Becoming Immune Confident

Do you ever feel like something's missing in healthcare? Like there are important conversations we should be having, but aren't?

Get ready for a sneak peek into a brand-new podcast, "Lessons We Didn't Learn in Medical School," hosted by Dr. Kara Wada and Dr. Beth Vukin. In this special bonus episode of "Becoming Immune Confident," Dr. Kara shares what inspired this exciting project, a taste of the powerful conversations to come, and how YOU can be a part of the movement by joining their Launch Team. It's all about bringing together patients and physicians, sharing stories, and creating a healthcare system that truly works for us.

Join the "Lessons We Didn't Learn In Medical School" Launch Team for exclusive early access, bonus content, and a chance to win some amazing giveaways! → https://www.drkarawada.com/lessons-we-didnt-learn-launch-team

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:00 Intro
00:39 Introducing Lessons We Didn't Learn In Medical School and Hosts
01:12 Challenges in Healthcare
01:50 The Importance of Community
02:33 Sneak Peek with Dr. Beth Vukin
04:01 Complexities of Chronic Illness
05:00 Navigating the Healthcare System
06:44 The Power of Shared Experiences
10:22 Lessons and Stories

ABOUT DR. BETH VUKIN
Dr. Beth Vukin is a board-certified pediatrician and hospitalist, bringing over 20 years of experience to her insightful conversations about healthcare. As both a physician and a patient with scleroderma, she understands the importance of bridging the gap between medical knowledge and lived experience.

CONNECT WITH DR. BETH VUKIN

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/realtalkwithkiddocs 
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RealTalkWithKidDocs 

ABOUT DR KARA WADA
Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s patient and life coach shares her recipe for success combining anti-inflammatory lifestyle, trusting therapeutic relationships, modern medicine & our minds to harness our body’s ability to heal.

CONNECT WITH DR WADA

Website → https://www.drkarawada.com/ 
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/ 
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/immuneconfidentmd/ 
Podcast Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/becomingimmuneconfident/ 
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/KaraWadaMD 
Twitter → https://twitter.com/CrunchyAllergy 
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@immuneconfident 

SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER → https://www.drkarawada.com/newsletter 
Get Dr. Kara’s weekly dose of a naturally-minded and scientifically-grounded approach to immune system health.

Calling all my healthcare sisters! Looking for scrubs that are both comfy and stylish (because we deserve both!)? Check out GreenCloud Apparel and use code LWDLMS for $10 off!
→ https://www.greencloudapparel.com/discount/LWDLMS 

Have you ever wondered if there's a connection between mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and Sjogren's? 🤔

In this episode of the Becoming Immune Confident Podcast, Dr. Kara Wada explores the fascinating world of mast cells, those "allergy cells" that have been with us since prehistoric times! She breaks down the mysteries of MCAS, explaining what mast cells are, how they can misbehave, and the possible overlaps between MCAS and Sjogren's.

Dr. Wada, an allergist-immunologist and someone living with Sjogren's, shares her clinical insights and observations, even though research on the direct link between these two conditions is still in its early stages.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how MCAS might be playing a role in your Sjogren's journey and how to approach your doctor with concerns about MCAS.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
01:18 Introduction to Mast Cell Activation and Sjogren's
02:35 Understanding Mast Cells
06:05 Mast Cells and Allergic Reactions
11:31 Mast Cell Disorders and Misbehaviors
17:58 Clinical Approach to Mast Cell Activation
20:01 Treatment and Management Strategies
21:22 Potential Triggers and Patient Guidance
24:22 Emerging Treatments and Researc
25:44 Conclusion and Community Engagement

ABOUT DR KARA WADA
Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s patient and life coach shares her recipe for success combining anti-inflammatory lifestyle, trusting therapeutic relationships, modern medicine & our minds to harness our body’s ability to heal.

CONNECT WITH DR WADA

Website → https://www.drkarawada.com/ 
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/ 
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/immuneconfidentmd/ 
Podcast Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/becomingimmuneconfident/ 
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/KaraWadaMD 
Twitter → https://twitter.com/CrunchyAllergy 
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@immuneconfident 

SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER →
https://www.drkarawada.com/newsletter 
Get Dr. Kara’s weekly dose of a naturally-minded and scientifically-grounded approach to immune system health.

