Arthritis At Home (+ On the Go)

May is Lupus Awareness Month in Canada! Join us this May on Arthritis At Home as we share lupus highlights from #CRArthritis 2026.Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease that affects nearly every part of life, including health, work, family and emotional wellbeing. In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Sasha Bernatsky, a rheumatologist and James McGill Professor and senior scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. Dr. Bernatsky defines what systemic lupus erythematosus is. We learn about the different types of fine particulate matter components in air pollution and how ozone can cause problems too. She concludes by talking about the connection between environment, genetics, and exposure to air pollution and development of SLE. There are ways to protect yourself from air pollution such as looking at the air quality index and limiting your time outdoor at times of poor air quality, regular use of N95 masks, using air filters and closing windows when you are indoor during times when air quality is bad. Additional learning resourcesHealth Canada: Air quality and healthBC Lung FoundationVolatile organic compoundsFine particulate matter air pollution and anti-nuclear antibodies

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we are excited to raise awareness for World AS Day (happening on May 2) by sharing the #CRArthritis 2026 interview with Dr. Walter Maksymowych, a Professor in the Department of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta. World AS Day is an annual day dedicated to people living with axial spondyloarthritis. Dr. Walter Maksymowych defines what biomarkers are and why it is so important in the diagnosis of spondyloarthritis. Biomarkers can also be an indicator of something that is happening inside the body. Dr. Maksymowych concludes by highlighting some key points from his workshop on translational science. About Dr. Walter Maksymowych Dr. Walter Maksymowych is a Professor in the Department of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta. He is a co-founder and principal investigator at the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC), a group established to develop biomarkers and imaging technologies for this form of spinal arthritis. Additional learning resourcesJointHealth™ Education – Ankylosing Spondylitis Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of CanadaArthritis Consumer Experts’ About Axial Spondyloarthritis page

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we are excited to share the #CRArthritis 2026 interview with Dr. Jean-Paul Makhzoum, clinician-scientist specializing in vasculitis at the Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal. Dr. Makhzoum shares highlights from a presentation titled “Lighting up the arteries: How imaging and therapies are reshaping large vessel vasculitis”. He defines what large-vessel vasculitis, including giant cell arteritis (GCA), is and the common and severe symptoms such as vision loss, observed in large-vessel vasculitis. He stresses that it is important to get GCA diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. A model that has been effective in Montréal for people living with GCA is the GCA rapid access clinic. About Dr. Jean-Paul MakhzoumDr. Makhzoum is an associate professor at the University of Montreal and the Director of the Vasculitis Research Program and GCA rapid access clinic at the Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal.Additional learning resourcesLearn more about large-vessel vasculitisVasculitis Foundation CanadaSONIC-GCA StudyVasculitis Clinic, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Nadia Luca, an Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa who practices as a pediatric rheumatologist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Dr. Luca discusses about the development of the national clinical guidelines for transition in rheumatology in Canada. In addition, she offers valuable advice to helping children and youth living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and their families understand the challenges of transitioning from pediatric to adult care and why standardized guidelines are so important. Additional learning resourcesArthritis Consumer Experts’ About Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis pageRoad to Adult Arthritis CareCassie and Friends Society

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, Arthritis Consumer Experts’ President, Cheryl Koehn, and VP of Communications and Public Affairs, Kelly Lendvoy, discuss ACE’s 12th year of hosting #CRArthritis, bringing the latest research from the annual meeting directly to people with arthritis on their computer, phone or iPad.ACE’s digital platform, Arthritis Broadcast Network (ABN), will air interviews with Canada’s leading rheumatologists, researchers, patient advocates, and arthritis health professionals on the ABN YouTube, Facebook, and X pages, using the hashtag #CRArthritis.Are you a health care provider, patient, or researcher participating at the annual meeting? If you are participating in this year’s CRA & AHPA Annual Scientific Meeting, we would love to interview you! Please email [email protected] to book your interview. Additional learning resourcesArthritis Broadcast NetworkCanadian Rheumatology AssociationArthritis Health Professions Association

March is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month!In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we are raising awareness about juvenile arthritis by sharing tips on transitioning from juvenile to adult arthritis care. Hear from Matthew Sholdice, Makayla Fox and Anusha Patel, young peoples living with arthritis and the McMaster team behind Road to Adult Arthritis Care, a website with resources for youth, caregivers, and health care providers. The tools below are available in English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Somali, and Spanish and available for download on the website: Youth Transition Road Map: Transition to Adult CareHelping You Reach Your Transition GoalsParent and Caregiver Reference Guide: Transition to Adult CareAdditional learning resources Road to Adult Arthritis Care website

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, host Cheryl Koehn speaks with Deidre Mackechnie, Executive Officer of the Australian Patient Advocacy Alliance, about her organization’s partnering with the Patients and patents campaign.The interview will explore what the Australian Patient Advocacy Alliance does for patients, why the Patients and patents campaign is important for patients in Australia, and discuss ways patients can help share the information.Additional learning resourcesPatients and patents: A grassroots education campaign on pharmaceutical patentsAbout the Australian Patient Advocacy Alliance

