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My Cancelled Lecture (5.11.2024)

In lieu of the regular weekly podcast, Dr. Jack Cush records his "Life Lessons (that keep changing) in Rheumatology Lecture". A lecture recently cancelled because some of this content was objectionable? 

(I dont think so!)

Disclosures
The author has no conflicts of interest to disclose related to this subject

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Andrew Weinberger, MD

| May 13, 2024 3:55 pm

Hi Jack,

Thank you for the interesting lecture and if I were not retired, I would also say that it is helpful!

I wonder if the category of Hell Traits was found offensive by some? You probably meant that the disease is hellish to treat in the presence of those traits, but some may have thought that it meant the patients were hellish.

Best,

Andy Weinberger

Andy, thanks for your comments. This lecture was for rheumatologists who know there are great patients and challenging patients (like great vs not-so great neighbors) and my "Hell Traits" were character descriptors to identify people who probably dont need another expensive and risky biologic for their RA, but instead need a different approach. Hell traits should prompt a different approach to communicating and helping the patient in need.

Hello Jack,
I certainly agree with the concept that not all problems in patients with RA need additional direct treatment for their RA with potentially dangerous and probably expensive medicines, and sometimes just the idea of needing something else for it could be discouraging to them. (I hate having to take 4 pills once a day-two pills each of two drugs-which is not much!). Perhaps another term could be used to avoid the impact of a term like Hell Traits, such as "difficult problems" or "other factors complicating care" (admittedly much longer than your term). I hope to see you in Washington.

Donald E Thomas Jr

| May 13, 2024 7:37 pm

Jack: I think Andrew is correct. Though many of us would agree with you, I can only imagine what a "non-vaxer" thought if they were the decision maker. Also, I would not tie nonvaxers to this group. There are many reasons people are "non-vaxers," but not all non-vaxers are created equal. There certainly is a subset that would be in the "Hell" category, but I find many, to most, to be decent decision makers who unfortunately have created that non-vax "internal dialogue" based upon false facts, and they just find it hard to accept opposing true facts.

btw... I rarely ever watch videos (too busy, would rather skim and read), but you lured me in with your title and loved all the tid bits of practical advice . Keep up the great work :-) ... Don

Thanks Don! and thanks for all your great work on communicating with patients.
I will stand by my words, knowing I cant please everyone but focus on bringing clarity to rheumatologists who do not approach difficult to treat RA as I do. Its abundantly hard to cover these approaches in 2 slides.

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