The Rheumatologist’s Rubaiyat: A Mug of Coffee, a Loaf of Bread and Thou Beside Me (Part 1)

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In my experience, rheumatologists are very fine people. Since they are cognitive specialists, they are scholarly, thoughtful and prudent. Furthermore, they are sensitive to the vicissitudes of human existence. Rheumatology is probably the first subspecialty to consider the impact of a chronic painful illness on the spirit and soul and emphasize quality of life as an outcome. Seeking wisdom and knowledge from great minds, rheumatologists are also interested in culture, mindful that masters like Renoir and Klee were among their patients.

Cannabis Arteritis

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Following the November elections, there are now 29 states and the District of Columbia that have legalized marijuana (aka cannabis) for medical use. Of these, eight states and the District of Columbia have also approved laws legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Regardless of the stated benefits associated with marijuana use, there are potential health risks. One of these which rheumatologists may see more of in the future is cannabis arteritis. The following is a recent case we saw at the University of Colorado.

Early Rheumatology: The Contributions of Max Hirsch, MD

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Many readers of RheumNow know of my interest in the history of our discipline, and some of the writings and discoveries which have resulted from them. In the past three years, I have had the opportunity to explore the contributions of Max Hirsch, MD to our field.

Food and Wine and the Rheumatologist: The Microbiome and Natural Wine

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Is the microbiome influenced by wines "terroir" (“the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as the soil, topography, and climate”)? Len Calabrese believes so.

What I'm Looking Forward to at #ACR16

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The ACR Annual Meeting (#ACR16) is such a huge event that it’s worth your time to spend an hour or two planning your time at the meeting. Here's my tentative #ACR16 session schedule.

Prescribing Hope

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Everything will be alright in the end; and if it’s not alright, then it’s not yet the end. – Suni Kapoor (from the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel)

Reboot Your Digital Self: Part Two

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Reboot Your Digital Self: Part One

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This is written as a check-up to your digital self and a wake-up call to those of you who are disconnected lazily or willfully. This is written for the journal-subscribing, big textbook toting physicians whose primary education is acquired at the medical library, weekly medical conferences or grandiose annual conventions. Before you bail out on this blog, you should recognize the consequences of not being digital.

My Take on New Ocular Screening Guidelines for Plaquenil

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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).

If You See Something, Say Something

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TIPS for Arthritis Travelers

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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

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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.