Join us for an opportunity to bring the lupus community together for a day of connection and education in Ann Arbor. The symposium is open to those with lupus, friends and family, medical professionals and students. Registration is $10 per person (members attend free). The event will take place from 10 am-1 pm on the University of Michigan’s campus, Forum Hall, located in Palmer Commons. Registration opens at 9 am.
Speakers include:
“Plaquenil for the Lupus Patient”
Dr. Zeinab Saleh, rheumatologist
University of Michigan Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology
Many people with lupus are prescribed the antimalarial Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for the rest of their lives to control their disease and reduce flares. Dr. Saleh will explain the benefits of Plaquenil in managing lupus, including its specific advantages for pregnant patients. She will review the associated side effects, with particular emphasis on ocular toxicity and will discuss the role of monitoring blood levels to optimize patient care.
“Cutaneous Manifestations of Connective Tissue Diseases & the Role of a Dermatologist in Treating Lupus”
Dr. David Fivenson, dermatologist
Fivenson Dermatology
Dr. Fivenson is a nationally recognized specialist in autoimmune skin disease, wound care, clinical research and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. He has been an investigator on more than 180 clinical trials for both common and rare skin diseases. His presentation will cover cutaneous manifestations of connective tissue diseases and the specific skin types of lupus. He will also give an overview of the role of a dermatologist in a patient’s management of lupus.
“Self-Care for Lupus Pain and Related Symptoms”
Dr. Rachel Bergmans
University of Michigan Chronic Pain & Fatigue Research Center
Dr. Bergmans is a Research Investigator in the Chronic Pain & Fatigue Research Center at the University of Michigan and leads the Health Equity Core. Her program is focused on integrating community-engaged approaches within the context of clinical research for chronic pain conditions to inform tailored care strategies and reduce inequities in treatment outcomes. She will outline the wide variety of self-care techniques that can help you manage some aspects of your lupus symptoms.
“Psychedelics and Lupus Research”
Dr. Jacob S. Aday
University of Michigan, Department of Anesthesiology, Chronic Pain & Fatigue Research Center, Michigan Psychedelic Center
Jacob S. Aday, Ph.D. is a research investigator in the Department of Anesthesiology, with appointments in the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center as well as the Michigan Psychedelic Center. Dr. Aday will present on the historical background of psychedelics, current therapeutic applications they are being explored for, and emerging research on their potential use for lupus and other chronic pain conditions.
“Make Your Voice Heard: the Importance of State & Federal Advocacy”
Kimberly Dimond
Executive Director, Michigan Lupus Foundation
The Michigan Lupus Foundation is advocating to improve the patient experience with health insurance, medications and disability rights in the state of Michigan. We are actively engaged in advocacy efforts at both the federal and state levels by joining national and state coalitions to help improve the quality of life for those living with lupus. Learn how you can help impact current legislation on topics that are affecting those with lupus.
Admission is $10 per person. Members attend free.
Donations made to the Michigan Lupus Foundation directly support those with lupus through assistance, awareness and research with the goal of finding a cure. The MI Lupus Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. To learn more about the Michigan Lupus Foundation, visit http://milupus.org.