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Final Program


Schedule at a Glance
Legend
Program: Scientific Session
General Topic: ARP

Juvenile Dermatomyositis: Updates in Current Medical, Physical, and Occupational Therapy Treatment

Sunday, October 26, 2025
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Central Time

    Moderator(s)

  • VL

    Veronica Lewalski, MD

    Children's Hospital Los Angeles
    Los Angeles, California, United States

    Disclosure(s): No financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose

  • JB

    Janet Bahr, NP

    Family Neighborhood Clinic
    La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

    • Session Coordinator(s)

  • JB

    Janet Bahr, NP

    Family Neighborhood Clinic
    La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

This session will provide an overview of the diagnostic approach and medical treatment planning for juvenile dermatomyositis, considering disease stage. The presentation will discuss physical and occupational therapy evaluation and treatment, including the Childhood Myositis Assessment Scale, as well as case presentations.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify unique needs of the juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) population at all stages of the disease process
  • Evaluate a patient with JDM for physical and occupational therapy
  • Choose appropriate physical and occupational therapy treatment plans for patients with JDM
  • Review the classic clinical presentation and diagnostic workup for JDM
  • Discuss current approaches to medical and pharmacological treatment options for JDM

Presentations:

  • 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Central Time
    Juvenile Dermatomyositis: The Medical Perspective

    Speaker: Jacob Spitznagle, MD – Children's Hospital Los Angeles

  • 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM Central Time
    Juvenile Dermatomyositis: Physical Therapy Perspective

    Speaker: Jill Blitz, PT – Children's Hospital Los Angeles

  • 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Central Time
    Juvenile Dermatomyositis: Occupational Therapy Perspective

    Speaker: Talitha Black, OT, MA – Children's Hospital Los Angeles