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The 2025 Rheumatology Year in Review

The year 2025 presented numerous advances in rheumatology and related inflammatory and autoimmune disorders ranging from several new groundbreaking FDA approvals/indications, drug developments, game-changing guidelines and practices that will impact patient care for rheumatic diseases.

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Join us for STEP Talks at RheumNow Live! Big Ideas. Real Impact. No Filler! https://t.co/vvLKFWatWe Don’t miss these engaging discussions: - Placebos in Rheumatology - Dr. Andreas Kerschbaumer - Disease Modification in Osteoarthritis - Dr. Tuhina Neogi - Helicobacter pylori https://t.co/lQRCLdMSh6
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )

Spread of Psoriatic Disease from Skin to Joints

Approximately 20 to 30 percent of all people who suffer from psoriasis also develop painful inflammation in their joints over time. If left untreated, psoriatic arthritis can lead to permanent damage to bones and joints. Why the disease progresses was assessed by researchers from the

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Nursing Shortage Could Worsen Due to Limited Student Loans

MedPage Today

In November, we reported on nursing groups that pushed back against a Trump administration proposal to de-list nursing as a professional degree for purposes of student borrowing. In this report, we look ahead to see what might happen as a result of the policy change.

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2025 Rheumatologists, In Memorium In 2025, rheumatology lost many of its most influential clinicians, mentors, and colleagues. This honor roll recognizes those who cared for countless patients, shaped generations of rheumatologists, and left a lasting legacy in our field. As Dr. https://t.co/MMa670vsoH
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Kick off 2026 with #RheumNowLive—two days of cutting-edge rheumatology, rapid-fire STEP talks, interactive Q&A, and real-world insights with Drs. Jack Cush, Arthur Kavanaugh, and a powerhouse faculty. Register: https://t.co/MVgXnacU5q https://t.co/7ajH7Ry0Uj
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
“The practice of medicine is an art, not a trade; a calling, not a business; a calling in which your heart will be exercised equally with your head. – Sir William Osler

Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )

2025 Rheumatologists, In Memorium In 2025, rheumatology lost many of its most influential clinicians, mentors, and colleagues. This honor roll recognizes those who cared for countless patients, shaped generations of rheumatologists, and left a lasting legacy in our field. As Dr.

Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )

AC&R metanalysis of Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) in adults - 46 studies (n=23,000 pts). GJH required 6 or more Beighton criteria, w/ prevalence of 2%, but 5% in young adults (18-25 yrs). Propose Dx thresholds should vary w/ age = ≥6/9 (18-25y), ≥5/9 (26-65y) & ≥4/9 https://t.co/fgDGKwUozh
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )

2025 Rheumatologists, In Memorium

In 2025, Rheumatology lost many of our greatest clinicians, compatriots, and mentors. This is an honor roll for those who cared, taught, advised and supported many patients, and many of us.

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Congratulations to Dr. Proton Raman - a world class rheumatologist and research scientist!!! https://t.co/ofzGLsofi0

Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )

Obesity and Low Back Pain

EurekAlert!

A large patient population study finds weight gain,  increases risk for low back pain - the risk increased 7% for every BMI unit or 10 pounds over ideal weight. 

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APP Pearls “It’s okay not to “fix” the complaint right away. Validate the patient, then watch and wait when appropriate. The urge to intervene quickly without confidence can be dangerous. See the patient back, keep listening, & continue good history-taking” - Jeannette Hart PA-C

Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )

APP Pearls “When I’m explaining treatment options, I say “hey you are the captain of this ship, I’m your co-captain. I help to guide you along this journey… (I can help you) avoid that Hurricane.” - April Woodrow, APRN, ANP-BC

Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )

Best of 2025: Targeting Obesity in Rheumatic Disease Patients

Sattar et al. has published an informative overview of the effect of obesity on rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). They estimate that nearly 70% of RMD patients are overweight or obese.

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APP Pearls “When seeing a new patient, never assume that their preconceived or prior diagnosis is the only rheumatology condition that they have” - Lindsay Tom, PA-C

Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )

Best of 2025: Hydroxychloroquine for Everyone

Nearly 25 years ago, while lecturing on best therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), I loudly stated that hydroxychloroquine was “useless” and, deservedly, I was “boo-ed” off stage. My point then was that rheumatologists needed to be aggressive, if not overly aggressive, in treating all RA

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“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )

APP Pearls “Do not order a test if you do not know how to interpret the results whether normal or abnormal” - Madison Chastain, CRNP

Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )

Best of 2025: Glossary for Giant Cell Arteritis

Dejaco and colleagues have published a glossary of terms often used in conjunction with giant cell arteritis. The glossary of definitions for 23 signs and symptoms of GCA was developed through a consensus process involving international experts.

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APP Pearls “Never stop learning—rheumatology is full of surprises” - Kayla Carlucci, FNP-BC

Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )

Tricks of the Trade – Clinic Advice from APPs December 2025 is focused on advanced practice providers, their impact, education and priorities. In seeking and soliciting the help and advice of leaders in the rheumatology APP world, I have been impressed by APP pride, dedication https://t.co/boyjytkUyq
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )

Best of 2025: Vitamin D for Prevention of Disease

JAMA has published a clinical guideline on the use of vitamin D to prevent disease in children and adults.

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“Absence of proof of efficacy does not equal proof of absence of efficacy” - Arthur Kavanaugh, MD

Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )

Tricks of the Trade – Clinic Advice from APPs

J. Cush and many APPs

December 2025 is focused on advanced practice providers, their impact, education and priorities.  In seeking and soliciting the help and advice of leaders in the rheumatology APP world, I have been impressed by APP pride, dedication and passion for what they do.

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