Rheumatology - the Favored Few
A routine visit, followed by a few post-visit comments from the familly, is all it takes to remind me how great it is to be a rheumatologist.
Blogs
Off-Label Use – A Free Speech, Scientific and Safety Issue
Is off-label drug use an example of "free speech"? Do off-label use guidelines affect every day practice or the way Pharma promotes its product outside of the indications for which it was approved?
11 Pearls for Pregnancy Management in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis affects women in their child-bearing years and many will face the issue of pregnancy and RA management at some point. Here are11 considerations for those managing RA patients who wish to become pregnant.
Compounded Pain Cream Scams
I was methodically signing off on stack of refill requests, until I find one I don’t recognize. The patient is mine but the prescription (under my name) is not. It’s for a specialty compounded cream...
TIPS for Arthritis Travelers
Travel can be challenging for arthritis patients. Here are some useful tips to travel smoothly and pain free.
Women: stand up for yourselves!
I was recently offered a project that paid a lot less than what I feel my time is worth. My research on compensation suggests a male colleague would have been offered at least 2-3 times as much for the same project. At first I was insulted, but then I took a deep breath and said to myself, I need to negotiate for a higher price. Why not?
Notes from the 2015 SPARTAN Meeting
Dr. Schwartzman reviews the proceedings of the 2015 Annual SPARTAN conference devoted to advances in spondyloarthritis.
Wine and the rheumatologist: on aging
Here’s what I hope can be accomplished by this blog: to bring true stories of wine from our community forward for all to share. After my first blog, I received a note from one of my favorite people: Professor Frank Wollheim from Lund University and giant in the profession.
Better Zoster Vaccine Options on the Horizon
The prevention of Herpes zoster infections can be challenging in patients receiving immunosuppressives or biologic therapies. Dr. Artie Kavanugh reviews a new, potential advance in vaccination for shingles.
How do you handle questions about sex?
I had just finished going over the prognosis and treatment plan with my newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patient. I asked if she had any questions for me. She did.
An Elderly RA Patient with Hepatitis B and Latent TB
Comorbidities often influence the choice of therapies in RA. This elderly man with hepatitis and TB needs aggressive treatment, but what drugs can reasonably be considered?
Pick Up the Phone
Inefficient peer-to-peer physician communication has eroded integrated care and compromised patient outcomes and safety. Picking up the smart phone and use of technology may help to close these gaps.
