Year in Review: Basic and Clinical Science
Claire Barber, May Choi and Dax Rumsey

Abstract forthcoming

Keynote Lecture: Applied Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: Moving from Hype to Reality
Muhammad Mamdani

Real-world applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medicine will be reviewed with implications for clinicians, researchers, and educators.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the basics of AI
2. Compare the opportunities and challenges of applying AI to healthcare
3. Assess the implications of AI solutions for clinical practice

CanMEDS roles

1. Collaborator
2. Scholar
3. Professional

Clinical Pearls and Mysterious Cases

H(a)iding in Plain Sight 
Jason An

Not Just a Knot: An Unusual Presentation of a Rare Paraneoplastic Myositis
Roko Nikolic

An Unfolding Dilemma
Lindsey Puddicombe

Confusion, Psychosis in Lupus; It’s Not Always Steroid-Induced        
Amy Qi

A Mysterious Case of Autoinflammation  
Alaa Shehab

Short, practical medical tips and puzzling clinical cases are presented from patient-centered observations.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Apply clinical pearls to their practices
2. Recognize & evaluate the clinical reasoning necessary to solve mysterious cases

CanMEDS roles

1. Medical Expert
2. Collaborator

RheumJeopardy! 2025

Host:                            Philip Baer
Chair:                          Timothy Kwok
Captain East:              Elizabeth Hazel
Captain West:             Audrea Chen

Based on the classic TV game show Jeopardy, every audience member will participate on one of 2 teams in an interactive contest testing your knowledge of rheumatology topics with a Canadian focus. Entertaining, provocative and fun!

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Demonstrate their knowledge of recent clinical and research findings in rheumatology
2. Prove to skeptics that rheumatology is the broadest and most interesting medical subspecialty
3. Increase resilience and prevent burnout by using gamification to enhance learning

CanMEDS roles

1. Medical Expert
2. Communicator
3. Scholar

Jump to: Workshop Session 1 | Workshop Session 2

Podium Presentations

Distinct Symptom Clusters Predict Initial Response to MTX in Adults with New RA: A Longitudinal Analysis of the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort     
Susan  Bartlett

Association Between Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis and Blood Glucose Control in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes 
Lauren King

The Deubiquitinase Molecule Trabid: A Novel Therapeutic Target for Axial Spondyloarthritis     
Archita Srinath

Safety and Tolerability of a Combination of Curcumin, Omega-3 and Vitamin D: Results from the Pascod Study, an RA Prevention Protocol     
Liam O’Neil

Work-Related Disability and Function in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Outcomes of an Exploratory Study from Different Canadian Centres  
Zahi Touma

Anti-Integrin αvβ6 Autoantibodies as a Biomarker for Ulcerative Colitis in Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis    
Enoch Yau

A Reciprocal Machine Learning Approach to Defining Physiologic Compensation of the Synovial Joint in Knee Osteoarthritis      
Matthew Renaud

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Describe clinical, basic and epidemiological research conducted by CRA members
2. Describe recent advances in clinical rheumatic disease research, basic science research, and clinical epidemiological research performed by trainee members of the CRA & medical undergraduates
3. Identify recent progress in academic rheumatology research across Canada

 CanMEDS roles

1. Medical Expert
2. Scholar

State-of-the-Art Lecture: Still’s Disease and AOSD Across the Age Spectrum
Michael Ombrello

Abstract forthcoming

The Great Debate: Be it Resolved that MSK (POC) US Should be a Mandatory Component of Rheumatology Curricula

Abstract forthcoming

Chair:
For:
Against:

Two debate teams will debate for and against the motion.  A vote will follow to determine the winners of the debate.

