Spotlight: Clinical Cornerstones, Daric Mueller, MS, PA-C

The latest episode of RhAPPcast brings you a compelling discussion inspired by RhAPP’s quarterly newsletter segment, Clinical Cornerstones Spotlight—an initiative celebrating the expertise and contributions of RhAPP members. Hosted by Amanda Mixon, PA-C, this episode features Daric Mueller, MS, PA-C, a rising star in the rheumatology APP community. Together, they explore multidisciplinary care, highlighting the rheumatology-ophthalmology connection and the vital role collaboration plays in patient outcomes.Daric shares his journey into rheumatology, from an early interest in healthcare to a career shaped by a formative rotation that sparked his passion for the specialty. He discusses the intellectual challenges and rewards of working in rheumatology, emphasizing the puzzle-solving nature of diagnosing and managing complex autoimmune conditions. With experience in a private practice setting, Daric details how his day-to-day role integrates continuity of care, patient relationships, and evolving treatments.A major focus of this episode is multidisciplinary care, particularly bridging communication gaps between rheumatology and ophthalmology. Daric shares key strategies for enhancing collaboration, including open dialogue, shared clinical goals, and mutual education between specialties. He highlights how ophthalmologists often rely on rheumatologists' expertise when it comes to advanced biologic therapies, and how strengthening these professional relationships can lead to better patient care.For new APPs, Daric provides valuable advice on integrating into rheumatology, from finding the right mentor and leveraging educational resources to actively engaging in professional networks like RhAPP. His passion for advancing APP education and multidisciplinary collaboration makes this episode a must-listen for anyone in rheumatology, ophthalmology, or beyond.Follow RhAPPcast and RhAPP on social media for updates, and explore the RhAPP ACE App for educational resources designed for rheumatology APPs.