Scleroderma Patient
Education Conference
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.
Thank you to our sponsor
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
Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine
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
Assistant Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine
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.
Current Vaccine Recommendations for Scleroderma Patients and Updates on Long Covid.
Marc Sala, MD
Associate Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine
Feeling confused about current vaccine recommendations for those with compromised immune systems? This essential session cuts through the complexity. Dr. Sala will be providing clear, up-to-date guidance on vaccine guidelines for scleroderma patients, alongside the latest insights into long Covid and how scleroderma can impact and interact with long covid symptoms. This talk will review the ever-changing landscape of respiratory vaccinations and post-viral complications with a focus on important points for people with scleroderma.If you have greater concerns about Covid, this is a must-attend presentation to empower your health decisions.
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.”
Conference Schedule
8:00 - 9:00 Registration & Networking Breakfast
9:00 - 9:30 Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:30 - 10:15 Current Vaccine Recommendations for Scleroderma Patients and Updates on Long Covid
10:15 - 11:15 New Advances in Cellular Therapy for Scleroderma: CAR-T and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
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 - 3:20 Improving Patient Care with AI
3:20 - 4:05 Scleroderma and Interstitial Lung Disease
4:05 Closing Remarks & Raffle
Registration is free and meals are included. Please register by October 10.
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
Questions? Call us at 312-660-1131.
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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.