Join the "Sjogren's Superpowers Activated" Challenge Waitlist! → www.drkarawada.com/sjogrens-28day-challenge 
Based on the incredible feedback from our first round, it's back for round 2 this October. Join the waitlist now and snag a special early bird discount.

Have you ever been told your pain is "just medical student anxiety?" Or faced a diagnosis during a stressful time like medical school? This week, we're diving into the experience of medical student and advocate, Stephanie Moss, and how she navigated chronic illness, medical gaslighting, and even a leave of absence from her medical education.

In this episode, Dr. Kara Wada sits down with Stephanie Moss, a fourth-year medical student and advocate, to discuss her journey with chronic illness, navigating medical school with a diagnosis, and how she found strength and confidence in her resilience. Stephanie shares her experience with medical gaslighting, the importance of finding support and advocating for yourself, and how her leave of absence from medical school, while challenging, ultimately empowered her to develop valuable tools and strategies for managing chronic pain.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:39 Meet Stephanie Moss: Trauma-informed Advocate and Activist
03:01 Stephanie's Chronic Illness Diagnosis and Perspective Shift
04:55 Medical Gaslighting and Power Dynamics in Healthcare
08:20 The Power of the Placebo Effect and Human Connection
09:20 Failing a Major Exam and Advocating for Accommodations
13:30 Taking a Leave of Absence and Overcoming Challenges
18:29 Tools for Managing Chronic Pain
20:42 Reframing Exercise as a Practice of Love and Kindness
22:56 Advice for Students Facing Similar Challenges
25:00 Becoming Immune Confident: Building Confidence in Body and Resilience
26:59 Connect with Stephanie Moss

ABOUT STEPHANIE MOSS, MD
Stephanie Moss is a trauma-informed advocate, health disparities activist, Endometriosis and Infertility warrior, and a 4th year Medical Student pursuing her Medical Doctorate (M.D.) at Rush Medical College in Chicago. Through her lifelong dedication to diversity, health equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) she has striven to be a voice for marginalized communities. She is a part of the Family Medicine Leadership Program (FMLP), TightLipped medical team, is on the Infertility Committee at American Medical Women's association (AMWA), and serves on the International Society of Study of Women's Sexual Medicine (ISSWSM) Advocacy committee. During COVID she co-founded the Chicago Homelessness and Health Response Group for Equity (CHHRGE).

Stephanie shares her experiences through her narrative medicine writing and public speaking, with her work being featured on notable platforms such as MedPageTody, The Endometriosis Foundation, KevinMD, Doximity, and American Medical Women's Association (AMWA).

CONNECT WITH STEPHANIE MOSS, MD

Website → https://medpsycmoss.com/ 
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-e-moss/ 
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/medpsycmoss 
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Ypzlapvju3XZ-8rgjF8Vw 
Twitter → https://x.com/medpsycmoss 

ABOUT DR KARA WADA
Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s patient and life coach shares her recipe for success combining anti-inflammatory lifestyle, trusting therapeutic relationships, modern medicine & our minds to harness our body’s ability to heal.

CONNECT WITH DR WADA

Website → https://www.drkarawada.com/ 
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/ 
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/immuneconfidentmd/

Did you know that air pollution can increase the effects of allergies threefold? Imagine a world where you could paint your way to cleaner air.

Dr. Kara Wada sits down with Dr. Tanya Rogers, a NASA engineer with a passion for sustainability, to discuss her journey from space exploration to launching a company dedicated to carbon capture. Dr. Rogers shares her story of navigating a demanding career path while also facing chronic health challenges, inspiring listeners to embrace acceptance and prioritize self-care. We explore the link between climate change and our immune health, highlighting the critical role of individual action in creating a healthier future.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Tanya Rogers, NASA engineer and CEO of The People's CO2
02:52 The connection between climate change and immune health
04:11 Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with chronic illness
06:56 The unexpected ways Dr. Rogers' health journey has impacted her leadership
09:43 Staying motivated through challenging work
12:54 The long-term goals for The People's CO2
13:55 The power of starting small and making safer swaps
16:20 The importance of collective action and finding your genius zone
21:05 How to connect with Dr. Rogers and support her work
22:00 Dr. Rogers' perspective on becoming immune confident

ABOUT DR. TANYA ROGERS
Dr. Tanya Rogers is a NASA engineer and co-founder of The People’s CO2, a woman-led started focused on fighting climate change through citizen empowerment.

