In this episode of RhAPPcast, host Amanda Mixon, PA-C, leads a 2026 Fireside Chat exploring the intersection of rheumatology and gastroenterology. Joined by Kim Orleck, PA-C (GI APP), and Wendy Simmons, PA-C (Rheumatology APP), the panel discusses the shared inflammatory pathways linking Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, with a focus on the gut–joint–skin axis and the IL-23, IL-17, and TNF pathways.

The conversation highlights early screening for overlapping immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), recognizing subclinical gut inflammation, and selecting cross-indication therapies such as JAK inhibitors and IL-23 inhibitors based on disease severity, comorbidities, and cardiovascular risk. Listeners will gain practical insights into biomarker use (including fecal calprotectin), second-line treatment strategies after TNF failure, and the importance of real-time collaboration between rheumatology and GI providers to optimize patient outcomes.

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