Description:

In this episode hear board-certified dermatologist Dr. Omar Noor and special guest, music icon Art Garfunkel discuss management of and living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Join us for this special episode of Psoriasis Uncovered as music icon Art Garfunkel shares his personal journey with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Alongside renowned dermatologist Dr. Omar Noor and moderator Max Blitstein, Art shares insights on his diagnosis, how psoriasis has impacted his musical career, and his experience using the treatment Ilumya (tildrakizumab-asmn). Tune in to explore the intersection of melodies, medicine, and advocacy, and gain inspiration for living with psoriasis.

The intent of this episode is to share Art Garfunkel's story of living an active music career with plaque psoriasis and how he eventually found a treatment that works for him.

This episode is sponsored by Sun Pharma . For important safety information: https://bit.ly/2We7fIS

Timestamps:

(0:23) Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered and guest welcome to dermatologist Dr. Omar Noor, Co-Owner Rao Dermatology, and special guest, music icon, poet, author and actor Art Garfunkel who lives with plaque psoriasis.

1:04 Psoriasis came quietly into Art's life but wasn't easy.

1:36 Art's life on the road touring and being in the spotlight with psoriasis.

2:50 Having a strong support system is just as important as managing the physical symptoms of psoriasis.

3:59 A personalized approach to treatment options is possible when having an open dialogue with your doctor. You don't have to face the challenge of living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis alone.

5:27 What to expect when using Iluyma®, a biologic given 4 times a year.

8:54 Art's message to anyone newly diagnosed with plaque psoriasis who feels overwhelmed.

9:20 Your treatment plan is a collaborative decision between you and your health care provider and stay informed with reliable evidence-based resources.

10:57 Closing comments and where to learn more information about Iluyma®.

11:39 Important Safety Information about Iluyma®.

Key Takeaways:

· Living with psoriasis can be a private struggle with challenges to overcome both physically and emotionally but know that you are not alone.

· Since no two people are alike and given the variety of available treatment options, tailoring treatment options to the needs of an individual's lifestyle is possible.

· Open communication between you and your health care provider is key to finding the right treatment for you.

Guest Bios:

Art Garfunkel is a music legend, poet, author and actor who has received numerous awards and honors throughout his life including being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Internationally recognized for having a distinctive voice as part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel and later Garfunkel & Garfunkel, he inspired many with his melodies and rhythms. But behind the harmonies and stage lights he was struggling to live with the challenge of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis feeling isolated and depressed. Finding the right treatment after years of struggling, Art hopes to inspire others through his story saying "There's real power in speaking our truths. Vulnerability, as it turns out, is not weakness, it's connection. And connection is healing. Take a breath. You will find your way through this."

Omar Noor, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist and co-owner of Rao Dermatology in New York and New Jersey. He started his dermatology career as a partner in his practice with a focus on medical dermatology, having a clinical interest in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Dr. Noor has received several awards from the New York Academy of Medicine in the field of dermatology. He currently serves as a member of the Editorial Advisory Board for Dermatology Times and the NYC Medical Reserve Corp.

Resources:

• "Embracing Resilience", Read more about Art's story at Advance Online, National Psoriasis Foundation. August 26, 2025.
• Learn more about psoriasis from types, symptoms, typical locations, to diagnosis and life with psoriasis.

Description:

Psoriatic disease affects far more than just the skin. Hear leading dermatologist Dr. April Armstrong and Dr. Benoît Guérrette discuss this and more with Jensen, a patient advocate.

Psoriatic disease affects not only the skin but it can impact confidence, emotional and social well-being, and daily life. In this episode, join moderator Dr. Guy Eakin, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at NPF, as we explore the disconnect between clinical classifications of psoriasis and what patients experience in real-life with leading dermatologist Dr. April Armstrong, Dr. Benoît Guérrette, Vice President of Dermatology & Rheumatology at Takeda, and Jensen, a NPF patient advocate and former Lead Youth Ambassador. Listen as we address the need for a more nuanced approach to classifying disease severity that accounts for the holistic needs of psoriatic disease, as well as share insights into how advocacy and awareness can drive change in treatment access and care standards.

The intent of this episode is to identify how clinical severity classifications of psoriasis are evolving to meet the needs of those who live with the disease and how that change impacts overall management.

This episode is sponsored by Takeda.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered and guest welcome to dermatologist Dr. April Armstrong, Vice President of Takeda, Dr. Benoît Guérette, and patient advocate Jensen, who discuss the unmet needs of people with moderate psoriasis and how as a community we can better serve those living with the disease.

2:22 How health care providers and the biopharmaceutical industry are coming together to address systemic eligibility and the unmet needs of people living with psoriasis.

4:25 Quality of life should be included when assessing clinical severity in psoriasis and identification of appropriate treatment choices.

