Georgia Society of Rheumatology exists to stimulate interest and increase knowledge of arthritis and rheumatic diseases among physicians, allied health professionals, and lay advocates. Following are highlights of GRS issues and activities.

It's the engine that kills ya’, not the caboose

This past weekend I was fortunate to lecture at the Harvard Advances in Rheumatology Course, where I reviewed the safety issues surrounding the use of biologic therapies. In discussing infections, cancer, cardiovascular events, etc., it became very clear to me that these problems, while worrisome, are often escalated in their importance – all at the expense of what is most dangerous: RA itself.

Florida Society of Rheumatology Annual Report

Through educational, administrative and legislative efforts, FSR works for the betterment of rheumatology practices and patients in Florida. Here's how.

Go Ahead, Jump!

You write the prescription, hand it to the patient and explain why it’s needed, how to take it and what the most common or most dangerous side effects might be. Comprehensive, reasonable, and professional. Certainly the patient should fill the prescription and start the drug.

My Nurse Practitioner

My NP is not only a great nurse, counselor, rheumatologist, complex disease manager, joint injector, diabetes expert, clinic leader, mother, wife, and friend – she’s the go to person if you’re a patient, coworker, colleague, cousin or neighbor. She is one of few great partnerships in my entire career. To go to battle with a NP at my side gives me a tremendous daily advantage.

Piece of My Mind

You know so much, and they have too much to learn, but limited time and few opportunities make it difficult to share information and fill that gap - especially in a way that will “stick” and be meaningful to the patient. When tempted to give patients 'a piece of my mind', here are some things to consider.

Time for a Paradigm Change in Rheumatoid Arthritis

How many clues are needed for a rheumatologist to know something is wrong with the therapeutic soup he/she is trying to concoct?  One patient's tale leads to rethinking the RA treatment paradigm.

TIPS for Arthritis Travelers

Travel can be challenging for arthritis patients. Here are some useful tips to travel smoothly and pain free.

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