Day 3 - Kara Wada, MD & Janet Steins - Roundtable: "The Clinical Trial Journey: Patient Perspectives & Insights"

What is it really like to be in a clinical trial for a new Sjogren's medication? What are the tests like? What's the time commitment? And is it worth it?In this unique and candid roundtable discussion, Dr. Kara Wada is joined by fellow community member and Sjogren's patient Janet Steins to share their personal, lived experiences as participants in the same clinical trial. They pull back the curtain on the entire process—from the initial decision and the intensive screening process to the day-to-day realities of infusions, side effects, and daily surveys.Watch this session to get a rare, firsthand look into the world of clinical trials, hear honest advice for anyone considering this path, and discover the profound hope that comes from contributing to the future of Sjogren's treatment.SESSION IN A GLANCE00:00 Intro00:42 Janet's Background and Diagnosis01:36 Getting into the Clinical Trial03:02 Experiences and Challenges in the Trial06:54 Screening and Enrollment Process11:51 Trial Medications and Phases18:38 Personal Impact and Reflections27:57 Family History and Medical Advances30:48 The Challenge of Diagnosing Seronegative Patients32:07 Personal Experiences with Sjogren's Syndrome34:45 Considering Clinical Trials: Advice and Insights36:32 Navigating Clinical Trials: Expectations and Realities44:40 The Importance of Networks in Managing Chronic Conditions49:46 Concluding Thoughts and EncouragementABOUT JANET STEINSJanet Steins is a Sjogren's patient from Northwest Missouri who was diagnosed in 2021. After finding a supportive rheumatologist who recommended she join a clinical trial, Janet embarked on a journey to not only improve her own health but to contribute to a better future for all Sjogren's patients. A passionate advocate and valued member of our community, this entire session was inspired by her wonderful idea to share the real, lived experience of being in a clinical trial.ABOUT DR. KARA WADADr. Kara Wada is a 4x board certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology, functional, and lifestyle medicine physician. She is also a Midwest mom of 3 kids and an elder millennial who loves a bit of pop punk music and has a rebel energy that is looking for ways to come out to play along with her very kind, loving, and compassionate nature. She uses a 4 R framework in her work: Recognize, Reclaim, Rebel, and Rise, which echoes throughout her work.CONNECT WITH DR. KARA WADAWebsite → https://www.drkarawada.com/LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/immuneconfidentmd/Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/KaraWadaMDTwitter → https://twitter.com/CrunchyAllergyTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@immuneconfidentmdABOUT THE VIRTUAL SJOGREN'S SUMMITThe Virtual Sjögren's Summit is an annual patient-led online event dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering a supportive global community for everyone touched by Sjögren's. Our mission is to build networks of support, knowledge, and hope.