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we speak with Dr. Stephanie Keeling about the results of the National Survey on Lupus conducted by Arthritis Consumer Experts and Lupus Canada. Dr. Keeling will review the Survey highlights, including the difficulty people with lupus face getting diagnosed and the challenges they face remaining physically active and happy in all aspects of their lives.Dr. Keeling is a clinical rheumatologist and Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta. She is a former board member and current member of the guidelines committee of the Canadian Rheumatology Association and a member and treasurer of the Canadian Network of Improved Outcomes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (CaNIOS). Additional learning resourcesJointHealth™ insight - National Survey on Lupus ReportLiving with Lupus – Arthritis Consumer ExpertsJointHealth™ Education: Arthritis and Mental HealthCanadian Network of Improved Outcomes in SLE (CANIOS) registry

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with Ms. Julie Herrington, an Advanced Physiotherapist Practitioner with ACPAC (Advanced Clinical Practitioner in Arthritis Care) training working with the pediatric and young adult rheumatology teams at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. In her discussion with Cheryl, she shares highlights from her two posters. The first poster looked at an advanced physiotherapist practitioner’s level of safety performing juvenile idiopathic arthritis care. They compared quality and standards of care, safety, and performance indicators between patients receiving advanced physiotherapist practitioner care with those in the PR-COIN Registry. PR-COIN is a collaborative community where patients, parents, clinicians, and researchers work together to improve the health and care of children and youth with rheumatic conditions. The second poster highlights parents and teens’ feedback about their satisfaction with the advanced physiotherapist practitioner model of care in pediatric rheumatology. The study found that satisfaction level is high. The parents and teens felt that appointments were thorough and valuable.Additional learning resourcesPediatric Rheumatology (PR-COIN) Care & Outcomes Improvement NetworkAdvanced Training in Extended Practice Roles in Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal DiseaseMcMaster Children’s HospitalArthritis Consumer Experts’ About Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis pageCanadian Alliance of Pediatric Rheumatology Investigators

In this episode of Arthritis at Home, we explore an issue that affects every person who relies on medication to manage their disease: why are some medications so expensive, and what role do pharmaceutical patents play in access to affordable treatment? Host Kelly Lendvoy speaks with Cheryl Koehn, President, Arthritis Consumer Experts, about the launch of the new Patients and patents website as part of a global, patient-led initiative designed to help patients better understand how patent rules can influence the cost and availability of the medications they depend on. Together, they discuss how patents are meant to protect innovation but sometimes are used in ways that delay access to affordable options like biosimilars, and what patients and organizations can do to get involved in the campaign. Additional learning resources Patients and patents: A grassroots education campaign on pharmaceutical patentsThe “Patients and patents” campaign infographic

What does mental health really look like when you are living with arthritis?In a new episode of Arthritis at Home, Kelly Lendvoy talks to Cheryl Koehn, President, Arthritis Consumer Experts about the emotional challenges of living with arthritis and the launch of JointHealth™ Education – Arthritis and Mental Health, covering important topics for people living with arthritis:What patients told us about the emotional toll of arthritis in ACE’s National Survey on Arthritis and Mental HealthWhy mental health is still not routinely discussed in appointments The two-way relationship between pain and mood How small, realistic steps can strengthen resilienceWhy asking for support is a sign of strength, not weaknessThe new  JointHealth™ Education online course was developed to help people living with arthritis better understand the connection between arthritis and mental health and to provide practical strategies to strengthen emotional well-being.Additional learning resourcesClick here to take the courseArthritis Consumer Experts Survey Report on Arthritis and Mental Health Mental Health Commission of Canada

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we are featuring the #CRArthritis with Dr. Inés Colmegna, clinician-scientist in the Division of Rheumatology at McGill University. Dr. Colmegna talks about a poster she presented at the Canadian Rheumatology Association’s Annual Scientific Meeting. She explains why blind studies are important in studying the therapeutic effects of scleroderma and shares some key takeaway messages from her poster.Additional learning resourcesScleroderma CanadaArthritis Consumer Experts’ About Scleroderma pageSingle, Double & Triple Blind Study – Definitions and Examples 

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we are featuring the #CRArthritis with Dr. Alexandra Saltman, an Assistant Professor at the Department of Medicine in the University of Toronto, and clinician teacher in the Division of Rheumatology and Palliative Medicine at Mount Sinai and the University Health Network. Dr. Saltman shares her unique perspective about integrating palliative care in rheumatologic care and how incorporating palliative care principles early on in the care plan could improve the quality and quantity of life for someone living with rheumatic diseases. Additional learning resources Palliative Care in Rheumatic Diseases: When Does the End Begin and Why Does it Matter? (Webinar)CRAJ Summer 2019 Palliative Care for the RheumatologistPalliative Care for the Rheumatologist: An Educational and Patient Care InterventionArthritis Consumer Experts’ Self-advocacy Tips 