CONNECT WITH DR. TANYA ROGERS & THE PEOPLE'S CO2
Website → https://www.thepeoplesco2.com/ 
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/peoplesco2 
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565170804108 

ABOUT DR KARA WADA
Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s patient and life coach shares her recipe for success combining anti-inflammatory lifestyle, trusting therapeutic relationships, modern medicine & our minds to harness our body’s ability to heal.

CONNECT WITH DR WADA
Website → https://www.drkarawada.com/ 
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/ 
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/immuneconfident/ 
Podcast Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/becomingimmuneconfident/ 
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/KaraWadaMD 
Twitter → https://twitter.com/CrunchyAllergy 
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@immuneconfident 

SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER → https://www.drkarawada.com/newsletter 
Get Dr. Kara’s weekly dose of a naturally-minded and scientifically-grounded approach to immune system health.

We all know that movement is essential for health, but what if you're dealing with chronic pain? Many people feel limited, even discouraged, from embracing movement because of fear or past experiences.
But what if that even with chronic pain, movement can be a source of joy and empowerment?

In this week's podcast episode of the Becoming Immune Confident Podcast, Dr. Kara Wada had the pleasure of speaking with DK Ciccone, a certified Pilates instructor and author of "You're Meant to Move," who shares her personal journey of navigating chronic back pain and reclaiming her love of movement.
DK emphasizes that our bodies are designed to move, and even with pain, we can find ways to engage in activities that bring us joy and support our well-being. She encourages us to shift our perspective on pain, exploring the role of the nervous system and how we can foster a deeper connection with our bodies.
DK's inspiring message reminds us that movement is not just about achieving a certain aesthetic, but about cultivating a deeper sense of agency, self-compassion, and resilience.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
01:40 DK Ciccone's Personal Journey with Chronic Pain
04:35 The role of body image and diet culture in shaping our relationship with pain
07:36 Unhelpful Messages and Misconceptions About Pain
10:38 The Impact of Dismissive Medical Advice
12:58 Holistic Approach to Pain Management
17:53 Building Resilience and Managing Pain Flares
24:45 Pain Reprocessing Therapy and Somatic Tracking
28:39 Finding Joy in Movement
30:49 Core Message of the book 'You're Meant to Move'
33:07 Conclusion and How to Connect with DK Ciccone

ABOUT DANA KAREN (“DK”) CICCONE
Dana Karen (“DK”) Ciccone is a certified Pilates instructor who helps people in pain improve strength, mobility, and well-being in a weight-neutral environment. She’s also trained in pain reprocessing therapy through the Pain Psychology Center. Having begun her own journey with chronic back pain as a young teen, she has been exploring ways to help herself and others regain joy of movement for decades. After twenty years in the health sector, DK left a corporate career to follow her passion, later launching Movement Remedies, a chronic pain–focused Pilates studio in Boston, Massachusetts. Her first book, You’re Meant to Move: A Guide to Conquering Chronic Pain, Increasing Stress Resilience, and Reclaiming an Active Life, was released December 2023.

CONNECT WITH DANA KAREN (“DK”) CICCONE

Website → https://movementremedies.org 
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-karen-ciccone 
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/movement_remedies/ 
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/movement.remedies.llc/ 
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@movementremediesllc 

Pick up a copy of DK Ciccone's book, "You're Meant to Move: A Guide to Conquering Chronic Pain, Increasing Stress Resilience, and Reclaiming an Active Life," available on Amazon.

ABOUT DR KARA WADA
Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s patient and life coach shares her recipe for success combining anti-inflammatory lifestyle, trusting therapeutic relationships, modern medicine & our minds to harness our body’s ability to heal.

CONNECT WITH DR WADA

Website → https://www.drkarawada.com/ 
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/ 
Instagram → <

We all know the importance of a strong immune system, but what if the key to unlocking your immune confidence lies within your gut? That's right, the health of your digestive system plays a crucial role in bolstering your immune defenses.

In this episode, Dr. Kara Wada welcomes the brilliant Dr. Vivian Asamoah, a board-certified gastroenterologist specializing in functional medicine, to discuss the powerful connection between the gut and the immune system. Together, they talk about the science behind the gut-immune axis, explore common signs of an unhealthy gut, and discuss strategies for supporting gut health and overall well-being. Dr. Asamoah shares valuable insights from her practice, including a fascinating success story about a patient who overcame debilitating digestive issues through targeted treatment of a yeast overgrowth.