6:52 The impact of misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and effect on high impact sites can be life- altering.

8:30 How appropriate treatment and knowledge can make all the difference when diagnosed with plaque psoriasis.

9:40 Views on the psoriasis disease classification system and how it's evolving to include real life impact from physical and emotional needs, to more personalized care for those living with psoriasis, even when small body surface areas are involved. Severity isn't defined by skin coverage alone.

12:38 What's needed to prioritize the care and outcomes of people living with psoriasis.

14:18 The future of management and care for psoriatic disease.

15:53 "My skin tells a story." Wisdom from what I wish I had known previously.

16:52 Moving closer to care that truly reflects the lives and needs of those who live with psoriasis.

Key Takeaways:

· Severity of psoriasis isn't defined by skin coverage or body surface area (BSA) alone. The impact on quality of life should also be considered in the assessment, selection of treatment, and management of the disease.

· The psoriasis disease classification system is evolving to be more of a patient centered approach. Many clinicians are now using the International Psoriasis Council (IPC) or 2 bucket approach to identify whether someone should receive a topical or systemic treatment based on location and response to treatment, as well as impact on quality of life.

· With continued research and development, the next 5 to 10 years could see a shift in effective treatment options while also treating sooner to initiate better outcomes for people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Guest Bios:

April Armstrong, M.D., M.P.H. is an internationally renowned dermatologist and clinical researcher who is a Professor and Chief of Dermatology at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) where she specializes in inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Dr. Armstrong is also the Co-Director for Network Resources at the UCLA Clinical and Translational Research Institute. She has conducted over 150 clinical trials and published over 350 high impact articles in scientific journals. Dr. Armstrong holds multiple leadership positions including the immediate Past Chair of the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board, Co-President of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA), councilor for the International Psoriasis Council, and board member for the International Dermatology Outcome Measures and the American Academy of Dermatology.

Benoît Guérette, Ph.D. is an accomplished leader in medical affairs with extensive experience across academia and the pharmaceutical industry. Since March 2025, Dr. Guérette has served as Vice President of Dermatology and Rheumatology US Medical Affairs at Takeda Pharmaceutical. Prior to joining Takeda, he held several strategic and leadership roles at various pharmaceutical companies, including overseeing clinical development, global and U.S. medical affairs, global access & pricing, translational sciences and more. Before transitioning to the industry, Dr. Guérette was an Associate Professor of Immunology at Laval University, leading research in cancer immunology. He holds a Ph.D. in Medicine, Microbiology, and Immunology from Laval University and completed postdoctoral studies in Inflammation and Immunology at Harvard Medical School.

Jensen is a volunteer and former Lead Youth Ambassador for the National Psoriasis Foundation. Jensen developed psoriasis at age 7 but wasn't formally diagnosed until age 14 being misdiagnosed along the way, trying different management approaches that were ineffective. She was a competitive swimmer from elementary through high school and in the last 2 years of high school played lacrosse. Upon finishing high school she attended college becoming a registered nurse in an intensive care unit. Jensen wants "youth living with psoriatic disease to feel a community that is behind them and with them every step of the way. I really want to be able to make a difference in a way that would've helped me as a child when I was diagnosed."

Resources:

Ø "Reassessing Psoriasis Severity" Advance Online, National Psoriasis Foundation. H. Onorati. January 16, 2024, https://www.psoriasis.org/advance/psoriasis-severity-high-impact-sites/

Ø "Psoriasis Involving Special Areas is Associated with Worse Quality of Life, Depression, and Limitations in the Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities". Blauvelt, A., Strober, B., Gondo, G., Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Volume 8, Issue 3. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/24755303231160683

Description:

Chronic pain can be difficult to live with. If you have psoriatic arthritis you know all too well what that means. Listen as physiatrist Dr. Erin Maslowski and LB Herbert offer ways to manage pain before it manages your life.

Join host Susan McClelland-Tobert, a retired pediatric cardiologist who also lives with psoriatic disease as she uncovers the topic of what is chronic pain and how to manage it with Dr. Erin Maslowski, a physiatrist at Emplify Health System who specializes in physical medicine, rehabilitation and pain management, along with LB Herbert who also lives with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and knows all too well what it means to live with pain, developing her own pain tool kit. Hear different strategies for managing initial flares to when pain escalates. Pain doesn't have to dictate how you live your life.

This episode addresses why pain occurs, it's impact, and what can be done to manage pain both physically and emotionally.

Timestamps:

(0:23) Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered & guests physiatrist Dr. Erin Maslowski and LB Herbert

(1:48) The unpredictability of pain and what pain means to LB.

(2:31) The science behind what happens in the body when acute and chronic pain occurs.

(5:08) General principles and first steps to managing pain associated with inflammatory arthritis.

(11:00) Recognition of flares and taking action to reduce the impact before pain escalates. .