In this episode of Arthritis at Home, Ellen Wang, Programs Coordinator at Arthritis Consumer Experts, has a discussion with Dr. Carrie Ye, an Associate Professor from the University of Alberta, about rheum-oncology and artificial intelligence in rheumatology. Carrie shared how her interests developed at the intersection of patient care, epidemiology, and complex systemic disease, particularly in the context of cancer immunotherapies and their rheumatic and bone-related toxicities. The conversation explored rheum-oncology as an emerging discipline, highlighting the importance of collaboration between rheumatologists and oncologists, as well as her leadership with Canadian Research Group of Rheumatology in Immuno-Oncology (CanRIO) in building national capacity and shared learning in this space. The episode concludes with a thoughtful discussion on the biggest opportunities for artificial intelligence in rheumatology, such as earlier detection and more personalized care, alongside key challenges including accuracy, bias, and environmental impact.Additional learning resourcesArthritis Consumer Experts National Survey on Artificial Intelligence and Arthritis Care ReportLearn more about Carrie’s projectDoctors of BC: Using AI Scribe Technologies

In this special episode of Arthritis at Home, Kelly Lendvoy, ACE’s VP, Communications & Public Affairs, speaks with Drs. Michelle Batthish and Karen Beattie, and Matthew Sholdice – the McMaster University team that has launched a new online resource called the Road to Adult Arthritis Care. The website was co-created with youth, parents, and caregivers, to help young people living with arthritis confidently prepare for adult arthritis care. The McMaster team speak about the key tools found on the website:Youth Transition Road Map For teens aged 15–18 and young adults aged 18–25, this visual guide walks through what to expect, how to prepare, and how to take the lead in your care, from managing medications and appointments to planning for school, work, and relationships.Helping You Reach Your Transition Goals This tip- and hack-filled guide is packed with personal advice from youth who’ve already made the move to adult care. It offers ways to build confidence, learn new skills, and get organized.Parent & Caregiver Reference Guide Created with input from diverse families across Canada, this guide helps parents and caregivers know when and how to support — and when to step back — while staying connected as their young person becomes a more independent healthcare advocate.Additional learning resourcesThe Road to Adult Arthritis Care websiteYouth Transition Road MapHelping You Reach Your Transition Goals guideParent and Caregiver Reference Guide

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we are featuring the #CRArthritis with Dr. Tom Appleton, Division Head of Rheumatology at St. Joseph’s Health Care London and Western University London. In his discussion with Cheryl Koehn, founder of Arthritis Consumer Experts, Tom talks about risk factors for osteoarthritis and some of the misconceptions about arthritis and osteoarthritis. Additional learning resources 3 fab facts for happy joints for people living with osteoarthritisOsteoarthritis Action Alliance Arthritis Consumer Experts’ About Osteoarthritis page

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we are featuring the #CRArthritis with Dr. Marie Westby, a clinician-scientist at the Centre for Aging SMART, a physical therapy clinical resource educator at the Mary Pack Arthritis Programs and a clinical professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Westby speaks with Cheryl Koehn, ACE’s Founder and President, about the importance of assessing quality of post total joint replacement (TJR) rehabilitation and highlights some of the care gaps and patient perspectives from her study. Additional learning resourcesOA Action Alliance webinar on EQUIP-ing OA patients and health care providers through patient engagement in researchArthritis at Home Ep.39: A patient looks back – one year after knee replacement surgeryArthritis at Home Ep.40: Best Practices: Post total joint replacement rehabilitation in Canada 

In this special episode of Arthritis At Home (+ On the Go) podcast, we feature Ms. Alison Hoens, a physiotherapist, Clinical Professor and Knowledge Broker working with the University of British Columbia, Arthritis Research Canada, and the Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia. She is also a person living with rheumatoid arthritis, the mother of a daughter living with rheumatoid arthritis, and the sister for a brother with severe knee osteoarthritis (OA) who is awaiting surgery to replace his hips and both knees. In the interview, Alison covers the following: What is osteoarthritis, who gets knee OA and whyHow can people overcome their fear of exerciseWhat are the best exercises for people living with knee OAAdditional learning resources3 fab facts for happy joints for people living with osteoarthritisJointHealth™ insight – Osteoarthritis in Canada: Prevention, treatment and managementTalk to your doctor about joint pain tool kitJointHealth™  insight – The Road to Joint Replacement Surgery

In a special holiday episode of Arthritis at Home, Cheryl Koehn, President of Arthritis Consumer Experts (ACE) and Kelly Lendvoy, VP of Communication and Public Affairs, reflect on ACE 2025 milestones, what they mean for people with arthritis and where the organization is headed in 2026.In the interview, Cheryl speaks candidly about why listening carefully to lived experience continues to guide ACE’s work, how trust is built through evidence-based education and transparent advocacy, and why national patient surveys are essential to accelerating change in arthritis care. She also highlights key 2025 milestones, including the growth of ACE’s community and policy engagement with governments, and outlines how ACE plans to scale its impact in 2026 through expanded education, advocacy, and equity-focused initiatives.From everyone at ACE, warm holiday wishes—and a hopeful start to the new year.Additional learning resourcesArthritis Consumer Experts National Survey on Artificial Intelligence and Arthritis Care ReportArthritis Broadcast Network’s #CRArthritis 2025  Patients and PatentsJointHealth™ Education – Arthritis and Exercise Arthritis Call to Action website

