Rheumy RoundsⓇ
The talk show that brings rheumatology professionals & persons affected by AiArthritis diseases to the same table, as equals, to discuss important community topics that, if solved, would improve communication and positively impact outcomes.
"Patients talk to patients. Rheumatologist professionals talk to other professionals. But to improve communication and to solve issues that matter most to patients, we need both stakeholders 'at the table' as equal parties in the conversation."
Concept
The establishment of Rheumy Rounds is based on patient-reported needs to enhance communication and relationship management with their rheumatologists, so issues they deem important could be addressed in a manner that would lead to improved outcomes. The word "Rheumy" is used because this is what patients call their rheumatologists (slang).
Ideally, each initial episode will enlist a minimum of two patients and two rheumatology professionals to participate in roundtable discussions that address topics* suggested by one (or both) stakeholder groups.
Rheumatology Collaborators
Thank you to Dr. Alfred Kim "Al", rheumatologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine and of Pathology & Immunology at Washington University School of Medicine, founder and director of the Washington University Lupus Clinic, and Tiffany's rheumy (our CEO and primary Talk Show Co-Host), for helping us spearhead this project.
In addition to Dr. Kim ("Al"), we have other recurring "rheumys" - Dr. Vibeke Strand, Dr. Jeff Sparks, and Dr. Lisa Zickhur - but all health professionals are welcome (even if you aren't a 'rheumy'). Are YOU a rheumatology professional and interested in participating? Whether you would like to be on an episode, or simply advise from behind the scenes, we have a seat for you at our table. Please email tiffany@aiarthritis.org for more information.
RheumyRounds was made possible with support from Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS)
Episodes
Most Recent
Past Episodes
Office Communication Specific
The following four episodes (two approximately one hour in length and two short segments) were all produced from one conversation between a rheumatologist, researcher, and two people living with AiArthritis diseases, which focused on potential causes for communication barriers that may exist between patient and doctor during office visits. The discussion was robust, and at times lighthearted, but they achieved something novel - doctors, researchers, and patients all "at the table" as equals, working towards solutions to improve experiences for both stakeholder groups. As a result, all parties involved reported not only did they learn from this experience, but they took something away that will alter the way they think of office visits in the future.
Dr. Alfred Kim
Rheumatologist, Assistant Professor Washington University, Founder & Director of the Lupus Clinic
Jerik Leung
Master of Public Health Program at Saint Louis University, College for Public Health and Social Justice
Kelly Conway
Person diagnosed with AiArthritis diseases, IFAA co-founder
Tiffany Westrich-Robertson
Person diagnosed with AiArthritis disease, IFAA co-founder, CEO
COVID Specific
October 31st, 2021 - Episode 67
Making Informed Decisions in Unprecedented Times
Deb, Tiffany and Katie discuss making informed decisions in the age of COVID-19, and the impact of those choices. They hope to stop misinformation and provide tools and resources for their listeners.
July 4th, 2021 - Episode #63
COVID-19, Vaccinations, Shared-Decision Making, & Rheumy Communications
This week join your patient co-hosts Tiffany and Deb, as they welcome Al and Jeff (Dr. Al Kim and Dr. Jeff Sparks) to talk about the latest in COVID-19 research and vaccinations, including variants, antibodies, and the importance of communicating with your doctor about boosters and the evolving landscape (shared-decision making).
April 4th, 2021 - Episode #60
COVID Blues: It's ok to ask for help
This week join your patient co-hosts Kelly Conway and Rick Phillips as they are joined by Heather Kenjorski to discuss mental health AiArthritis patients, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Special Air Date and Time! February 24th, 2021 - Episode #57
COVID-19 & Vaccinations Communication, Education, & Shared-Decision Making
Who's at the table? Patient Co-Hosts Tiffany Westrich-Robertson & Kelly Conway are joined by Dr's Al Kim, Vibeke Strand, and Jeff Sparks as they discuss patient and rheumatologist vaccination hesitation and key education points, while providing insights to assess benefits and risks and promote shared-decision making strategies.
February 21st, 2021 - Episode #56
Minisode Special: Decision Making w/ Vaccinations & Special Rheumy Rounds Announcement!
This episode, join your patient co-host, Tiffany Westrich-Robertson, CEO of the International Foundation for Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis, as she introduces the special report episode (airing Wednesday the 24th) on rheumy/patient communication vaccine issues and the importance of shared decision making.
January 24th, 2021 - Episode #54
COVID-19 & AiArthritis Series: Vaccine Questions & Mixed Messages
Tiffany and Dr Kim discuss the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Kim and his colleagues are leading a study called COVID-19 Vaccine Responses in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases which seeks to examine the quantity and quality of immune responses generated to the vaccine by autoimmune patients, as well as the safety of the vaccine for those patients. He provides answers to all of our patient-generated questions and provides actionable advice you can use to make the best decision for your own care.