(14:02) Steps to address the chronic pain cycle as it escalates such as steroid injections and medications that change how the brain perceives pain signals.

(20:54) Side effects and cautions for use of pain management medications.

(24:17) What and who LB turns to for managing her pain.

(25:50) Support resources and who to consider as part of a pain management team.

(33:16) Overcoming the stigma of mental health and "it's all in your head".

(34:45) Addressing the challenge of fatigue that often comes with pain. It's more than feeling tired.

(39:32) Activities to keep the body moving to help avoid stiff joints. .

(42:11) What's on the horizon for managing pain.

(44:55) Start small, experiment with change, but above all give yourself grace if you're not able to do something. Gain what control you can to live your life your way.

Key Takeaways:

· Chronic pain (existing for more than 3 months) occurs when ongoing inflammation keeps signaling pain via the nervous system becoming hypersensitized and greater than the original pain signal. This can occur even when inflammation is managed and in control.

· Treating chronic pain is complicated however there are many different avenues to help minimize pain associated with inflammatory diseases such as psoriatic arthritis.

· Management of chronic pain involves a variety of specialists and support to help address the physical and emotional impact of living with chronic pain.

Guest Bios:

Dr. Erin Maslowski is a board-certified physician, physiatrist, at Emplify Health System where she specializes in Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Orthopedic Sports Medicine providing care for musculoskeletal and spine injuries and pain management including image-guided injection procedures. She has expertise in treating arthritis, spinal stenosis and spondylosis, rotator cuff injury, and other conditions with the ultimate goal of restoring function after injury to the muscle, bone, soft tissue, or nervous system. Dr. Maslowski is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health where she teaches both medical students and residents. She has over 15 years of clinical experience in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

LB Herbert, has been living with the challenge of managing pain associated with psoriatic arthritis for 16 years, even developing her own tool kit through the years. She has shared what's she's learned on other episodes of this podcast, through articles, and as a One-to-One Program mentor for the National Psoriasis Foundation. LB began her journey in 2009 with back pain. Following many years of being misdiagnosed she finally found a rheumatologist who put all her symptoms together to diagnose her with psoriatic arthritis and place her on an appropriate treatment path. She states "my biggest challenge is not knowing what each day will bring, what the symptoms will be, and if I wake up and flare. It's a continuous unknown."

Resources:

• Chronic Pain kit
• NSAIDS for Psoriatic Disease
• Podcast episode: "Living with Chronic with Chronic Pain and Fatigue in PsA and SpA" with rheumatologist Dr. Philip Mease, Dr. Ernest Choy, from Cardiff University School of Medicine, with patients Melissa Leeolou and Minionette "Mini" Wilson who discuss causes, symptoms, risks, and tips for managing chronic pain and fatigue successfully.

Description:

In this episode, we'll explore what it means to aim for no compromise in psoriatic arthritis care—addressing both skin and joint symptoms with dermatologist and rheumatologist Dr. Saakshi Khattri and patient advocate Dayna Pham who lives with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Join moderator Jeff Brown as he asks how patients and their healthcare providers can work in partnership to create a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan that reflects the full impact of psoriatic disease with triple board-certified dermatologist, rheumatologist, and internist Dr Saakshi Khattri, who is also an NPF medical board member, along with Dayna Pham, a patient advocate and volunteer with NPF's advocacy and community engagement teams who is living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. . Whether you're newly diagnosed or navigating long-term care, this conversation is all about advocating for care that supports your whole self—without settling for less.

The intent of this episode is to emphasize the need to be aware of psoriatic arthritis symptoms and once symptoms are present accept no compromise when treating skin and joints to obtain clear skin and painless joints.

This podcast episode is sponsored by UCB.

Timestamps:

(0:23) Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered and guest welcome dermatologist, rheumatologist, and internist Dr. Saakshi Khattri and Dayna Pham, a patient advocate and medical student living with plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

(1:38) Psoriasis is more than skin deep with an inflammatory connection between the skin and joints.

(3:03) The onset of psoriatic arthritis can be confusing. Healthy skin and joints should be the expectation without having to compromise on life's goals.

(4:16) Knowing the association between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis from the beginning is important to avoid delay in diagnosis and treatment. Be aware of systemic symptoms and discuss risks with a health care provider.

(6:18 ) The goal of treatment is to achieve meaningful and lasting improvement in skin and joint symptoms.

(7:56) Treatments have evolved to target known drivers of inflammation in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

(8:29) The IL-17 family is a key cytokine with 6 related signaling molecules. IL-17A and F play a role in the inflammatory process related to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

(9:48) What discussion about treatment goals could include between a patient and health care provider.

(13:19) If you have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis you should feel empowered to speak up, seek answers, and find a treatment that offers no compromise on achieving clear skin and healthy joints.