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Lauren King, an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at University of Toronto, and a rheumatologist and clinician scientist at St. Michael’s Hospital. Her clinical research program combines epidemiology and implementation science, with the goal of identifying gaps in care and developing evidence-informed solutions to improve care and outcomes for people living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease, with a particular focus on osteoarthritis. In the interview, Dr. King and Ellen discuss about her podium presentation on the association between symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and blood glucose control in persons with Type 2 diabetes. They also highlight key findings from her poster on the topic of interdisciplinary team-based model of rheumatology care. Additional learning resourcesDiabetes CanadaInterdisciplinary Health Professionals Arthritis Consumer Experts’ About Osteoarthritis page 

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Roberta Berard, an Associate Professor of Paediatrics at Western University and the division director of Paediatric Rheumatology at the Children’s Hospital in London, Ontario, Canada. She has extensive experience in clinical care of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and uveitis as well as research expertise in longitudinal data analysis and cohort studies. In the interview, Dr. Berard discusses about her work looking at the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease and spondyloarthropathies. Additional learning resourcesCrohn’s and Colitis CanadaCanadian Digestive Health Foundation: The Role of Intestinal Ultrasound in Diagnosing and Monitoring IBDArthritis Consumer Experts’ About Spondyloarthritis pageThe IBD Centre of BC

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we are sharing the #CRAthritis interview with Dr. Sasha Bernatsky, a rheumatologist, James McGill Professor and senior scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. Dr. Bernatsky shares the key findings from her research abstract poster on the link between Air Pollution and the development of Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases. She provides an overview of what people living with arthritis should be aware of when it comes to air pollution exposure. In addition, Dr. Bernatsky answers questions about her research on Hydroxychloroquine Retinal Monitoring in Canada. She looks at why regular retinal screening is also important for people taking hydroxychloroquine and what are the risks if it is not done. Additional learning resourcesCanadian Air Quality IndexSystemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases and multiple industrial air pollutant emissions: A large general population Canadian cohort analysisCanPath – The Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we are sharing the #CRAthritis interview with Dr. Deborah Marshall, Professor at the Cumming School of Medicine in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary.Dr. Marshall is a health economist and health services researcher leading a programme of applied research using patient preferences, patient engagement and simulation modelling methods.Ellen Wang, ACE’s Programs Coordinator, speaks with Dr. Marshall about some of the findings from the Ucan Can-Du and Cure International prospective study that tracks the impacts of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) on employment, usual activities and out-of-pocket costs. Additional learning resourcesUCAN CAN-DU: Canada-Netherlands Personalized Medicine Network in Children Arthritis and Rheumatic Disease Arthritis Consumer Experts’ About JIA pageUCAN CURE – Precision Decisions for Childhood ArthritisWork Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire

In this #ArthritisAtHome, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Tommy Gerschman, a pediatric rheumatologist based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, on artificial intelligence (AI) scribing and sports medicine in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In his discussion with ACE’s Programs Coordinator, Ellen Wang, Dr. Gerschman defines what sports medicine is and why it is so important to incorporate into a juvenile idiopathic arthritis treatment plan. When sharing his insights about AI scribing, Dr. Gerschman explains what AI scribing can do for rheumatologists and other health care professionals. To learn more about artificial intelligence in healthcare, please also watch our interview with Dr. Ahluwalia and Dr. Mamdani. Dr. Gerschman concludes by reminding us to ensure that AI is making a meaningful difference and not just about using an innovative tool and that evaluation of the AI tools are being conducted on a regular basis. Additional learning resourcesDoctors of BC: Using AI Scribe TechnologiesSports Medicine: Volume 55, Issue 1Arthritis Consumer Experts’ National Survey on Artificial Intelligence and Arthritis Care ReportArthritis Consumer Experts’ About JIA pageArthritis At Home 272 – Making artificial intelligence in medicine a realityArthritis At Home 289 – Artificial intelligence scribing in rheumatology clinics

In this special episode of Arthritis At Home, host Kelly Lendvoy speaks with Cheryl Koehn, President and Founder of Arthritis Consumer Experts, about the release of the 2025 ACE Arthritis Medications Report Card and key changes in this year’s rankings – including new listings and major shifts among provinces. The Report Card is one of the Canadian arthritis community’s most trusted advocacy tools, ranking each provincial, territorial, and federal drug plan on how well they provide reimbursement coverage for arthritis medications – including biologics, biosimilars, and targeted synthetic molecule therapies.Cheryl explains how the Report Card originated and evolved into one of the arthritis community’s most valuable information and advocacy resources and helps people with arthritis understand what treatments are covered where they live, for which diseases and under what criteria. For someone newly diagnosed or changing treatments, this can be incredibly confusing and stressful. The Report Card is designed to make a very complex reimbursement coverage system understandable for people living with arthritis.Kelly and Cheryl also look at how ACE leverages the Report Card in meetings with public drug plan managers and elected officials about what governments can do to ensure medication access is patient-centred, evidence-based, and fair across every province and territory.Click here to see how your provincial, territorial or federal drug plan ranks in terms of providing reimbursement for medications approved for inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and vasculitis as well as osteoporosis.Additional learning resourcesACE Arthritis Medications Report CardACE AdvocacyACE Advocacy Toolkit

