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Scleroderma Patient
Education Conference

Saturday, May 13, 2023

Oakbrook, IL 

8am - 3:30pm

About the Conference

You didn’t choose scleroderma, but you do have choices - and you’re not alone. We have experts to guide you, and a community of people to support you so you can make informed decisions and live better. 

  • ​Hear the latest scleroderma treatment options

  • Learn from experts in scleroderma management

  • Find answers to your scleroderma questions

  • Get inspired by a community that understands

  • Learn about small lifestyle changes to improve everyday life

  • Learn a holistic approach to reducing scleroderma symptoms

Topics & Speakers

Exercise as Medicine in Systemic Sclerosis

Lesley Saketkoo, MD, MPH

Director, Associate Professor of Medicine, New Orleans Scleroderma & Sarcoidosis Patient Care & Research Center

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Virtually every aspect of systemic sclerosis can be beneficially impacted by exercise: inflammation, circulation, body warmth, GI, skin, musculoskeletal and lung health.

 

The therapeutic underpinnings of exercise target the specific mechanisms behind the pervasive SSc-disease biological, physical and psychological manifestations. 

 

This session is intended to empower people living with scleroderma with knowledge of systemic sclerosis and the anticipated impact exercise and physical activity can have on the many manifestations of systemic sclerosis. 

 

At the end of this session, attendees should have a better understanding of the extent of SSc and feel confident in constructing an exercise regimen generally and for their particular needs related to scleroderma.

Scleroderma From the Neck Up

Dr. Martin Hogan

Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery

Program Director, General Practice Dentistry, Loyola University Medical Center

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In this talk we will discuss the most common findings associated with scleroderma.  We will discuss some of the methods your dental team can utilize to help manage your condition, and also some ways that you can help yourself and your dental team manage your condition.  We will discuss some unique methods for maintaining your oral health care and will conclude with an open Q&A session.

Updating our Understanding and Management of the Gut in Scleroderma

Michael D Brown MD, MACM, FACP, FACG, AGAF

Professor of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center

Program Director, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowshi

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Dr. Michael D. Brown attended medical school at the University of Illinois graduating in 1981. His internal medicine residency was completed at Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago in 1984. He completed his gastroenterology fellowship at Michael Reese and the University of Chicago in 1987. He is a Professor of Medicine and Senior attending at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and is the program director of the gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship at Rush a position he has held for 18 years. He is a fellow in the American College of Physicians, American College of Gastroenterology and the American Gastroenterological Association. He completed his Master’s degree in Education & Academic Medicine from the University of Southern California in 2010.

 

Research and clinical interests include colonoscopy quality measures and preparations, use of simulation in endoscopic training, gastrointestinal radiotelemetry methodology, and diagnosis and treatment of functional bowel disorders. He runs a focused functional bowel disorders clinic at Rush. He is chairman of the continuing medical education committee at Rush Oak Park Hospital and the serves on the Education and Training Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology and the Graduate Medical Education Committee at Rush University.

Scleroderma Lung Disease: Best Practices for Monitoring and Treatment

Mary E. Strek, MD 

Pulmonologist, Professor of Medicine, University of Chicago

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This talk will review the best practices for monitoring for the early detection of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH), the two most common and serious lung diseases that occur in patients with scleroderma. It will also cover the many new medications approved for the treatment of ILD and PH and when these medications are indicated. The goal is for patients with scleroderma to understand the recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of scleroderma-associated lung diseases that are leading to improved outcomes.

Hear What Past Attendees Have to Say

"Very informative. Important up-to-date research-based recommendations for medical treatment and full of feel-good lifestyle recommendations such as exercise mindfulness, positive thinking, and self-love. You will leave feeling empowered and more knowledgeable."

SCHEDULE:

8:00 - 9:00 am - Registration

9:00 - 9:15 am - Opening remarks 

9:15 - 10:15 am - Dr. Michael Brown: Updating Our Understanding and Management of the Gut in Scleroderma

10:15 - 11:05 am - Dr. Lesley Saketkoo: Exercise as Medicine in Systemic Sclerosis (Part One)

11:05 - 11:25 am - Break

11:25 am - 12:15 pm - Dr. Lesley Saketkoo: Exercise as Medicine in Systemic Sclerosis (Part Two)

12:15 - 1:15 pm - Lunch (Provided at no cost)

1:15 - 2:15 pm - Dr. Mary Strek: Best Practices for Monitoring and Treatment of Scleroderma Lung Disease

2:15 - 3:00 pm - Dr. Marty Hogan: Scleroderma From the Neck Up

3:00 pm - Closing remarks

LOCATION:

Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook

Conference Center 

2715 Jorie Blvd

Oakbrook, IL 60523

Free parking

Parking Information for Patient education conference

Covid-19 Policy

Covid-19 prevention guidelines will continue to be strongly encouraged to protect our scleroderma community. If you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19, such as a fever or cough, or have recently been exposed to someone who tested positive for Covid-19 we ask that you stay home. Surgical masks will be provided and strongly encouraged, especially in common areas where social distancing is difficult. For those who may be at higher risk or prefer being around others who are wearing masks, we will have tables reserved at the conference where masks will be required. 

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