Key Takeaways:

· Psoriasis is an immune mediated disease that results in systemic inflammation that can affect both the skin and joints. Unfortunately many people do not realize their joint symptoms may be related to their psoriasis.

· The purpose of treatment which uses a variety of mechanisms of action targeting specific cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-12/23, IL-23, IL-17 is to achieve meaningful and lasting improvement in skin and joint symptoms.

· If you have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis you should feel empowered to speak up, seek answers, and to work with your health care team to identify goals and treatment choices that aim to preserve quality of life.

Guest Bios:

Saakshi Khattri, M.D., MAS, is a triple board certified medical dermatologist, rheumatologist, and internist in the greater New York area who serves on the medical board of the National Psoriasis Foundation. She is the Director of the Center for Connective Tissue Diseases at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Khattri's area of interests include inflammatory and autoimmune skin diseases especially those with a rheumatology/dermatology overlap like psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. She is actively involved in research and clinical trials for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis where she seeks to identify immune pathways that lead to new biomarkers and treatments. Dr. Khattri is extensively published in peer reviewed journals and is also a member of the International Psoriasis Council.

​Dayna Pham is a patient advocate, medical student, and volunteer with NPF's advocacy and community engagement teams who lives with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Dayna's psoriasis journey began at age 21 when she discovered bumps on her back which became plaques. Within weeks her body was impacted head to toe with plaque psoriasis, at 40% BSA. After being misdiagnosed and undertreated for a few months she eventually found a dermatologist who diagnosed her with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and prescribed a biologic. She's 25 now and seeks to live her fullest life possible while balancing her psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Resources:

· Learn more about psoriatic arthritis from symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options to

coping with the disease.

Ø · Armstrong A, Levit NA, Schneider B, et al. Patient-identified treatment goals for psoriatic disease: Results from a US patient survey. J Psoriasis Psoriatic Arthritis. 2025;10(1):1–11.

Description:

Listen as NPF Medical Board Members, dermatologist Dr. Robert Kalb and rheumatologist Dr. Sergio Schwartzman discuss the connections between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, from cytokines to triggers, current and future treatments.

Join moderator Alan Simmons as he gains insights on what connects psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with leading experts in psoriatic disease and NPF Medical Board members, dermatologist Dr. Robert Kalb with Buffalo Medical Group Dermatology, and rheumatologist Dr. Sergio Schwartzman from Schwartzman Rheumatology, as they discuss the known drivers of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, common triggers, benefits of targeted treatments, remission of disease, and upcoming treatment trends.

The intent of this episode is to identify potential connections between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and how targeted treatments have changed the outlook for management of psoriatic disease.

This episode is sponsored by Novartis.

Timestamps:

(0:41) Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered and guest welcome dermatologist Dr. Robert Kalb and rheumatologist Dr. Sergio Schwartzman who are both involved in clinical care and research of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

(1:15) Current known pro-inflammatory cytokines and cells found in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

(5:33) Types of psoriasis that may lead to a higher risk of developing psoriatic arthritis.

(9:33) Common triggers for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis that could cause flares of the disease.

(12:59) Key factors that are considered when choosing a treatment plan for any individual with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.

(18:04) What treatment remission means for psoriasis.

(19:36) Use of minimal disease activity (MDA) in psoriatic arthritis and what it means.

(22:14) How a better understanding of the disease has led to more effective treatment choices and what choices are used by Dr. Kalb and Dr. Schwartzman for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

(28:39) New developments in treatment and research in psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.

(36:01) Given treatment advancements it's a wonderful time to treat psoriatic disease.

3 Key Takeaways:

· Cytokines are chemicals in the body that moderate various processes. In psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, an unknown trigger stimulates some cells to overproduce pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-17 or IL-23 leading to the development of skin and joint disease.

· Treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis helps move the body towards normalizing the over reactive immune system especially with more targeted treatments that safely and effectively block specific cytokines without affecting other organ systems.

· Given advancements in targeted treatments the goal is to reach and maintain remission of psoriatic disease.

Guest Bios:

Leading dermatologist Robert Kalb, M.D. is the Chair of the Buffalo Medical Group Dermatology Department and the Director of the Buffalo Medical Group Phototherapy Center, one of the leading centers for psoriasis care in Western New York. He is also a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (SUNY Buffalo), as well as an Adjunct Professor of Dermatology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania where he plays a significant role in medical education, mentoring both medical students and dermatology residents. Dr. Kalb has extensive experience managing psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and other inflammatory skin diseases. He has authored 70+ publications and is actively involved in clinical research, particularly focused on new treatment options for psoriasis. He is a member of the NPF Medical Board, American Academy of Dermatology, and is a member of the International Psoriasis Council.

