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Final Program


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

Supporting Work, Supporting Health: Helping People with Rheumatic Conditions Stay Employed

Monday, October 27, 2025
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Central Time

    Moderator(s)

  • Louise Thoma, PhD, DPT

    University of North Carolina
    Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • JP

    Janet Poole, PhD, OT, FAOTA

    University of New Mexico
    Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

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

    • Session Coordinator(s)

  • Louise Thoma, PhD, DPT

    University of North Carolina
    Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

Employment plays a crucial role in financial stability, access to healthcare, and overall well-being. However, individuals with rheumatic conditions often face significant workplace challenges that can lead to reduced work hours, limited career advancement, or unemployment and early disability. Rheumatology professionals must proactively address these barriers and equip patients with strategies to sustain meaningful employment while managing their health. This panel will bring together leading researchers and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving employment outcomes for individuals with rheumatic diseases. Speakers will discuss evidence-based interventions, workplace accommodations, and strategies for empowering patients at different career stages.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify key employment challenges faced by individuals with rheumatic disease and their impact on health and quality of life
  • Describe evidence-based interventions and workplace accommodations that support continued employment for patients with rheumatic conditions
  • Integrate resources supporting employment into rheumatology clinical practice

Presentations:

  • 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM Central Time
    Work as a Vital Sign: Supporting Employment in Rheumatology Care

    Speaker: Nancy Baker, OT, MPH, ScD – Tufts University

  • 2:50 PM – 3:10 PM Central Time
    Making It Work™: A Program to Help People Lead Healthy and Productive Lives at Work

    Speaker: Diane Lacaille, MD, FRCPC – Arthritis Research Canada, University of British Columbia

  • 3:10 PM – 3:30 PM Central Time
    Adapting Work Interventions for Sub-Populations of People with Rheumatic Conditions

    Speaker: Kristine Carandang, PhD,OT – Young Patients' Autoimmune Research & Empowerment Alliance