Listen now and join us as we explore the fascinating world of gut health and its profound impact on our immune system!

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
-Gut Health Secrets for a Stronger Immune System
-Dr. Asamoah's Journey from Conventional Medicine to Functional Medicine
-The Gut-Immune System Connection Explained
-Common Signs of an Unhealthy Gut
-Navigating Food Sensitivities and Restrictive Diets
-Understanding Food Intolerances and Elimination Diets
-Exploring Additional Gut Health Challenges like SIBO, LIBO, and Yeast Overgrowth
-The Importance of Integrating Traditional Medicine into Modern Healthcare
-A Successful Case Study Involving a Patient with Severe Food Sensitivity and Candida Overgrowth
-Building Immune Confidence through Diet, Lifestyle, and Stress Management
-How to Connect with Dr. Asamoah on Social Media

ABOUT DR VIVIAN ASAMOAH

Dr. Vivian Asamoah is a board-certified gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and nutritionist with a passion for functional medicine. She completed her fellowship at Johns Hopkins University Hospital and is CEO of Houston Gastro Institute, where she has served the West Houston community for over a decade. Dr. Asamoah is a renowned speaker, educator, and patient advocate, sharing her expertise on the impact of diet and lifestyle on gut health through her popular "Natural Gut Relief" Facebook community and YouTube channel. She is also the host of the weekly Facebook show "Back to Basics," featuring prominent guest interviews. Dr. Asamoah's commitment to personalized, integrated care is evident in her practice, which focuses on addressing the root causes of digestive issues through a combination of conventional and functional medicine approaches. She is actively involved in clinical trials exploring cutting-edge therapies for gastrointestinal conditions.

CONNECT WITH DR VIVIAN ASAMOAH

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivian-asamoah-md-6258b694/ 
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/drvivianasamoah/ 
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/drvivianasamoah 
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbmhQMF6VJyKrmCxFJyKIHA 

ABOUT DR KARA WADA
Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s patient and life coach shares her recipe for success combining anti-inflammatory lifestyle, trusting therapeutic relationships, modern medicine & our minds to harness our body’s ability to heal.

CONNECT WITH DR WADA
Website → https://www.drkarawada.com/ 
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/ 
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/immuneconfident/ 

Have you ever felt like your body was working against you? Like your heart was racing, your brain was foggy, and you just couldn't seem to catch your breath?

In this episode, Dr. Kara Wada welcomes back her friend and guest, Lauren Stiles, JD, President of Dysautonomia International and a research assistant professor of neurology at Stony Brook University School of Medicine. Lauren shares her personal journey with POTS, a form of dysautonomia, and discusses the challenges of diagnosis and treatment. She explains the complexities of the autonomic nervous system and why our current testing methods are limited in diagnosing dysautonomia. Dr. Kara and Lauren delve into the need for holistic approaches to manage these conditions, emphasizing the importance of anti-inflammatory diets and lifestyle changes. Lauren highlights the crucial role of patient advocacy and research in advancing understanding and treatment options for dysautonomia. They discuss the obstacles faced by researchers and clinicians in studying and treating these conditions and emphasize the need for more funding and support.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:53 Lauren's Journey with Dysautonomia and POTS
03:06 Understanding Dysautonomia and its different forms
05:03 Common dysautonomia types like neurocardiogenic syncope (vasovagal) and POTS
07:08 Limitations in diagnostic testing and the need for better biomarkers
08:47 The missing pieces of autonomic nervous system testing
13:29 The role of patient empowerment and holistic approaches to managing dysautonomia
20:24 Dysautonomia International's mission and initiatives: education, research, and advocacy
26:44 The challenges faced by researchers and clinicians in studying and treating dysautonomia
30:57 Changing Minds and Confronting Medical Gaslighting
37:07 How to Get Involved and Support Dysautonomia International

ABOUT LAUREN STILES, JD
Lauren Stiles is a passionate advocate for individuals living with autonomic disorders. She serves as President of Dysautonomia International, a leading organization dedicated to supporting and empowering patients, while also holding a position as Research Assistant Professor of Neurology at Stony Brook University School of Medicine. Lauren's personal journey with POTS began at age 31, sparking a relentless pursuit of answers and ultimately leading her to a diagnosis of autonomic neuropathy caused by Sjogren's Syndrome. This experience ignited her commitment to raising awareness, improving research, and advocating for better healthcare for those impacted by autonomic disorders. A graduate of Stony Brook University and Pace University School of Law, Lauren brings a wealth of experience in both science and law to her work. She has served in leadership positions on numerous government councils, non-profit boards, and professional associations, utilizing her expertise to drive positive change. Lauren finds joy in her life on Long Island with her husband, her beloved Jack Russell Terrier, and a flock of six amusing chickens.

