The APAC Recap: RhAPP 5th Annual National Conference, with Laura Ross, PA-C

Author(s):

Key Takeaways

Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis pose significant cardiovascular risks, often overlooked in patient care.
Collaboration between cardiologists and rheumatologists is crucial for addressing cardiovascular disease in patients with autoimmune conditions.
The RhAPP conference features interdisciplinary sessions and hands-on workshops, enhancing the understanding of rheumatology's overlap with other specialties.
Strategies for cardiology providers to support rheumatology colleagues are essential for comprehensive patient care.

APAC President Laura Ross, PA-C, shares insights from the RhAPP conference, discussing autoimmune disease, cardiovascular risks, and the importance of interdisciplinary care.

In this episode of The APAC Recap, host Viet Le, DMSc, PA-C, a preventive cardiology PA at Intermountain Health and the former president of the Academy of Physician Associates in Cardiology (APAC), is joined by Laura Ross, PA-C, clinical lipid specialist and current president of APAC, to discuss her recent experience at the Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers (RhAPP) national conference, which was held in Nashville, TN from September 26 - 28, 2024. During the meeting, Ross played the part of attendee and presenter as she played a key role during a workshop on the final afternoon of the meeting.

In the episode, Ross shares key insights from her presentation, "Heart Under Attack: The Intersection of Autoimmune Disease and Cardiology," which focused on the significant cardiovascular risks faced by patients with autoimmune conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. Ross explains how the fact that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in these patients often goes overlooked and emphasizes the need for cardiologists and rheumatologists to collaborate in their care.

Later in the episode, Ross highlights the unique structure of the RhAPP conference, with interdisciplinary sessions on the overlap between rheumatology and other specialties, such as dermatology, ophthalmology, and pulmonology. She also discusses hands-on workshops, such as joint injection training and practical boot camps for new rheumatology providers. Ross and Le conclude with a practical discussion on how cardiology providers can better support rheumatology colleagues and ensure patients receive comprehensive care.

All episodes of The APAC Recap will be available on HCPLive.com and on our YouTube channel.

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