Sergio Schwartzman, MD, is a world-renowned rheumatologist based in New York City who brings almost 40 years of experience and personalized clinical care for those who have psoriatic disease. Along with being in private practice at Schwartzman Rheumatology, Dr. Schwartzman is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, the New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City where he has played a role in educating medical students, residents, fellows, and peers in rheumatology. Additionally, Dr. Schwartzman is the emeritus Franchellie M. Cadwell Clinical Associate Professor at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Dr. Schwartzman's current research interests include psoriatic arthritis, the spondyloarthritis group of diseases, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as defining and treating autoimmune diseases of the eye. He has authored, co-authored, and edited over 150 papers, abstracts, books and book chapters on topics including psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, axial spondylarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, autoimmune eye disorders, and other rheumatological and autoimmune conditions. He is a member of the NPF Medical Board. He is also a member of the American College of Rheumatology, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network (SPARTAN), the American Uveitis Society, and the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA).

Resources:

Ø "Redefining Remission. A new definition for patients, providers, and payers." Advance Online, National Psoriasis Foundation. S. Schlosser. July 14, 2025.

Ø Treatment and Management of Psoriasis

Ø Treatment and Management of Psoriatic Arthritis

Episode Description:

Not sure if you should receive a vaccine given your psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis medication? Dermatologist Dr. Jason Hawkes explores this question along with vaccination recommendations for adults receiving biologics and oral therapies for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Listen as hosts Jeff Brown and LB Herbert discuss key questions about vaccine use and psoriatic disease with dermatologist and NPF Medical Board member Dr. Jason Hawkes who is co-owner, Chief Scientific Officer, and investigator with the Oregon Medical Research Center. Hear what the difference is between live and non-live vaccines, how type of vaccine and immunosuppressive medications impact the timing of vaccines in relation to treatment half-lives. Get your questions answered.

The intent of this episode is to offer answers to questions about vaccine use for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis who take immunosuppressive treatments.

Timestamps:

(0:23) Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered & guest welcome dermatologist Dr. Jason Hawkes.

(1:15) In general, what is a vaccine and how it works in the body.

(2:08) Will vaccines provide the same level of protection in people with psoriatic disease who are on treatments that influence the immune system.

(4:53) The difference between live and non-live vaccines.

(8:57) Summary of NPF Vaccine Recommendations in relation to live and non-live vaccines and specific medications for psoriatic disease, including a definition of medication half-lives.

(13:38) Vaccines that may be recommended prior to starting a systemic medication or biologic.

(18:27) The mRNA vaccine – how it works in comparison to other vaccines.

(22:31) How long immunity lasts from childhood vaccines.

(25:24) The vaccine guidelines apply to both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with some nuances.

(28:38) Which healthcare provider to turn to for advice about vaccines and why.

(31:54) Questions to ask your health care provider about vaccines.

(33:26) How clinical trials and registries are evolving to assess the effect of vaccines with specific medications and the need for greater understanding.

(36:44) Develop a good relationship with your health care provider and don't be afraid to ask questions about your psoriatic disease, vaccines, or specific medications.

Key Takeaways:

· Vaccines work to help protect the body or stimulate protection against common infections or pathogens. There are different types that can be classified as either live or non-live vaccines.

· Evidence-based vaccine recommendations are available for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis to help guide timing of when to receive live and non-live vaccines when taking immunosuppressive oral systemic medications and/or biologics.

· It's important to discuss which vaccines to consider, and how current psoriasis medication could impact the intended response and timing with your health care team which includes a primary care physician, a dermatologist, and/or rheumatologist.

Guest Bio:

Dermatologist Jason Hawkes, M.D., MS is Co-owner, Chief Scientific Officer and Investigator with Oregon Medical Research Center (OMRC) in Portland, Oregon. He is also a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Oregon Health and Science University and the President and Sole Member of Hawkes Dermatology. Prior to joining the Oregon Medical Research Center, Dr. Hawkes held academic faculty appointments in the Departments of Dermatology at the University of Utah School of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and University of California-Davis. Dr. Hawkes' principal clinical and research interests are the treatment of complex inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, chronic urticaria (hives), and eczema. He has a special interest in translational human research and the development of novel biologics and small molecules used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Dr. Hawkes is also a Councilor of the International Psoriasis Council (IPC) and serves on the Medical Board and Scientific Advisory Committee of the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) where he participates in the development of clinical consensus statements.

Resources:

"Does Having Psoriatic Disease Impact Vaccine Choices?" Psound Bytes™ podcast with Dr. Sandy Chat (University of California) and Dr. Christoph Ellebrecht (Dept. of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania).

Medical Board Clinical Statements

Episode Description:

Listen as Kim Beer, Senior Vice President of Policy and External Affairs with the National Health Council, and Dermatologist, Dr. Jeffrey Cohen discuss the 2025 Medicare changes in relation to psoriatic disease and what's to come in 2026 with Jason Harris, Vice President of Government Relations and Advocacy at NPF.