In this #ArthritisAtHome, we are sharing the #CRAthritis interview with Ms. Lamia Khan, a PhD Candidate in the Rheumatology Division of the Department of Medicine at the University of Alberta. A recent study she was involved in found that severe systemic sclerosis patients develop DNA breaks in skin cells, leading to mutations. In her discussion with Ellen Wang, ACE’s Programs Coordinator, Lamia defines what metabolic stress remodelling is and share insights into the roles of fibrosis causing molecules called Foxo1 in promoting cancer-like changes in systemic sclerosis. She concludes with some tips on self-advocacy for people living with scleroderma. Additional learning resourcesRole of metabolic stress for enhancing muscle adaptations: Practical applicationsArthritis Consumer Experts’ About Scleroderma pageScleroderma Canada

In this episode of #ArthritisAtHome, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Karen Beattie, Research Manager in Pediatric Rheumatology at McMaster University and the Lead for Patient and Family Engagement in Research for the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University. Her research interests are in autoimmunity, clinical science, patient and citizen engagement, and patient-centred care in rheumatology and rheumatoid arthritis. In the interview, she discusses with Ellen Wang, ACE’s Programs Coordinator, about her unique roles and the importance of patient engagement in health research. Dr. Beattie also shares the outcomes of an exciting project lead by Dr. Michelle Batthish and colleagues that addressed transitioning from pediatric to adult rheumatology care. Additional learning resourcesMy Transition AppCassie and Friends SocietyArthritis Consumer Experts’ About Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis page

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with rheumatology resident Ms. Whitney Hung and Dr. Steven Katz, Director and Professor in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Alberta. The duo provides a summary of their poster presentation: Uncovering Rheumatologic Disease in the Northwest Territories: First Comprehensive Baseline Study and Comparative Insights. Ms. Hung and Dr. Katz highlight the long wait times and high rate of patient no-shows or cancellations in the NWT and describe what are the biggest barriers preventing patients from accessing timely rheumatology care, and what can be done to improve access. They also comment on their study that suggests Indigenous and female patients may be disproportionately affected by access barriers and recommend what steps can be taken to ensure more equitable care for these populations. Additional learning resourcesACE Advocacy: Addressing Health Inequities ACE National Survey on Arthritis and Health InequitiesCBC: N.W.T. no longer offering rheumatology services, patients must travel to Edmonton

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way health care is delivered across the country. From helping diagnose disease earlier to predicting arthritis flare-ups and supporting treatment choices, AI has the potential to transform how patients experience care. But what do Canadians living with arthritis think about this technology?In this new Arthritis at Home episode, Kelly Lendvoy, ACE’s VP of Communications and Public Affairs, speaks with Ellen Wang, project manager at Arthritis Consumer Experts (ACE), about the key takeaways from the AI and Arthritis National Survey findings. What you’ll learn in this episode:Patient voices on AI: How people with arthritis feel about AI in their care journey.Trust and oversight: Why patients want doctors to remain central to decision-making, even when AI is used.Concerns and opportunities: What patients see as the risks (privacy, fairness, loss of human connection) and potential benefits (shorter wait times, earlier diagnosis, better treatment matches).Equity matters: Perspectives from Indigenous, Black, racialized, rural, and lower-income respondents, highlighting the importance of inclusive AI design.Additional learning resourcesRead the complete Survey findings in the newest issue of JointHealth™ insight Learn more about AI Scribing in rheumatology clinics

Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. It often takes years to diagnose and can dramatically affect quality of life. In this special episode of Arthritis at Home, Kelly Lendvoy from Arthritis Consumer Experts speaks with Leanne Mielczarek, CEO of Lupus Canada, about the official launch of the National Lupus Survey and the importance of collecting and amplifying the voices of people living with lupus across Canada. Kelly and Leanne discuss: Why this is the first patient-led national survey of its kind focused entirely on lived lupus experience What we hope to learn from people living with lupus across Canada How the results will shape advocacy and education Take the Survey now If you live with lupus, we want to hear from you! Your participation will help change how lupus is understood, treated, and supported in Canada. Click here to take the Survey! 

Artificial intelligence scribing is a new innovation in healthcare with the potential to improve clinical practice efficiency and enhance the doctor-patient connection.In this #ArthritisAtHome, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Vandana Ahluwalia, a rheumatologist based in Brampton, Ontario. Dr. Ahluwalia discusses her session titled AI Scribing: Are you ready for it? Is it ready for you? She describes the factors that need to be considered using this technology include consent and privacy. She also shares the work that is being done on the Canadian Rheumatology Association’s Project Athena to help support rheumatologists using new technologies. Additional learning resourcesCanadian Rheumatology Association Journal – Project Athena Update: AI ScribesCanadian Medical Association Journal Podcast: Artificial intelligence in medicineDoctors of BC: Using AI Scribe Technologies

In this #ArthritisAtHome, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Mohamed Osman, an Associate Professor, Clinician Scientist and Consultant Rheumatologist and Immunologist in the Department of Medicine at the University of Alberta. Dr. Osman discusses about the therapeutic cases he encountered and what he has learned from them. As well, he shares his thoughts about CAR-T therapy and tips for patient advocacy for better arthritis care. Additional learning resourceArthritis Consumer Experts’ Self-advocacy TipsAdvancing autoimmune rheumatic disease treatment: CAR-T Therapies – Evidence, Safety, and future directionsDivision of Medicine at the University of Alberta           

