Dr Richardson Fall Scleroderma Conference

Scleroderma Patient
Education Conference

Name: Fall Patient Education conference
Start: 2023-08-21
End: 2023-08-21
Location: Gleacher Center

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Chicago, IL

8 am - 4 pm

About the Conference

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with scleroderma you may have a lot of questions about what to expect and what your treatment options are. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been living with scleroderma for years, this is an opportunity for you to hear directly from scleroderma experts, get answers to your questions and learn about resources available to you.

You'll also have the opportunity to connect with others who have shared experiences and gain support from a community that understands what it's like to live with scleroderma. There's an exchange of ideas and information that can help you become your own best advocate and take charge of your health.

Registration is free and meals are included. Please register by October 10.

Caring for Kids with Scleroderma

We are also hosting a pediatric conference for parents of kids and teens with scleroderma. This event will run concurrently with the Patient Education Conference, but includes different programming and requires a separate registration process.

Hear the Latest Treatment Options

Listen to top experts in the field as they discuss how scleroderma impacts the body and what treatment options are available. Empower yourself with the knowledge to make more informed decisions about your health.

The Power of Community

Know that you are not alone in this journey. Connect with peers and get support from those who have valuable experience to share. Gain access to resources like support groups and community events that can help offer support year-round.

Get Answers to Your Questions

Scleroderma affects everyone differently so you may have a lot of questions about what to expect. Each session will feature interactive Q&A sessions, allowing you to engage directly with our experts. Plus you'll learn about other resources that can help you along your journey.

Practical Lifestyle Tips

Learn small everyday lifestyle changes that can boost your wellness goals and help alleviate symptoms. With topics ranging from diet and nutrition, to exercise and sleep, learn how to take charge of your physical and emotional health as it relates to scleroderma.

Topics & Speakers

Ouch, that hurts! Managing musculoskeletal problems in scleroderma

Carrie Richardson, MD

Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Rheumatology

Co-Director, Northwestern Scleroderma Program

Why am I hurting, and how can I fix it? Is my pain caused by scleroderma or something else? This session will give you the tools to help answer these questions. We will cover common causes of body aches in scleroderma, with a focus on problems affecting the joints, muscles, and tendons. We will also talk about strategies to help you get moving again!

Dr. Richardson has worked with the Northwestern Scleroderma Center since 2012 and has published several papers on scleroderma, calcinosis, myositis, and interstitial lung disease. She completed her residency at Northwestern in 2015 and her fellowship at Johns Hopkins in 2018, and she returned to Northwestern in early 2022 as Co-Director of the Scleroderma Center.

Scleroderma and Interstitial Lung Disease

Kavitha Selvan, MD

Assistant Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine

In this talk, we will define interstitial lung disease (ILD), discuss risk factors for developing ILD and review signs and symptoms that can suggest disease. Additionally, we will review diagnostic testing and treatment options for patients diagnosed with ILD.

Dr. Selvan is a Clinical Instructor of Medicine at the University of Chicago. She is board certified in Pulmonary and Critical Care medicine and specializes in the care of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Dr. Selvan's goal is to identify patients with ILD earlier in the course of disease and prevent disease progression. She is currently working with the Chest Foundation and Three Lakes Foundation to reduce the time to ILD diagnosis at the University of Chicago.

New Advances in Cellular Therapy for Scleroderma: CAR-T and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

George Georges, MD

Northwestern University

This talk will review the current status in the use of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy as well as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for the treatment of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Future directions for clinical research in autoimmune diseases will also be discussed.

Improving patient care with AI

Anthony Esposito, MD

Northwestern University

Join us for an insightful presentation and learn how the Northwestern Scleroderma Registry has enrolled nearly 1300 patients with scleroderma who have graciously consented to allow them to study information gathered from their medical records for research purposes. Using AI methods, researchers can find biomarkers (measurable things, such as a blood or lung test) that can be used in models to help us predict complications of scleroderma for individual patients. The goal is to integrate these models into the medical record to help physicians make more informed monitoring and treatment decisions, improving the care of patients with scleroderma.

Gastrointestinal Issues in Scleroderma

Presenter TBD

Gastrointestinal (GI) issues are among the most frequent and challenging symptoms faced by individuals with scleroderma, often significantly impacting quality of life. In this presentation, we’ll explore the underlying mechanisms of scleroderma-related GI dysfunction and share practical strategies to improve your gut health. By better understanding these GI challenges, patients and caregivers can work to develop the best strategies to optimize digestive health while living with scleroderma.

Becoming Your Own Best Advocate: A Patient Panel

This panel will be a candid discussion about living with scleroderma, overcoming adversity and becoming your own best advocate. Each panelist will share their unique journey with scleroderma, real struggles they've had, how they have persevered, and what they've learned over the years. There will be time for Q&A and discussion.