Join this discussion about what changes occurred with Medicare in 2025 that impact psoriatic disease care, outcomes to date, what's to come in 2026, and what you should consider when choosing health care plans during open enrollment with Kim Beer, Senior Vice President of Policy and External Affairs with the National Health Council, Dermatologist, Dr. Jeffrey Cohen, Director of the Psoriasis Treatment Program at Yale University School of Medicine, and Jason Harris, Vice President of Government Relations and Advocacy at NPF.

The intent of this episode is to increase knowledge of the 2025 Medicare changes, what's to come, and how such changes impact psoriatic disease from coverage of prescriptions to overall health care.

This episode is sponsored by Novartis.

Timestamps:

(0:24) Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered and guest welcome Kim Beer, Senior Vice President of Policy and External Affairs with the National Health Council, and Dermatologist, Dr. Jeffrey Cohen, Director of the Psoriasis Treatment Program at Yale School of Medicine.

(2:25) Perspectives on current health care coverage in Medicare.

(5:14) Biggest changes to Medicare in 2025.

(6:36) What is the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan and price negotiation for specific medications.

(8:22) Challenges associated with the 2025 Medicare changes from a physician's perspective.

(13:10) Price negotiation process via CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) with the first 10 drugs price effective in 2026.

(17:52) Plan ahead and what to anticipate when choosing the right Medicare plan.

(20:04) What the National Health Council and other patient advocacy organizations are doing to assess the impact of the CMS changes and identify steps for moving forward.

(21:49) Medicare changes for 2026 that affect deductibles for health care services, prescription drug coverage, and vaccinations.

(28:38) Potential assistance options for people who have Medicare insurance.

(31:32) The role of patients in providing feedback on policy changes.

(33:45) Changing from a commercial insurance plan to a Medicare Plan and what to think about when viewing plan options during the open enrollment period.

(37:07) Be part of the process – let your voice be heard by sharing your experiences to help effect change.

3 Key Takeaways:

· There are four key parts to Medicare health insurance (Part A, B, C and D) which underwent changes in 2025 including a payment cap for prescriptions and availability of a 12 month Prescription Payment Plan to opt in for medications. Additional changes are coming in 2026 including enactment of a price negotiated list of 10 medications.

· The impact of such changes are both positive (better predictability and affordability) yet also reactionary. Such changes and potential impact should be considered when identifying plan coverage for health care and prescriptions during the open enrollment Medicare period of October 15 to December 7th.

· Be involved by telling your story about the impact of Medicare changes and find a trusted health care provider who is willing to work with you to identify an effective treatment plan that aligns with your health care needs and coverage.

Guest Bios:

Dermatologist Jeffrey Cohen, M.D., MPH, is the Director of the Psoriasis Treatment Program and the Director of Safety with the Department of Dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine where he is also an Associate Professor of Dermatology and Biomedical Informatics and Data Science. Dr. Cohen treats a variety of skin conditions with a special interest in diseases of the immune system such as psoriasis and eczema tailoring treatments for each individual. He is the author of over 150 peer-reviewed articles on psoriasis and other topics in dermatology. Dr. Cohen serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, is a Senior Editor for NPF's professional journal for health care providers Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis, is a Councilor of the International Psoriasis Council, and serves on the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Kimberly (Kim) Beer is Senior Vice President of Policy and External Affairs at the National Health Council (NHC) of which the National Psoriasis Foundation is a member. Kim leads strategic policy initiative and advocacy efforts to improve the lives of individuals with chronic conditions and disabilities. As a member of the NHC's executive leadership team, she helps to ensure access to high-quality, affordable healthcare for all Americans which includes advocating for policy and health care benefits within Medicare.

Resources:

For more reources and information about Medicare

Contact the Patient Navigation Center to learn more about Medicare, find a health care provider, learn about treatments, or programs that may lower costs.

Dermatologist Dr. Erin Boh and patient advocate Brian Lehrschall discuss the challenge of managing weight, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis which share common inflammatory pathways and what can be done to improve all together.

Join moderator Jennifer Bomberger as she asks what is the connection between psoriatic disease and excess weight and what can be done to counter the effects of inflammatory cytokines for both with leading dermatologist Dr. Erin Boh and Brian Lehrschall who has lost over 100 pounds using diet, exercise and a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Hear Brian's story along with what is a GLP-1, how they work, and side effects.

The intent of this episode is to offer knowledge and an example of how a GLP-1 can be used successfully to improve the outcomes and management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

This episode is sponsored by Lilly.

A Word of Warning

This episode contains information about the body, like body size, weight management, healthy eating, and lifestyle changes. If you have a history of disordered eating or are struggling with body-related mental health challenges, you might wish to explore some of our other helpful tools.