In this #ArthritisAtHome, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Timothy Kowk, rheumatologist and clinician investigator at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the University of Toronto. Dr. Kwok defines what fee-for-service means in healthcare and how policies can impact care. He shares how inequities in fee-for-service renumeration affects rheumatologists and patient-centred care. Some key findings include differences between western and eastern provinces, differences in rural care across Canada, and how fee codes differ in virtual care and when care spans across different provinces or territories.Additional learning resourceImproving access to care for rheumatology services in Canada ACE Advocacy: Contact your elected officials  Canadian Institute of Health Information: An overview of physician payments and cost per service 

In this #ArthritisAtHome, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with Ms. Daphne To, PhD Candidate at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation in the University of Toronto and Women’s College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions & Virtual Care, and Ms. Gabrielle (Gabby) Sraka, a Public Health Science student at McMaster University. The duo reports on how their respective studies reveal the benefits of a team-based care model for both patients and health care providers, including earlier diagnosis and better disease management. Additional learning resource Mary Pack Arthritis Program Health Care TeamModels of Care for Inflammatory Arthritis Patients InfographicAmerican College of Rheumatology: Roles of the Interdisciplinary Rheumatology Team

In this #ArthritisAtHome, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Janet Pope, Professor of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Western Ontario and Division Head in Rheumatology at St. Joseph’s Health Centre. Dr. Pope is a leading international researcher in scleroderma, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, focusing in areas such as outcome measurements, clinical trials, and disease manifestations. In this interview, Dr. Pope discusses with ACE’s Kelly Lendvoy about her presentation at the annual scientific meeting titled “Research Doesn’t End with the Funding, Knowledge Dissemination is a Must!” She highlights the critical role of knowledge translation and exchange in ensuring that research findings reach and benefit patients, health care providers, and policy makers. She goes on to define knowledge translation exchange and describe how we can bridge the gap between research and understanding its relevance and real-world application, particularly as it relates to arthritis patients and patient groups.  Additional learning resourceCatching on the Catch (Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort) Rheumatoid Arthritis Research : Translating 15 years of knowledge translation for clinicians (Page 19)ACE National Survey on Arthritis and Health Literacy Part OneACE National Survey on Arthritis and Health Literacy Part TwoKnowledge Translation CanadaCanadian Knowledge Transfer and Exchange Community of PracticeCanadian Institute of Health Research:Knowledge Translation 

Affordability of medications is a big issue for many people living with a chronic disease, like inflammatory arthritis. One of the drivers of high costs for medications is the misuse of patents by original-brand manufacturers to extend their patent and delay the competition from affordable generic and biosimilar medications. In this episode of Arthritis at Home, ACE’s Cheryl Koehn previews the launch of an international grassroots education campaign on pharmaceutical patents, titled “Patients and patents.” Cheryl describes how the awareness raising campaign is focussed on helping patients, health care providers, and the public understand how pharmaceutical patents work. When used responsibly, patents encourage innovation and ensure patients receive new and improved treatments. But when misused to extend patent protection, they can extend monopolies on original-brand medications and delay access to more affordable treatment options and strain health system budgets. Additional learning resourcesAbout the Campaign fact sheet Questions and Answers Infographic Glossary of Key TermsSocial Media Kit

Self-management plans that are made to fit the needs of individuals have the potential to improve quality of life, confidence to self-manage, and other aspects of health. In today’s episode, Kelly Lendvoy speaks to Ellen Wang, Arthritis Research Canada trainee and ACE’s Programs Coordinator, about a study looking at research studies on the benefits of tailored self-management plans for arthritis and other chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Additional learning resourceInfographic: Tailored Self-Management for Chronic Musculoskeletal Conditions : What Does Research Reveal? Poster : Effect of Tailored Self-Management Interventions on Health Outcomes in Individuals with Chronic Musculoskeletal Condition Arthritis Society Canada: Self-managementAmerican College of Rheumatology : Self-Management for Patients Living with Rheumatic ConditionsTake the ACE National Survey on Artificial Intelligence and Arthritis Care to share your thoughts about AI 

Today is International Self-Care Day! In honour of self-care, this #ArthritisAtHome features the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Catherine Backman, Professor Emerita from the University of British Columbia (UBC). In her discussion with Cheryl Koehn, ACE’s Founder and President, Dr. Backman shares how occupational therapy, research, and finding the right splints and assisted devices can help people living with arthritis. Splints and assisted devices are an important part of self-care because they help reduce joint strain, minimize pain, enhance independence in daily tasks, and help maintains quality of life.Arthritis Consumer Expert’s JointHealth™ Education program contains courses specific to self-care in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The self-care lesson will help you understand what you can and cannot control about your disease and the different elements of a self-care plan. Additionally, the lesson provides tips for self-care treatments at home.Additional learning resourceCanadian Association of Occupational TherapistsTelehealth and a joint-friendly workspace for people with arthritisAssisted Devices ResourcesSplint overview