Workshop Session 1 [ Back to Top ]

1A       Psoriatic Arthritis
Dafna Gladman

This workshop will address early diagnosis, evaluation, and current recommended management of patients with Psoriatic Arthritis.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Recognize why it is important to identify PsA early
2. Identify methods to evaluate all aspects of PsA

CanMEDS roles

1. Professional
2. Medical Expert
3. Communicator
4. Collaborator
5. Leader
6. Health Advocate
7. Scholar

1B       Applied Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
Muhammad Mamdani

This workshop will focus on understanding critical aspects of evaluating Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions and readiness for application into clinical practice.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Employ basic principles of AI solution evaluation
2. Explain basic principles of AI
3. Articulate core AI evaluation considerations

CanMEDS roles

1. Communicator

1C       How to Approach the “Rule out CNS Vasculitis” Consult
Kim Legault

In this fun and interactive case-based workshop, we will discuss how to approach assessment of possible CNS vasculitis. This includes working through the differential diagnosis, discussing the importance of (and potential pitfalls in) neuroimaging, reviewing serological testing and CSF analysis, and discussing the role of brain biopsy. We will also highlight the importance of having a team of specialists including Rheumatologists, Neurologists, Neuroradiologists, and Neurosurgeons (among others!) working together collaboratively to figure out the most accurate diagnosis possible in these often-challenging cases.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Work through the differential diagnosis for CNS vasculitis
2. Discuss the role of (and potential pitfalls in) neuroimaging
3. Delineate serological, CSF, and biopsy testing that could be used in working up a case of CNS vasculitis

CanMEDS roles

1. Medical Expert
2. Collaborator

1D       Insights into the Pathogenesis and Biomarkers Related to Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases
TBC

Systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus and idiopathic inflammatory myositis) are autoimmune conditions that are associated with poor outcomes. In this session, we will provide an overview related to some of the unmet needs in patients with SARDs, their impact on our health care system, and the potential value of biomarkers that can help close the gaps related in managing these patients.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Explain clinical factors that promote severe complications associated with SARDs.
2. Highlight the burden of SARDs on our health care system
3. Discuss the need for biomarkers and their role in prognosticating disease, and associated disease trajectory

CanMEDS roles

1. Medical Expert
2. Leader
3. Health Advocate
4. Professional

1E        Leaving No Family Behind: A Collaborative Approach to Improving Care for
Families in Northern BC
Lori Tucker and Brittany Barnes-Dean

An interactive workshop co-led by the BC Children’s Hospital pediatric rheumatology team and Cassie + Friends. We highlight a collaborative and community-engaged approach aimed at identifying the unique challenges facing pediatric rheumatology families living in remote and rural communities of Northern BC. We’ll share our methods, key insights, and practical recommendations for advancing equitable care and ensuring that no family is left behind.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Recognize the challenges in accessing pediatric rheumatology care for children and families living in rural communities, using the example of northern British Columbia
2. Describe health care team and community engagement in needs assessment and identification of practical recommendations for improvement
3. Encourage a community of practice by engaging workshop attendees to share their local challenges and solutions in caring for patients living in rural communities in Canada

CanMEDS roles

1. Collaborator
2. Leader
3. Health Advocate

1F        Moving More with Inflammatory Arthritis: The Benefits of Physical Activity and Strategies for Supporting Physical Activity Behaviour Change
Manuel Ester, Claire Barber and Stephanie Kulhawy

The workshop will teach attendees about the benefits of physical activity for individuals with inflammatory arthritis and how to effectively support patient physical activity behaviour change. New knowledge will be applied through interactive case discussions to build confidence for supporting physical activity in rheumatology care.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the health benefits of regular physical activity for individuals with inflammatory arthritis
2. Discuss physical activity considerations and provide recommendations to patients on the frequency, intensity, time, and type of physical activity
3. Counsel individuals with inflammatory arthritis towards sustained physical activity using behaviour change strategies

CanMEDS roles

1. Communicator
2. Collaborator
3. Health Advocate

1G       New Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Lupus Nephritis
Antonio Avina-Zubieta, Kim Cheema

TBC

Back to Top

Workshop Session 2 [ Back to Top ]

2A       Still’s Disease
Michael Ombrello

TBC

2B       Demystifying Autoantibodies in Systemic Sclerosis: Practical Considerations
Sabrina Hoa and May Choi

TBC

2C       Derm in the Rheum: Clinical Pearls in Lupus and Dermatomyositis
Megan Barber and Regine Mydlarski

This session will explore the interface between rheumatology and dermatology in the management of lupus and dermatomyositis as well as discuss the role of multidisciplinary care in optimizing patient outcomes and managing complex cases.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Recognize characteristic skin findings of lupus and dermatomyositis
2. Enhance collaboration between rheumatology and dermatology
3. Optimize treatment strategies for patients with cutaneous manifestations of lupus and dermatomyositis