There are clinical terms used by our speakers about body size or body weight that you might find triggering. Key among them is the word 'obesity.' While it is the scientifically correct name for a disease and a common clinical term, NPF acknowledges that this word is triggering and problematic, and it is used only for the clearest of accuracy.

Timestamps:

(0:23) Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered and guest welcome dermatologist Dr. Erin Boh and Brian Lehrschall, who has been living with psoriatic disease for over 30 years and has recently lost over 100 pounds.

(1:32) Health challenges Brian faced while trying to manage his weight, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis.

(4:08) Many factors contribute to psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and comorbidities.

(5:56) Discussing the sensitive subject of losing weight and changing lifestyle.

(7:57) The inflammatory pathways and connection between excess weight and psoriatic disease.

(14:50) Tips for managing multiple diseases like psoriatic disease, depression, and excess weight together. Realize "it's not your fault".

(21:32) Are low calorie or anti-inflammatory diets effective with psoriasis?

(25:21) The definition of a GLP-1 (receptor agonist), how they work, and benefits in resetting how the body functions.

(30:02) Brian's experience and impact of using a GLP-1.

(32:08) Current and future use of GLP-1 in the management of psoriatic disease, comorbidities, and excess weight.

(34:49) Be an advocate for yourself to help do all the things that will make you feel better about living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Key Takeaways:

· Obesity or excess weight is a disease driven by an overproduction of inflammatory cytokines.

· Psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and excess weight have shared pro-inflammatory disease pathways that should be considered together when identifying an effective treatment plan.

· GLP-1 receptor agonists can be used along with dietary changes and exercise to induce weight loss that improves the body's reaction to medications used to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Guest Bios:

Erin Boh, M.D., Ph.D. is the Joseph Chastain Endowed Chair of Clinical Dermatology at Tulane University, School of Medicine where she is also a Professor and Chairman of Dermatology. Her clinical and research focus includes photobiology, chronic diseases such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and skin cancers such as lymphoma. Dr. Boh is a past Medical Board member of the National Psoriasis Foundation and is currently a President's Council Member which represents an elite group of health care providers who are committed to the mission of the Foundation and finding a cure for psoriasis. Dr. Boh has published many articles including addressing today's topic about weight management and inflammation in psoriasis.

Brian Lehrschall has lived with psoriatic disease for three decades. He was first diagnosed with psoriasis about thirty years ago, at the age of 13 and with psoriatic arthritis at age 15. With the diagnosis came bullying which led to emotional eating. Per Brian "The more I ate, the worse the weight got." Like most people who are overweight Brian tried to improve his health with diet and exercise. Along the way he learned about the connection between psoriasis and excess body weight. Eventually a physician recommended he try the weight loss medication GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1). Using this medication he has lost over 100 pounds and is still losing weight along with improving his overall health which includes his psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Brian joined the National Psoriasis Foundation in 2000 as a volunteer and has become an advocate for improving access to care and sharing his story about living with psoriatic disease.

Resources:

Ø "Taking Back Control" Advance Online. M. Werbach. July 17,2025.

Ø "Is Choosing the Mediterranean Diet Right For You and Your Psoriatic Disease?" podcast episode with dermatologist Dr. Adam Ford and registered dietitian, Danielle Baham.

Ø Find the support you need through the One to One Program

Leading dermatologist and NPF Medical Board Member, Dr. Tina Bhutani, and Gail Reiser who lives with plaque psoriasis discuss what "on treatment remission" means for those who have the disease and health care providers.

Join moderator and resident physician Olivia Kam as she discusses the definition of on treatment remission for plaque psoriasis, and how this definition impacts the management of the disease and when to change treatments with leading dermatologist Dr. Tina Bhutani from Synergy Dermatology in San Francisco, and Gail Reiser who has been living with plaque psoriasis for over 42 years experiencing a variety of treatment options.

The intent of this episode is to increase knowledge of the latest consensus statement defining what "on treatment remission" means in the context of managing plaque psoriasis and how such information can be used to guide patient/provider discussion and setting treatment goals.

This episode is sponsored by AbbVie.

Timestamps:

(0:23) Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered and guest welcome dermatologist Dr. Tina Bhutani and Gail, who has been living with plaque psoriasis for over 42 years.

(1:56) Definition of "on treatment remission" and development of this unified consensus statement that included almost 100 stakeholders.

(3:28) How the definition of "on treatment remission" impacts management of psoriasis.

(5:09) A patient's perspective about "on treatment remission" and what it means for future care.

(8:57) Assessing when a change in treatment may be appropriate.

(11:19) What information a dermatologist can provide to assess if treatment is effective.

(14:20) Prioritizing what to discuss with a dermatologist or health care provider.

(17:21) Call to action for dermatologists from the "On Treatment Remission" consensus statement.