In this #ArthritisAtHome, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Hani El-Gabalawy, Professor at the Max Rady College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba. Dr. El-Gabalawy has dedicated his research career to understanding the mechanisms intitiating and sustaining rheumatoid arthritis.In his discussion with Cheryl Koehn, ACE’s Founder and President, Dr. El-Gabalawy shares updates in rheumatology, including care in Indigenous communities, diet, rheumatoid arthritis, comorbidities in arthritis, disease modifying medications for osteoarthritis, and artificial intelligence in care.Additional learning resourceTake the ACE National Survey on Artificial Intelligence and Arthritis Care to share your thoughts about AI Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Has Changed Dramatically Over the Past 3 Decades, but Has the Disease Itself Changed? Impact of Psychiatric Comorbidity on Health Care Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Population-Based Study RheumNow Podcast : Weak Data with Dr. Charity Dean 

In this #ArthritisAtHome, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Liam O’Neil, Assistant Professor at the Max Rady College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba. His research focuses on understanding the biological events that occur prior to the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Dr. O’Neil discusses his study that looks at curcumin, omega-3, and vitamin D as a combination for preventing rheumatoid arthritis and explains why these three supplements were chosen. Dr. O’Neil’s study also showed improvements in joint pain, fatigue, and morning stiffness, even among health participants and he explains what this means for people who have early signs of RA or risk factors such as anti-citrullinated protein antibody positivity.Additional learning resourceArthritis At Home – Food for thought : Healthy eating strategies for people living with arthritis with Kim ArreyThe Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis on First Nations and How We Work with Communities to Prevent ItSafety and Tolerability of a Combination of Curcumin, Omega-3 and Vitamin-D: Results from the PASCOD Study, an RA Prevention Protocol

In this #ArthritisAtHome, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with Ms. Lindsey Puddicombe, a medical student at Dalhousie University, about her “Clinical pearls and mysterious cases” presentation at this year’s Canadian Rheumatology Association’s (CRA) Annual Scientific Meeting. Lindsey speaks to Ellen Wang, ACE’s Programs Coordinator, about how diagnosing arthritis can be hard as there are many other diseases that share the same symptoms, such as myositis and amyloidosis. Lindsey also shares her work experience with the summer studentship at the CRA in 2025 and how her mentors have shaped her career path. Additional learning resource The CRAF Summer Studentship ProgramsJointHealth™ insight – Mental health and arthritis : A complex relationship Canadian Arthritis Trainee AssociationThe Myositis Association : About MyositisJohns Hopkins Medicine : Amyloidosis

Lupus is a chronic disease that can happen in any part of the body, including the heart, brain, kidneys, skin and affects over 1 out of 1000 people in Canada. People with lupus can experience a butterfly rash on their face, kidney problems and even brain involvement such as seizures. These differences make diagnosing lupus challenging and, living with it, different for everyone.Joining Kelly Lendvoy in today’s #ArthritisAtHome to talk about lupus are Leanne Mielczarek, Chief Executive Officer, and Heather Coates, National Fund Development and Engagement Officer, from Lupus Canada. The trio discuss more about lupus and about the Lupus International Congress that was recently held in Toronto.Additional learning resourcesLupus CanadaArthritis Consumer Experts’ About Lupus page Lupus 2025 AbstractsArthritis At Home 271 – Lupus and pregnancy in women in Alberta

Artificial intelligence (AI) is today being used in arthritis care to help doctors make diagnoses, suggest treatment options, predict symptom changes, or answer health questions through virtual assistants or chatbots (like ChatGPT). In this episode of Arthritis at Home, Cheryl Koehn and Kelly Lendvoy talk about the launch of ACE’s National Survey on Artificial Intelligence and Arthritis Care. They discuss the focus of the survey, looking at different types of AI being used to create content or give information – for example, answering your questions about arthritis in plain language or to look at health information to forecast what might happen next – like warning people about a possible flare or suggesting which medication might work best.We encourage you to take the Survey and help ACE learn how familiar people with arthritis are with AI, how comfortable they feel using it, and what kinds of tools or information might help them.Additional learning resourcesTake the survey nowPrint and post up this poster to share with your coworkers and patients#CRArthritis: Artificial intelligence scribing in rheumatology clinicsAI.Dx Lab – McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint HealthLearn more about ACE National Surveys

June is Pride Month – a time dedicated to celebrating 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities and their resilience, advocating for equal rights and a world free from fear, violence or discrimination. According to data from the 2019 to 2021 Canadian Community Health Survey, 1 in 10 youth aged 15 to 24 years reported being 2SLGBTQQIA+. Amongst this population, 3 in 10 considered their mental health to be fair or poor. For youths who also live with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, they may also experience physical disability and mental stress related to missing out on school activities and disease management – impacting their overall health.In this #ArthritisAtHome, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Karine Toupin-April, Associate Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences in the University of Ottawa. She discusses about a talk she presented at this year's Annual Scientific meeting called “How are determinants of health inequities related to decision-making in juvenile idiopathic arthritis care? A narrative synthesis.” Her research explores how factors like gender, culture, and socioeconomic status affect decision-making in JIA care and why is it important to consider these determinants when making treatment decisions. In her review of the research literature, her team found few studies directly linking health inequities to decision-making in JIA care. Dr. Toupin-April shares the potential consequences of not addressing these inequities in treatment planning. Are you satisfied with how you are receiving arthritis care? What changes would you like to see in your care journey? Please email us at [email protected] and let us know. Additional learning resourceACE National Survey on Arthritis and Health InequitiesFacts, stats and impact : 2SLGBTQI+ communities The Choice Research LabTools and resources to facilitate the use of shared decision making (SDM) 