CanMEDS roles

1. Medical Expert
2. Collaborator
3. Scholar

2D       Planetary Health: How to Green Your Practices, Provide Evidence-Based Patient Care and Save Costs
Stephanie Tom

This is an interactive change management workshop to highlight the impact of climate change on rheumatic diseases and outline a practical approach for healthcare workers to provide patient care following environmentally conscious principles while reducing costs.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Assess the impact of climate change on rheumatic diseases
2. Identify pragmatic ways to incorporate environmental sustainability within their practices
3. Be confident in the cost savings provided by employing environmentally-conscious options within clinics and hospitals

CanMEDS roles

1. Leader
2. Health Advocate
3. Professional

2E        Research Doesn’t End with the Funding, Knowledge Dissemination is a Must!
Janet Pope

This interactive session will present successful knowledge translation strategies for the dissemination of research and why they are important, case examples will be discussed.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the relevance of knowledge transfer and exchange (KTE)
2. Utilize insights into how to disseminate knowledge from research (or other areas such as teaching)
3. Explain ways to disseminate research findings via interactive cases

CanMEDS roles

1. Communicator
2. Collaborator
3. Leader
4. Health Advocate
5. Scholar

2F        The Art of Connecting: Inclusivity Across the Rheumatology Spectrum
Grace Wright and Gwenesta Melton

The Art of Connecting focuses on strategies to create inclusive collaborative clinical care with an emphasis on cross-cultural communication. We will explore strategies to increase inclusion of under-represented persons in clinical research and expand the pool of diverse clinical researchers. And to increase diversity in literature and publications: editors, authors, reviewers, data sources (including data from underrepresented countries).

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Create inclusive connections in Clinical Care
2. Create inclusive connections in Clinical Research
3. Create inclusive connections in Clinical Literature

CanMEDS roles

1. Medical Expert
2. Communicator
3. Leader

2G       Unmet Needs in Pediatric Rheumatology: An Update
TBC

Childhood inflammatory Arthritis in children can stem from various rheumatic diseases and can result in challenges related to both patients and their care givers. The factors that promote them are also poorly understood.  In this session, we will provide an overview related to some of the unmet needs in patients’ childhood arthritis, their impacts on patients and their care givers, and the value of novel biomarkers in the care of these patients.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Review the factors that impact the development and prognosis of JIA and pediatric SLE
2. Discuss the impact of JIA on patients, their caregivers and the health care system
3. Highlight the need for novel biomarkers in patients with JIA and pediatric SLE in assessing the impact of these diseases on patients

CanMEDS roles

1. Medical Expert
2. Communicator
3. Health Advocate
4. Professional

Jump to: Workshop Session 3

Podium Presentations

Incidence and Predictors of Secondary Failure to Biologic Therapy in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis        
Fadi Kharouf

Comparative Safety and Effectiveness of Biosimilar and Originator Rituximab for Induction or Maintenance in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis: 6-Month Results of a Longitudinal Cohort Study          
Arielle  Mendel

Metabolic Stress Remodelling: Insights into the Role(S) of Foxo1 in Promoting Cancer-Like Changes in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)         
Lamia  Khan

Inequities in Fee-For-Service Remuneration Affecting Rheumatologists and Patient-Centered Care Across Canada: An Environmental Scan          
Timothy Kwok

Returning Research Results to Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: a Patient-Driven Knowledge Translation Strategy from the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort (Catch)          
Laurie  Proulx

Assessment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Outcomes and Place of Residence in Canada: Identifying Disparities in Care
Molly Dushnicky

Machine Learning Can Identify an Antinuclear Antibody Pattern that May Rule Out Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases
May Choi

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Describe clinical, basic and epidemiological research conducted by CRA members
2. Describe recent advances in clinical rheumatic disease research, basic science research, and clinical epidemiological research performed by trainee members of the CRA & medical undergraduates
3. Identify recent progress in academic rheumatology research across Canada

