
Scleroderma Patient
Education Conference
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Oakbrook, IL
8am-3pm
About the Conference
You didn’t choose scleroderma, but you do have choices - and you’re not alone. We have experts to guide you, and a community of people to support you so you can make informed decisions and live better.
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Hear the latest treatment options
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Experts in pulmonology, gastroenterology, rheumatology & more
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Find answers to your questions
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Get inspired by a community that understands
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Learn about small lifestyle changes to improve everyday life
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Take a holistic approach to your health
Topics & Speakers
Exercise as Medicine in Systemic Sclerosis
Lesley Saketkoo, MD, MPH
Director, Associate Professor of Medicine, New Orleans Scleroderma & Sarcoidosis Patient Care & Research Center

Virtually every aspect of systemic sclerosis can be beneficially impacted by exercise: inflammation, circulation, body warmth, GI, skin, musculoskeletal and lung health.
The therapeutic underpinnings of exercise target the specific mechanisms behind the pervasive SSc-disease biological, physical and psychological manifestations.
This session is intended to empower people living with scleroderma with knowledge of systemic sclerosis and the anticipated impact exercise and physical activity can have on the many manifestations of systemic sclerosis.
At the end of this session, attendees should have a better understanding of the extent of SSc and feel confident in constructing an exercise regimen generally and for their particular needs related to scleroderma.
Scleroderma From the Neck Up
Dr. Martin Hogan
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery
Program Director, General Practice Dentistry, Loyola University Medical Center

In this talk we will discuss the most common findings associated with scleroderma. We will discuss some of the methods your dental team can utilize to help manage your condition, and also some ways that you can help yourself and your dental team manage your condition. We will discuss some unique methods for maintaining your oral health care and will conclude with an open Q&A session.
Updating our Understanding and Management of the Gut in Scleroderma
Michael D Brown MD, MACM, FACP, FACG, AGAF
Professor of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center
Program Director, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship

Scleroderma Lung Disease: Best Practices for Monitoring and Treatment
Mary E. Strek, MD
Pulmonologist, Professor of Medicine, University of Chicago

This talk will review the best practices for monitoring for the early detection of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH), the two most common and serious lung diseases that occur in patients with scleroderma. It will also cover the many new medications approved for the treatment of ILD and PH and when these medications are indicated. The goal is for patients with scleroderma to understand the recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of scleroderma-associated lung diseases that are leading to improved outcomes.
SCHEDULE:
8:00 - 9:00 am - Registration
9:00 - 9:15 am - Opening remarks
9:15 - 10:15 am - Dr. Michael Brown: Updating Our Understanding and Management of the Gut in Scleroderma
10:15 - 11:05 am - Dr. Lesley Saketkoo: Exercise as Medicine in Systemic Sclerosis (Part One)
11:05 - 11:25 am - Break
11:25 am - 12:15 pm - Dr. Lesley Saketkoo: Exercise as Medicine in Systemic Sclerosis (Part Two)
12:15 - 1:15 pm - Lunch (Provided at no cost)
1:15 - 2:15 pm - Dr. Mary Strek: Best Practices for Monitoring and Treatment of Scleroderma Lung Disease
2:15 - 3:00 pm - Dr. Marty Hogan: Scleroderma From the Neck Up
3:00 pm - Closing remarks
LOCATION:
Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook
Conference Center
2715 Jorie Blvd
Oakbrook, IL 60523
Free parking