Mental Health Workshop
For Patients and Caregivers

Judith Wilen, PhD

Professor, Northwestern University

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Judith Wilen, PhD, is a clinical psychologist from Northwestern Scleroderma Program. Dr. Wilen received her PhD from the University of Chicago in 1986. Dr. Wilen treats psychotherapy as a collaborative process between the mental health professional and the patient to actively develop problem-focused interventions and improve the mental health of chronically ill individuals.

Throughout the conference, we will offer two mental health workshops for both caregivers and patients to engage in a discussion about improving mental health and coping strategies for dealing with chronic illness. If you’ve experienced feelings of sadness, anxiety, isolation, fear, grief, or depression since receiving your scleroderma diagnosis, know that you are not alone and there are steps you can take toward improving your mental and emotional health. This workshop is optional and we encourage you to participate in this important and uplifting discussion.

Desiree S.

“A newly diagnosed person really can benefit from all the information shared about symptoms associated with scleroderma."

Cherisse B.

“Attending conferences like the one in Chicago is where I learn new things regarding scleroderma and what’s happening to me. So at least I understand now how to combat it. Attending these conferences has changed my journey because it has educated me more and given me resources to help myself.”

Mark G.

“When I first learned about having the disease, just coming to education conferences was really beneficial to see the doctors in person and understand the research that is going on.”

Hear What Past Attendees Have to Say

"Definitely go! You learn so much about the disease - all in one day. It’s comforting to talk to others with scleroderma."

Caring for Kids with Scleroderma

Navigating scleroderma with your child can be uniquely challenging. We understand the need for a supportive community and the necessity of essential information to guide you through this journey. We are pleased to offer Caring for Kids with Scleroderma, a pediatric-focused conference for parents of kids and teens with scleroderma.

This event will run concurrently with the Patient Education Conference, but includes different programming and requires a separate registration process. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and find your community!

Conference Schedule

8:00 - 9:00 Registration & Networking Breakfast

9:00 - 9:30 Welcome & Opening Remarks

9:30 - 10:15 Managing Gastrointestinal Issues in Scleroderma

10:15 - 11:15 New Advances in Cellular Therapy for Scleroderma

11:15 - 11:35 Break

11:35 am -12:30 pm Patient Panel

(11:35 - 12:30 Wellness Workshop for Caregivers: Improving Mental Health and Coping with Chronic Illness)

12:30 - 1:30 Networking Lunch

(12:45 - 1:30 Wellness Workshop for Patients: Improving Mental Health and Coping with Chronic Illness)

1:30 - 2:30 Ouch! That hurts! Managing musculoskeletal problems in scleroderma

2:30 - 2:35 Break

2:35 - 3:05 Updates in Scleroderma Research

3:05 - 4:00 Scleroderma and Interstitial Lung Disease

4:00 Closing Remarks & Raffle

Registration is free and meals are included. Please register by October 10.

Scleroderma Patient Education Conference Audience

Location and Parking

This conference takes place in the heart of downtown Chicago right on the Chicago River. The conference will be held close to Chicago’s best attractions including the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, the Riverwalk, and Millennium Park, allowing you to make the most of your time in Chicago.

LOCATION:

Gleacher Center

Conference Center

450 Cityfront Plaza Dr

Chicago, IL 60611

For full parking information and pricing click here

Pricing

Questions? Call us at 312-660-1131.

Hotel Accommodations

If you are seeking hotel accommodations, check out a few of the options below which are within walking distance of the conference. This is just a limited selection of the many hotels to be found in Chicago. Make sure to check and compare prices to maximize your visit for the conference!

Loews Chicago Hotel

Radisson Blu Hotel

Sheraton Grand Hotel

Swisshotel

L7 chicago

Covid-19 Guidelines

If you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19, such as a fever or cough, or have recently been exposed to someone who tested positive for Covid-19 we ask that you stay home. For those who may be at higher risk or prefer being around others who are wearing masks, we will have tables reserved at the conference where masks will be required.

Scleroderma Patient Education Conference

About the Conference

Caring for Kids with Scleroderma

Hear the Latest Treatment Options

The Power of Community

Get Answers to Your Questions

Practical Lifestyle Tips

Topics & Speakers

Becoming Your Own Best Advocate: A Patient Panel

Mental Health Workshop For Patients and Caregivers

Caring for Kids with Scleroderma

Conference Schedule

Location and Parking

Hotel Accommodations

Covid-19 Guidelines

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Scleroderma Patient
Education Conference

Mental Health Workshop
For Patients and Caregivers