 CanMEDS roles

1. Medical Expert
2. Scholar

Dunlop-Dottridge Lecture:  The Road to a New Horizon in Psoriatic Arthritis
Dafna Gladman

This session will explore the evolution of Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) over the past century and the development of therapeutic advancements.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the recognition of PsA over the past century
2. Recognize milestones in managing PsA
3. Identify unmet needs and future direction in the management of the disease

CanMEDS roles

1. Medical Expert
2. Communicator
3. Collaborator
4. Leader
5. Health Advocate
6. Scholar
7. Professional

Controversies in Rheumatology

Part 1: Axial SpA: Should One Use TNF Inhibitors or IL-17 Inhibitors or JAK Inhibitors as First Line Targeted Therapy? 
Walter Maksymowych and Nicolas Richard

Abstract forthcoming

Part 2:  Should Patient Reported Outcomes Help Guide Treatment? (and if so, How is this Incorporated into Clinical Practice?)
Jaime Guzman and Zahi Touma

Abstract forthcoming

Distinguished Investigator Keynote Address:  Towards Personalized Medicine and a More Target Approach to Prevention and Treatment of the Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases
Joan Wither

In this session Dr. Wither will outline work from her research program focusing on the Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases (SARD).  This includes data from the study of a cohort of longitudinally followed individuals with anti-nuclear antibodies, where she has identified biomarkers associated with an increased risk of SARD development and begun to elucidate the immunologic events that result in the transition from asymptomatic autoimmunity to disease. She will also describe her work into how interferons disrupt immune function to promote development of SARD and affect disease outcomes in SLE.    She will end by discussing her laboratory’s research identifying novel biomarkers to assist in the management of lupus nephritis.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Appreciate which ANA positive individuals are at high risk for development of SARD and the sequence of immune events involved in this transition
2. Discuss the relationship between interferon levels and disease severity in SLE, and the immune mechanisms by which this occurs
3. Describe the presented work on leading to identification of novel biomarkers and how it could be used in the management of lupus nephritis

CanMEDS roles

1. Medical Expert
2. Leader
3. Scholar

Back to Top

Workshop Session 3 [ Back to Top ]

3A       CAR-Based Cellular Therapies for Autoimmune Diseases
Nancy Maltez and Michael Kennah

Building on the success of stem cell transplantation for autoimmune diseases in Canada as well as the expertise of the academic-led CD19 CAR-T program (CLIC) for treating lymphoma and leukemia, we hope to provide a review of existing data and open a dialogue to identify the need for advanced cellular therapies in Canada and gauge interest in developing collaborative clinical networks and research initiatives.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Summarize the Canadian experience with CAR-T cell therapies thus far
2. Review the current evidence for the use of CAR-T cell therapies for autoimmune diseases
3. Discuss the need and availability of advanced cellular therapies for autoimmune diseases in Canada

CanMEDS roles

1. Medical Expert
2. Collaborator
3. Health Advocate
4. Scholar

3B       Palliative Care in Rheumatic Diseases: When Does the End Begin and Why Does It Matter?
Alexandra Saltman and Adam Amlani

This session will employ a case-based learning approach to examine the role of palliative care for patients with life-limiting rheumatic diseases and patients with advanced malignancies who develop de novo rheumatologic conditions secondary to immunotherapy. We will review the preliminary data on the needs of this patient population and the level of knowledge and comfort of providers in caring for this population as they approach the end of life. We will consider areas for future clinical, research and teaching opportunities at the intersection of these two disciplines, and how a collaborative model of care may provide a template both for the provision of palliative care for patients with other non-malignant illnesses, and for teaching trainees about the benefits of early, interdisciplinary, integrated palliative care.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Advocate for integrated Rheumatology and Palliative Care so as to improve outcomes in patients with advanced systemic rheumatic diseases
2. Discuss case examples of patients with life-limiting rheumatologic diseases and patients with advanced malignancies who develop de novo rheumatologic conditions secondary to immunotherapy, and how these patients may benefit from Palliative Care involvement.
3. Review the literature to date at the intersection between Palliative Care and Rheumatology and to brainstorm areas for future clinical, research and teaching opportunities at the intersection of these two disciplines

