In this episode, Dr. Proton Rahman reflects on his journey from patient with spondyloarthritis to internationally recognized rheumatologist and newly appointed member of the Order of Canada. He shares how his lived experience shapes his approach to patient care, offering insight into empathy, trust, and connection in chronic disease management.

Dr. Rahman also discusses the influence of key mentors — including Dr. Dafna Gladman, herself an Officer of the Order of Canada — in shaping his path into research and his work in the genetics of psoriatic arthritis and beyond! The conversation highlights the shift toward polygenic risk and the ongoing challenge of translating genetic discoveries into clinical practice.

Looking ahead, Dr. Rahman explores the future of rheumatology, emphasizing precision medicine, improved diagnostics, and more effective use of existing therapies. A thoughtful discussion on humility, mentorship, and the evolving complexity of modern rheumatology.

Dr. Proton Rahman is Clinical Chief of Rheumatology at Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services and John Lewis Distinguished Professor at Memorial University. A global expert in spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis, his research focuses on the genetics of inflammatory arthritis and its translation into improved patient care. He is a recent appointee as a Member of the Order of Canada.

Around The Rheum is produced by the CRA Communications Committee. A special thank you to the podcast team, Dr. Dax G. Rumsey (CRA Communications Committee Chair), Dr. Daniel Ennis (Host), Dr. Janet Pope (Host) David McGuffin (exploreproductions.ca),

and Erin Stewart (CRA) for leading production.

Our theme music was composed by Aaron Fontwell.

For more on the work of the Canadian Rheumatology Association, visit rheum.ca

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Ennis, Dr. Janet Pope

Guests: Dr. Marinka Twilt (Pediatric Rheumatologist, University of Calgary; ASM Program Committee Chair), Dr. Mo Osman (University of Alberta; Abstract Chair & ASM Planning Committee Co-Chair)

We’re coming to you almost live from Halifax for Day 3—the final day of the Canadian Rheumatology Association ASM. The day featured strong podium presentations, a high-yield state-of-the-art lecture on Still’s disease, and a powerful closing keynote on health equity.

Podium sessions highlighted emerging science across the spectrum, including sex-based differences in psoriatic arthritis linked to genetic and epigenetic factors, novel monogenic variants in pediatric lupus with neurocognitive involvement, and ongoing inequities in access to therapies for JIA across provinces.

The state-of-the-art lecture on Still’s disease emphasized its spectrum across pediatric and adult care, with practical treatment strategies and increasing recognition of associated interstitial lung disease. Key points included the role of HLA-DRB1*15 as a risk marker, the importance of early treatment, and the potential for IL-1 and IL-6 therapies to contribute to complications in select patients.

Workshops reinforced these themes, focusing on practical approaches to diagnosing and managing Still’s disease, including lung involvement and the role of JAK inhibitors in refractory cases.

The meeting closed with a distinguished investigator lecture from Dr. Cheryl Barnabe, highlighting inequities in care for Indigenous populations and the importance of culturally safe, community-based care to address both geographic and systemic barriers.

Main Takeaways

• Genetic and epigenetic factors may explain sex differences in psoriatic arthritis
• Monogenic variants continue to reveal complexity in pediatric lupus
• Significant inequities persist in access to therapies for JIA across provinces
• Still’s disease spans pediatric and adult care with shared mechanisms
• HLA-DRB1*15 may help predict lung complications in Still’s disease
• Culturally safe, community-based care is essential to improving health equity

What’s Next

CRA ASM 2026 will be held in Vancouver.

More highlights coming next year—see you in Vancouver!

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Ennis, Dr. Janet Pope

Guests: Dr. Marinka Twilt (Pediatric Rheumatologist, University of Calgary; ASM Program Committee Chair), Dr. Mo Osman (University of Alberta; Abstract Chair & ASM Planning Committee Co-Chair)

We’re coming to you almost live from Halifax for Day 2 of the Canadian Rheumatology Association ASM. The day featured diverse podium science, practical workshops, and a lively Great Debate on DMARD tapering.

Podium sessions highlighted lupus research on cancer risk, rising costs and work disability in RA, and new biologic insights into flares, with B-cell changes supporting patient-reported disease activity in lupus.

Workshops focused on practical tools, including capillaroscopy for early CTD detection, pediatric updates on neonatal lupus risk (anti-Ro vs anti-La), and a structured lab-based approach to unexplained lymphadenopathy.

The Dunlop-Dottridge Lecture reviewed statin-associated myositis, emphasizing delayed onset, persistence after discontinuation of the statins, and early IVIG-based treatment.

The Great Debate explored DMARD tapering, reinforcing that while guidelines are cautious, real-world care requires shared decision-making and a focus on the lowest effective dose rather than full discontinuation.

Main Takeaways

Rising costs and ongoing work disability remain significant in RA

Patient-reported flares have a clear biological basis

Statin-associated myositis can occur years after statin use and requires early IVIG

DMARD tapering should be individualized, with focus on lowest effective dose

What to Watch for on Day 3

State-of-the-art lecture on Still’s disease across the lifespan

More high-impact podium presentations

Clinical workshops, including one on topical therapies

Gala dinner and closing events

More highlights coming tomorrow—stay tuned!