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Final Program


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

Daltroy Memorial Lecture: Breaking the Silence: Empowering Patient/Provider Conversations on Sex and Intimacy in Rheumatic Conditions

Monday, October 27, 2025
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Central Time

    Moderator(s)

  • Adena Batterman, LCSW,MSW

    Senior Manager
    Hospital for Special Surgery
    Harrington Park, New Jersey, United States

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

  • Priscilla Calvache, MSW, LCSW

    Hospital for Special Surgery
    New York, New York, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

    • Session Coordinator(s)

  • Priscilla Calvache, MSW, LCSW

    Hospital for Special Surgery
    New York, New York, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

Research shows that living with a rheumatic condition can significantly impact sexual function, often leading to decreased sexual desire, reduced frequency of intercourse, and pain during sexual activity due to joint pain, fatigue, and psychological factors associated with the disease. Discussing sex, sexuality, and intimacy can be uncomfortable for both patients and providers, but it is crucial to address these topics. This session will focus on the often overlooked yet essential aspect of sexual health and intimacy for patients with rheumatic diseases. Attendees will learn how rheumatology clinicians and health professionals can improve their approach to discussing sexual health, recognizing the physical and emotional challenges these conditions present. The session will provide practical strategies for initiating sensitive conversations, overcoming discomfort or stigma, and integrating sexual health and family planning into routine care. The goal is to equip rheumatology providers with the tools to foster open dialogue, create a supportive environment, and empower patients to address their sexual health concerns with confidence. Additionally, the session will include the patient’s perspective, with a discussion on personalized strategies for improving sexual wellness, maintaining healthy relationships, and navigating the physical limitations to sex and intimacy.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify the physical and emotional challenges rheumatic conditions present to sexual function, including decreased sexual desire, reduced frequency of intercourse, and pain during sexual activity
  • Examine practical strategies for initiating sensitive conversations around sexual health, overcoming discomfort or stigma, and integrating sexual health and family planning into routine care for patients with rheumatic diseases
  • Recognize the importance of fostering open communication, creating a supportive environment, and empowering patients to address their sexual health concerns with confidence while maintaining healthy relationships

Presentations:

  • 8:30 AM – 8:50 AM Central Time
    TBD

    Speaker: Lisa Sammaritano, MD – Hospital for Special Surgery

  • 8:50 AM – 9:10 AM Central Time
    TBD

    Speaker: Jillian Rose-Smith, PhD, MPH, MSW – Hospital for Special Surgery

  • 9:10 AM – 9:30 AM Central Time
    TBD

    Speaker: Monique Gore-Massy, BA – Patient Experience Researcher Consult