CanMEDS roles

1. Medical Expert
2. Communicator
3. Collaborator
4. Leader
5. Health Advocate
6. Scholar
7. Professional

3C       Learn How to Decipher Your Muscle Biopsy Reports
Valérie Leclair and Jason Karamchandani 

This session proposes a systematic approach to muscle biopsy analysis to help participants in their inflammatory myopathies’ diagnoses.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Explain some of the common terminologies used in muscle biopsy reports
2. Apply a pathology-based diagnostic algorithm for inflammatory myopathies
3. Recognize certain histopathological features on muscle biopsies that can help you refine your diagnostic approach to inflammatory myopathies

CanMEDS roles

1. Medical Expert
2. Collaborator
3. Scholar

3D       AI Scribing: Are You Ready For It? Is It Ready For You?
Vandana Ahluwalia and Tommy Gerschman

Artificial intelligence scribing is a new innovation in healthcare. This has the potential to improve practice efficiency and enhance the doctor-patient connection. Other factors that need to be considered using this technology include consent, privacy, and the responsibility for the content within the chart note. In this session, we will also highlight the work being done on the CRA’s Project Athena to help support Rheumatologists in this area.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Assess the integration of an AI scribe to decrease documentation burden and improve practice efficiency
2. Describe a process to ensure consent and privacy for the AI scribing platform
3. Explain the CRA’s role in supporting this innovation for members

CanMEDS roles

1. Communicator
2. Collaborator
3. Scholar

3E        Recent Developments in the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Arthritis
TBC

Inflammatory arthritides (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis) are common, but debilitating conditions of unclear etiology. Often, immunomodulatory therapies are utilized to reduce disease-associated complications. Little is known about the factors that promote the development of these diseases, the safety of using immunomodulatory therapies (specifically in patient populations that may be more prone to complications (e.g. elderly and/or pregnant patients)); and the clinical attributes that are associated with drug-free remission with a low disease burden. In this session, we will review some of the recent developments related to these issues.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify a better understanding for the factors that promote the development and establishment of inflammatory arthritis (RA, PsA, SpA)
2. Explain an overview for the therapeutic options and safety in specific populations (e.g. frail elderly, pregnancy and during breast feeding)
3. Review the factors and strategies that favour medication de-escalation in patients with inflammatory arthritis

CanMEDS roles

1. Medical Expert
2. Leader
3. Health Advocate
4. Scholar

3F        Starting and Stopping Medications for Children and Young Adults with Arthritis: What Matters for Effective Shared Decision-Making?
Jaime Guzman, Daniel Horton and Natasha Trehan

This interactive workshop will examine factors critical to deciding to start or stop DMARDs and biologics in children and young adults with arthritis from the perspectives of patients, clinicians, and researchers, highlighting age- and disease-specific considerations.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify factors influencing medication decisions for children and young adults with arthritis from the viewpoints of both patients and clinicians
2. Recognize the crucial role of patient and family perspectives in medication management and decision-making to ensure patient-centered care and improve treatment outcomes
3. Implement practical strategies to engage families and young patients effectively in medication management decisions

CanMEDS roles

1. Communicator
2. Professional

3G       Closing The Gap Between Primary Care and Rheumatology: The Rheumatology Rapid Assessment Clinic Model
Shawn Brady and Anna Marie Sneath

With physician resource crisis’ in both Primary Care and Rheumatology, wait times are significantly increasing in accessing specialty care, in particular in remote communities. By utilizing Advanced Practice OT/PTs to draw referrals directly from primary care, the proposed model improves access to care by effectively triaging and prioritizing referrals to rheumatology and other care pathways (as indicated). This model has been rolled out in various geographies across Ontario (with a focus on remote and equity deserving communities) and offers a solution to support improving all dimensions of the quintuple aim: population health, patient experience, provider experience, value and health equity.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the importance of intentionally supporting primary care and referral pathways to rheumatology through the utilization of advanced practice rheumatology OT/PTs
2. Describe potential solutions from an established Ontario based program that has successfully addressed health inequities and has improved care for underserved populations
3. Generate creative ideas on how to implement unique models of care utilizing advanced practice models in your own practice and/or region(s)

CanMEDS roles

1. Communicator
2. Collaborator
3. Leader
4. Health Advocate