CONNECT WITH LAUREN STILES, JD & Dysautonomia International

Website → https://dysautonomiainternational.org/ 
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/dysautonomia-international/ 
Instagram → https://instagram.com/DysautonomiaIntl 
X/Twitter → https://x.com/Dysautonomia 
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/DysautonomiaInternational/ 

ABOUT DR KARA WADA
Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s pa

Tired of your Sjogren's symptoms controlling your life, especially when it comes to gut issues?

In this episode, Dr. Kara Wada continues her conversation with registered dietitian Cristina Montoya, who lives with both Sjogren's and rheumatoid arthritis. Together, they dive deep into actionable strategies for nourishing your gut and reclaiming your health when living with Sjogren's. Learn how the gut-Sjogren's connection goes beyond dryness, how to tailor your diet for optimal digestion, and lifestyle tips for managing symptoms and feeling your best. Plus, don't miss the exciting announcement about the 3rd Annual Virtual Sjogren's Summit!

EPISODE IN A GLANCE

-Understanding Sjogren's Impact on the Body: Beyond Dry Eyes and Mouth
-Neurological Manifestations and Gut Health: The Gut-Brain Connection
-Gastrointestinal Manifestations and Research: The Latest on Sjogren's and the Gut
-Challenges in the Medical Field and Nutrition: Navigating Misinformation
-Dietary Adjustments for Sjogren's: Gastroparesis and Beyond
-Practical Tips for Gut Health: Plant-Based Foods, Hydration, and Meal Timing
-Upcoming Events and Resources: Cristina's Blog, Webinars, and the Virtual Sjogren's Summit

ABOUT CRISTINA MONTOYA
Living with both Sjogren's and RA, Cristina is a registered dietitian dedicated to helping you create a fulfilling life free from restrictive diets. She specializes in gut-healing strategies and making anti-inflammatory living both effective and enjoyable.

CONNECT WITH CRISTINA MONTOYA

Website → https://www.arthritisdietitian.com/ 
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristinamontoya/ 
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/arthritisdietitian/ 
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/arthritisdietitian/  
X/Twitter → https://x.com/ArthrDietitian 
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisdietitian 

ABOUT DR KARA WADA

Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s patient and life coach shares her recipe for success combining anti-inflammatory lifestyle, trusting therapeutic relationships, modern medicine & our minds to harness our body’s ability to heal.

CONNECT WITH DR WADA

Website → https://www.drkarawada.com/ 
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/ 
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/immuneconfidentmd/ 
Podcast Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/becomingimmuneconfident/ 
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/KaraWadaMD 
Twitter → https://twitter.com/CrunchyAllergy 
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@immuneconfident 

SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER → https://www.drkarawada.com/newsletter 
Get Dr. Kara’s weekly dose of a naturally-minded and scientifically-grounded approach to immune system health.

JOIN THE 3RD ANNUAL VIRTUAL SJOGREN'S SUMMIT! REGISTER NOW AND GET YOUR FREE TICKET → https://www.sjogrenssummit.com/

Have you ever wondered how Sjogren's Disease affects your gut health? Join us as we delve into the gut-Sjogren's connection and discover practical strategies for managing both.

In this episode of the Becoming Immune Confident Podcast, Dr. Kara Wada welcomes fellow Sjogie Cristina Montoya, a registered dietitian and the founder of Arthritis Dietitian, to discuss the intricate relationship between Sjogren's disease and gut health. Cristina shares her personal journey of living with Sjogren's and rheumatoid arthritis for over 20 years, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she's experienced along the way. She reveals how Sjogren's can significantly impact the gut and provides insights into how dietary changes and lifestyle modifications can support overall well-being for individuals living with these conditions.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE

-Cristina Montoya's Personal Journey with Sjogren's and Rheumatoid Arthritis
-Discussion on the importance of nourishment and the role of nutrition in managing autoimmune diseases
-Exploring the connection between Sjogren's Disease and gut health
-Invitation the 3rd Annual Virtual Sjogren's Summit

ABOUT CRISTINA MONTOYA

Living with both Sjogren's and RA, Cristina is a registered dietitian dedicated to helping you create a fulfilling life free from restrictive diets. She specializes in gut-healing strategies and making anti-inflammatory living both effective and enjoyable.