National Health and Fitness Day – an annual coast-to-coast celebration of wellness – is held on the first Saturday of June. To inspire you to be active on June 7, today’s Arthritis At Home will feature the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Manuel Ester (Manny). Manny is a post-doctoral associate working with Dr. Claire Barber at the University of Calgary’s McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health. Manny shares highlights from a workshop he co-presented at the 2025 Canadiana Rheumatology Association’s Annual Scientific Meeting with Dr. Barber called “Moving More with Inflammatory Arthritis: The Benefits of Physical Activity and Strategies for Supporting Physical Activity Behaviour Change”. The key objective of the workshop was to provide arthritis health care professionals with evidence-based strategies to encourage and support people living with arthritis to become more physically active and ultimately improving their health and quality of life. Manny also shares with us some of the most effective behaviour change strategies that help people with inflammatory arthritis “move more” and sustain an active lifestyle over the long term, including motivation techniques, goal setting, and using technology to get started on exercise programs. Additional learning resourceACE Survey on Arthritis and ExerciseJointHealth™ Education: Arthritis and ExerciseArthritis patient exercise program2018 EULAR recommendations for physical activity in people with inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritisExercise Guide for arthritis health providers 

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Kerri Novak, an Assistant Professor with the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Group in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. Dr. Novak and Ellen Wang, ACE’s Programs Coordinator, discuss the utility of non-invasive ultrasound for the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), IBD and its connection with spondyloarthritis, the evolution of IBD diagnosis and outcome measures, and how this technique can be implemented across the country.Additional learning resourceCrohn’s and Colitis CanadaCanadian Digestive Health Foundation: The Role of Intestinal Ultrasound in Diagnosing and Monitoring IBDArthritis Consumer Experts’ About Spondyloarthritis pageThe IBD Centre of BC

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Arielle Mendel, an Assistant Professor in the Division of Rheumatology at McGill University. Dr. Mendel’s research focuses on patient safety in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. She aims to improve medication safety for people living with arthritis by studying the root causes of adverse drug effects. In this interview, she shares highlights from her podium and poster presentations looking at the safety and effectiveness of biosimilar and originator rituximab for induction or maintenance in ANCA-associated vasculitis and antinuclear antibody testing in lupus. She concludes by introducing us to the concept of safe deprescribing of medications for older adults. Additional learning resourceVasculitis Foundation CanadaArthritis Consumer Experts’ About Lupus pageMedSafer: Safe Deprescribing for Older Adults

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Muhammad Mamdani, Vice President of Data Science and Advanced Analytics at Unity Health Toronto.  Dr. Mamdani presented a keynote presentation at this year’s CRA annual scientific meeting called Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Medicine: Moving from Hype to Reality. Dr. Mamdani provides some real-world examples where AI is already improving patient care and describes some of the biggest challenges or risks when using AI in medicine, and how we can ensure that AI-based decisions are safe and reliable for patients.Additional learning resourceApplication of AI for Healthcare and Medicine (Muhammad Mamdani)Canadian Medical Association Journal Podcast: Artificial Intelligence in MedicineUnity Health Toronto: How is AI transforming health care? Unity Health’s VP of Data Science and Advanced Analytics weights in

In honour of #WorldLupusDay, this episode of #ArthritisAtHome will highlight the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Stephanie Keeling, Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta and a member of the lupus working group – consisting of lupus specialists from across Canada along with two national patient organizations, Arthritis Consumer Experts and Lupus Canada.Dr. Keeling discusses about lupus and pregnancy in women in Alberta. In her study, they looked at what happens to women in pregnancy and what health care providers are doing with medications.Additional learning resourceLupus CanadaJointHealthTM insight – Living with LupusArthritis At Home 259 – The latest on lupus treatment and care in Canada with Dr. Stephanie Keeling

Saturday, May 3 is World AS Day – an annual day dedicated to people living with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). AxSpA is a chronic rheumatic disease that can cause severe pain and stiffness in the lower back, hips and buttocks and if left untreated can cause permanent damage to your spine. The pain often gets worse with rest and often appears before the age of 40. In honour of #WorldASDay2025, this episode of #ArthritisAtHome will highlight the #CRArthritis interview with Dr. Water Maksymowych, a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the Unversity of Alberta. He is co-founder and principal investigator the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC).Dr. Maksymowych discusses his presentation during the Controversies in Rheumatology session at this year’s meeting. The presentation focuses on the complexities of first-line targeted therapies for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). He outlines how advanced therapies work differently in managing axSpA and what factors rheumatologists consider when deciding which of these medications should be used first for a patient with axSpA. He concludes by recommending how patients can work with their health care providers to ensure they receive the most effective treatment for their axSpA.Additional learning resourceAbout World AS Day Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of CanadaArthritis Consumer Experts’ About Axial Spondyloarthritis pageCanadian Spondyloarthritis Association