Needs & Objectives

Arkansas Rheumatology Association
2024 Annual Meeting
April 12 – 13, 2024
Wyndham Riverfront Hotel
North Little Rock, Arkansas

Educational Needs

There is a lack of understanding what level of CK should be considered abnormal in asymptomatic person. Causes of muscle enzyme levels like CK are often misunderstood, leading to over testing and false positive results and unnecessary interventions. The role and interpretation of EMG/NCS, muscle biopsy and genetic testing in patients presenting with muscle enzyme elevation is not well established.

There is a lack of clarity about the spectrum of ILD associated with myositis. Despite the existence of several unique myositis specific autoantibodies, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding its association with ILD. In the absence of significant treatment guidelines for myositis, there is no standard approach to immunomodulatory therapy for this condition.

Today’s challenging health care environment is affecting the way physicians manage their practices, interfering with access to care and forcing them to make difficult decisions. Physicians seek to continue to provide quality care while contending with reduced Medicare reimbursement rates, medical claims, process errors and inefficiency, and legislative and regulatory changes. Rheumatologists need to be aware of emerging trends in practice management, payer reform, and administrative simplification of impact to the success of their practices and quality of patient care.

Managing burnout is crucial for rheumatology professionals, as they play a pivotal role in the holistic care of individuals with rheumatic diseases. These healthcare practitioners often face high levels of stress due to the complexity of managing chronic conditions, the emotional toll of witnessing patient struggles, and the demanding nature of their profession. By actively addressing burnout, rheumatology professionals can safeguard their mental and emotional well-being, ensuring they remain resilient and capable of delivering the best possible care to their patients.

Educational Objectives

At the conclusion of the ARA 2024 Annual Meeting, attendees will be able to:

  1. Review causes of asymptomatic elevation of muscle enzyme – CK.
  2. Discuss management of asymptomatic elevation of CK.
  3. Identify the role of EMG, muscle biopsy and genetic testing in asymptomatic elevation of CK.
  4. Review the data on the shortage of rheumatologists.
  5. Discuss the role of tele-rheumatology in addressing patient care.
  6. Discuss the role of artificial intelligence in helping with patient access.
  7. Review the spectrum and types of ILD associated with myositis.
  8. Evaluate the distinctive ILD clinical phenotypes associated with myositis-specific autoantibodies.
  9. Examine the latest updates on treatment options for ILD associated with Myositis.
  10. Identify areas where patient care can be positively impacted by physician participation in the legislative and regulatory area.
  11. Review how state and national advocacy organizations can facilitate physician engagement.
  12. Participate in advocacy activities with confidence regarding the process and knowledge required to be effective.
  13. Explore the evolutionary and neurological basis of compassion, understanding how the brain's threat system interacts with the soothing system.
  14. Identify how to cultivate a compassionate mindset and apply it to therapeutic interventions for various mental health concerns.
  15. Develop skills in guided imagery, chair work, and mindfulness exercises tailored to enhance self-compassion in self-attunement and self-care for practitioners.