CONNECT WITH CRISTINA MONTOYA

Website → https://www.arthritisdietitian.com/ 
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristinamontoya/ 
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/arthritisdietitian/ 
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/arthritisdietitian/ 
X/Twitter → https://x.com/ArthrDietitian 
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisdietitian 

ABOUT DR KARA WADA

Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s patient and life coach shares her recipe for success combining anti-inflammatory lifestyle, trusting therapeutic relationships, modern medicine & our minds to harness our body’s ability to heal.

CONNECT WITH DR WADA

Website → https://www.drkarawada.com/ 
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/ 
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/immuneconfidentmd/ 
Podcast Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/becomingimmuneconfident/ 
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/KaraWadaMD 
Twitter → https://twitter.com/CrunchyAllergy 
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@immuneconfident 

SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER → https://www.drkarawada.com/newsletter 
Get Dr. Kara’s weekly dose of a naturally-minded and scientifically-grounded approach to immune system health.

JOIN THE 3RD ANNUAL VIRTUAL SJOGREN'S SUMMIT! REGISTER NOW → https://www.sjogrenssummit.com/ 
A two-day online event dedicated to providing you wit

Are you a woman living with a chronic condition who wants to make a big impact in your career?

In this inspiring episode of the Becoming Immune Confident Podcast, Dr. Kara Wada sits down with patient advocate and entrepreneur Lilly Stairs, who shares her empowering journey of living with multiple autoimmune diseases. Discover how Lily turned her diagnosis into a driving force for change, founding initiatives like the Chronic Boss Collective to uplift and connect women navigating chronic illness in the workplace. Gain valuable insights on balancing a demanding career with health challenges, avoiding burnout, and unleashing your unique "secret sauce" by combining your skills with the strength gained from adversity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and practical advice on thriving with chronic illness.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE

-Introduction to Lilly Stairs - founder of Chronic Boss Collective
-Lilly's autoimmune diagnosis journey and the lack of awareness around the term "autoimmune disease."
-The importance of looking at autoimmune diseases from an umbrella perspective and breaking down silos in healthcare
-Progress and Hope in Autoimmune Research
-The inspiration behind the Chronic Boss Collective and creating a supportive community for ambitious women with chronic conditions
-Bridging the gap between patients and healthcare organizations through Patient Authentic consultancy.
-Balancing a demanding career, philanthropy, and managing chronic illnesses: non-negotiables and setting boundaries
-Advice for women with chronic conditions who want to make a big impact: finding your "secret sauce" and avoiding burnout
-Turning pain into purpose, enjoying the journey, and ways to connect with Lilly and the Chronic Boss Collective.

ABOUT LILLY STAIRS

Lilly Stairs is an internationally recognized patient advocate, serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and sought after speaker. Her purpose was ignited in a hospital bed after being diagnosed with multiple autoimmune diseases. Lilly is the Founder of the Chronic Boss Collective, a networking membership for ambitious business women living with chronic conditions designed to help them dream big in their career and prioritize health with no trade-offs. She is also the Founder of Patient Authentic, a boutique consultancy that helps healthcare organizations build events and experiences for patient advocates. Lilly serves as the Board Chair of the Autoimmune Association, the world's foremost non-profit leading the fight against autoimmunity and a Board Member for the Brain Cancer Research Alliance.

CONNECT WITH LILLY STAIRS

Website → https://lillystairs.com/ 
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/ 
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/chronicbossco 
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs 

ABOUT DR KARA WADA

Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s patient and life coach shares her recipe for success combining anti-inflammatory lifestyle, trusting therapeutic relationships, modern medicine & our minds to harness our body’s ability to heal.

CONNECT WITH DR WADA

Website → https://www.drkarawada.com/ 
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/ 
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/immuneconfident/  
Podcast Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/becomingimmuneconfident/ 
Facebook → <