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world Arthritis Day: Expert Insights from FSU College of Medicine
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Oct. 12 marks World Arthritis Day, a time to raise awareness of a disease that impacts more than half a billion people worldwide. According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting nearly one in four people.
Benjamin Smith, associate dean of the School of physician Assistant Practice at Florida State University’s College of Medicine, is at the forefront of this challenge. With more than 25 years of clinical experience as a physician assistant in rheumatology, Smith combines his clinical background with education and research to improve care for patients with arthritis among other autoimmune conditions.
Smith is available to speak with media about his latest research on arthritis treatment and outcomes. He can be reached at benjamin.smith@med.fsu.edu.
Benjamin J. Smith, program director and associate dean, School of Physician Assistant practice, FSU College of Medicine
Who is affected by Arthritis?
Arthritis is frequently enough thought of as an “older adult” condition. Is that accurate? Can you talk about who it affects? Arthritis and autoimmune diseases can affect people at any age, including children. Many families have to travel hours to reach a pediatric rheumatologist because there are so few.On the other end of the spectrum, older adults also face rheumatic diseases that appear later in life.
These diseases are lifelong conditions that carry both direct and indirect costs. This is why strengthening care across the lifespan is so critically important.
How Research Translates to Better Patient Outcomes
Arthritis and autoimmune conditions affect millions of americans. How does your research translate into better outcomes for patients? Treatments are sharper and more effective than they where even a few decades ago, though we still don’t have cures for most rheumatic diseases. The key is making sure patients have access to the best possible care. This means continuing to refine therapies,expand the health care workforce and ensure patients can maintain their function and quality of life.
Ultimately, it’s about helping people not only do what they need to do, but also what they want to do.
Recent Contributions: 2024 ACR Guidelines for Lupus Nephritis
You recently co-authored the 2024 American College of Rheumatology Guidelines for Lupus Nephritis,a kidney
Types of Arthritis (Table)
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