ACR Journals On Air

In this episode, we speak with a leading investigator in large-vessel vasculitis, Dr. Anne Bull Haaversen, to clarify the full spectrum of giant cell arteritis (GCA), including its aortic involvement. We reviewed the prevalence of GCA-related aneurysms, why the team compared ultrasonography with other imaging modalities, and how the ascending aorta can be assessed with ultrasound. Our Dr. Haaversen summarizes the study design, key findings, and limitations, and reflects on how these results may inform future guidelines. We close by discussing the evolution of their research focus on large-vessel imaging and how rheumatologists can balance advanced diagnostics with empathetic patient care. 

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Aaron Smith to explore why the rheumatology community urgently needs stronger grounding in aging principles and more adaptable care strategies for older adults living with rheumatic conditions. Dr. Smith walks us through his innovative research examining the attitudes and perspectives of healthcare professionals, explains how tools like the ERA-12 help illuminate key patterns, and shares what his team learned about how clinicians approach the care of aging patients. He discusses which findings surprised him, what limitations shaped the study, and how this work opens new directions for future investigation. Near the end, Dr. Smith offers practical takeaways clinicians can apply right away and reflect on his own early-career journey—including what he hopes to accomplish between fellowship and the far future stages of his career. 

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sandra Pinho, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Chicago, to explore the fascinating intersection of stem cell biology, aging, and the bone marrow niche. From her early days studying biology in Portugal to groundbreaking research in London and New York, Dr. Pinho shares her scientific journey and the mentors who shaped her career. In a conversation that begins with Halloween monsters and ends with cutting-edge aging research, we uncover how megakaryocytes—cells best known for making platelets—play surprising roles in immune regulation and the aging process. Dr. Pinho discusses how changes in these cells can influence immune balance, contribute to age-related dysfunction, and even hint at new therapeutic strategies for healthy aging. Blending curiosity, science, and a touch of the spooky, this episode offers both personal insight and a deep dive into the hidden dynamics of our "spooky skeletons." 

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Sharon about the complex intersection of oncology and autoimmunity through the lens of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)—therapies that have transformed cancer care but can also unleash immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Dr. Elad explains how ICIs work, why they can trigger autoimmune-like toxicities, and what distinguishes rheumatologic irAEs from classic autoimmune diseases. We explore the mechanistic overlaps between cancer immunotherapy and autoimmunity, the ethical and clinical dilemmas of balancing immune suppression with cancer control, and emerging biomarkers that may predict risk. Dr. Sharon also reflects on his career journey—from leading drug development efforts at the National Cancer Institute to returning to academia—and shares insights on collaboration, innovation, and the evolving partnership between oncologists and rheumatologists in managing these challenging conditions. 

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kristin to discuss her session at ACR Convergence on taking a personalized approach to pulmonary hypertension in connective tissue diseases. She shares why now is the critical moment for this shift and how "personalized" care extends beyond biomarkers and imaging to encompass clinical nuances, patient-reported symptoms, and multidisciplinary collaboration. We explore the key challenges in detecting pulmonary hypertension early, the promise of emerging technologies like AI-assisted imaging and molecular diagnostics, and the subtle red flags clinicians should recognize in at-risk patients. Dr. Kristin also reflects on her unique dual training in rheumatology and pulmonology, the defining moments that shaped her career, and how mentorship continues to drive innovation and compassion in the care of patients with connective tissue lung disease.