(20:37) Advice for discussing treatment goals as a patient and health care provider.

Key Takeaways:

· A new consensus statement helps define and standardize what "On Treatment Remission" is and what it means for patient care.

· Given current treatment options it is possible to reach skin clearance and on treatment remission.

· Having standardized goals makes it easier for health care providers and patients who have psoriatic disease to work together to reach on treatment remission.

Guest Bios:

Tina Bhutani, M.D., MAS, is a board-certified dermatologist who is the CEO and owner of Synergy Dermatology in San Francisco. Dr. Bhutani is also an Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at UCSF where she previously co-directed the Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center and directed the Clinical Trials Unit for over 8 years. Dr. Bhutani understands the importance of treating the whole patient and is committed to a patient-centered approach to dermatology. She is a recognized leader in dermatology, giving talks at many national and international meetings. Dr. Bhutani is a member of the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board who recently published a consensus statement called "Defining On Treatment Remission in Plaque Psoriasis" in JAMA Dermatology.

Gail Reiser was initially diagnosed with plaque psoriasis at age 12. She remembers the misdiagnoses and difficult treatments of the past such as coal tar and occlusion. Over 42 years of living with plaque psoriasis, Gail has experienced a variety of treatment options including topicals and light therapy, feeling "it is exhausting to treat psoriasis". As she got older and her plaque psoriasis progressed, she eventually decided to try biologics and hasn't looked back since making that change. She feels her psoriasis is in remission but fears losing that in the future.

Resources:

• "Redefining Remission. A new definition for patients, providers, and payers." Advance Online, National Psoriasis Foundation. S. Schlosser. July 14, 2025.
• To hear other perspectives about living with psoriasis through the resource Gail mentioned: MyPsoriasisTeam.
• Treatment and Management of Psoriasis

Pediatric rheumatologist Dr. Pamela Weiss speaks with Michael and his 12 year old daughter Ava about navigating the challenge of living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis together as a family.

Join moderator Kaleigh Welch as she discusses the challenges of living with psoriasis and juvenile psoriatic arthritis (JPsA) from diagnosis, misconceptions about psoriatic disease, to management and treatment with pediatric rheumatologist, Dr. Pamela Weiss from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Rheumatology, along with Michael and Ava, whose psoriatic disease is truly a family affair.

The intent of this episode is to raise awareness about the complexities and nuances associated with living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis as a child or an adult and not letting the disease stop you from doing what you love to do.

This episode is sponsored by Amgen. Mike, Ava, and Dr. Weiss were compensated for their time.

Timestamps:

· (0:00) Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered and guest welcome pediatric rheumatologist Dr. Pamela Weiss, Michael and Ava Sayles who both have been diagnosed with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

· (1:28) What the psoriatic disease diagnosis process could be like for children and adults.

· (5:34) Misconceptions associated with psoriasis leading to delayed diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis.

· (7:36) What people misunderstand about plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

· (11:06) Challenges to finding the right treatment while living life with psoriatic disease.

· (17:24) What drives treatment choices for psoriatic disease in youth.

· (19:59) Assessing what's most important in reaching treatment goals.

· (23:57) What the future holds for management of Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis (JPsA).

· (26:10) Living with psoriatic disease is challenging but find what's right for you and don't give up on what you love to do.

Key Takeaways:

· Diagnosis of plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can be challenging given subtleties that can occur in the presentation of the disease in adults and children.

· There are a variety of treatments that work either alone or in combination to treat plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with choice of treatment dependent on what is the primary goal for the individual's physical and emotional health.

· The future is bright as understanding of the disease increases and treatment options expand and become more targeted to more effectively address skin and joint issues associated with psoriatic disease.

Guest Bios:

Pamela Weiss, M.D., MSCE, is a pediatric rheumatologist and the Clinical Research Director of the Division of Rheumatology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Weiss is also the Distinguished Endowed Chair in the Department of Pediatrics. She has advanced training in clinical epidemiology with a focus on early diagnosis, and targeted treatment of children with spondyloarthritis (SpA). Dr. Weiss is also a Professor of Pediatrics and Epidemiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Rheumatology, the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA), the Spondylitis Association of America, and the SPondyloArthritis Research & Treatment Network (SPARTAN).

Michael and Ava Sayles, psoriatic disease is a family affair. Both father and daughter, successfully navigate living with plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Michael or Mike was diagnosed in his twenties, and Ava at age 7 and then later on juvenile psoriatic arthritis. She is now 12 years old. They have experienced issues with diagnosis, and a long journey of finding treatment options that worked for them. Mike found the best solution was establishing a routine or rhythm of treatment around work and school to avoid flare-up's if possible, saying "keeping on top of what you need to do for the psoriasis and the arthritis becomes a big part of your life".

Resources:

Our Spot: What is Psoriatic Arthritis