In this educational rheumatology video, physician assistant Lindsay Tom, PA-C, from the Northern Virginia Center for Arthritis, provides a clear and clinically relevant overview of CD64, also known as FC gamma receptor I, and its role in immune system function. The discussion explores how CD64 is expressed on myeloid lineage cells such as monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells, and how it contributes to innate immunity by binding IgG antibodies and triggering phagocytosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine release, including TNF-α. The video also explains CD64’s role in adaptive immunity through antigen processing and presentation to T cells, leading to immune activation and immunologic memory. Importantly, this overview highlights how dysregulated or excessive CD64 activation may contribute to chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases—making it a key concept for clinicians managing inflammatory and rheumatic conditions. This video is part of ongoing educational content designed for advanced practice providers seeking a deeper understanding of immunologic pathways relevant to rheumatology care.

In this short video, pediatric rheumatology advanced practice providers Brandon Ko, APRN, DNP, C-PNP, and Brandi Goble, PNP, share their personal journeys into pediatric rheumatology and discuss the critical role APPs play in expanding access to care—especially in rural and underserved communities. They highlight the challenges of entering a highly specialized field with limited formal training, the importance of mentorship, and how RhAPP and the Step Up to Rheumatology curriculum have helped build community, education, and confidence for pediatric rheumatology APPs nationwide. This conversation offers insight into workforce gaps, real-world training pathways, and the growing impact of APPs in pediatric rheumatology care.

In this video, Audrey Gibson, PA-C, a rheumatology physician assistant with nearly two decades of clinical experience, breaks down the unique dual mechanism of action of guselkumab and its role in targeting IL-23–driven inflammation. The discussion explores how this fully human monoclonal antibody selectively binds the IL-23 p19 subunit to inhibit downstream inflammatory signaling, while also engaging CD64 on inflammatory monocytes through its Fc region, addressing IL-23 at its source. Designed to clarify the science behind dual-acting IL-23 inhibition, this overview provides practical insight for clinicians managing immune-mediated rheumatic diseases and highlights emerging therapeutic strategies in modern rheumatology care.

In this FAQ, William Saalfeld, NP, breaks down why the modified van der Heijde–Sharp (mvdH-S) score remains the most widely used radiographic method in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) clinical trials. He highlights how the score delivers the strongest combination of reliability, sensitivity to change, and validation, making it ideal for detecting small but meaningful structural progression over typical trial timelines. Learn how its consistent use across randomized controlled trials—including recent NEJM studies—supports cross-trial comparability, regulatory acceptance, and its role as a trusted structural endpoint linked to long-term physical function and disability in PsA.

Discover how the APEX trial raised the bar in understanding structural damage risk in psoriatic arthritis. In this quick FAQ video module, William Saalfeld, NP, breaks down why APEX was designed differently from DISCOVER-2, what made its patient population unique, and how these changes help us better evaluate progression and treatment impact. If you want a clearer, faster way to understand the science behind PsA trial design, this is the perfect overview. Learn more on the RhAPP website or through the RhAPP ACE App.

In this final episode of our RhAPP, MAPP, GHAPP, and SDPA crosscast series, expert APPs from dermatology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, and obesity medicine break down the most important conversation of all—how to talk to patients about obesity and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). This discussion focuses on real-world communication strategies, reducing stigma, motivational interviewing, shared decision-making, and setting small, achievable goals that improve outcomes. Learn how to approach sensitive weight-related conversations with empathy, build trust, and empower patients to better manage obesity and chronic inflammation in everyday practice.

In this cross-specialty episode of our RhAPP, GHAPP, MAPP and SDPA collaborative series, leading APPs from dermatology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, and metabolic medicine break down real-world strategies to improve outcomes for patients living with both obesity and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). Building on earlier discussions about epidemiology and pathophysiology, this conversation focuses on practical, clinic-ready approaches—from shared decision-making and compassionate patient communication to interdisciplinary coordination, GLP-1 utilization, and lifestyle guidance. Learn how APPs across specialties are uniting to reduce systemic inflammation, personalize care, and translate education into meaningful action for patients with obesity and IMIDs.

#IMID #ObesityMedicine #ObesityCare #ChronicInflammation #APPEducation #DermatologyPA #Gastroenterology #Rheumatology

In this episode of our crosscast series shared across RhAPPcast, GHAPPcast, and Dermcast, we explore the hidden costs of obesity in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) and how excess adiposity drives poorer outcomes, reduced treatment response, and increased healthcare burden. Hosted by Amanda Mixon, PA-C, president of RhAPP, this discussion brings together expert APPs from rheumatology, dermatology, gastroenterology, and metabolic health to unpack the pathophysiologic link between obesity and IMID progression. Our panel breaks down how adipose tissue fuels systemic inflammation, why cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6 worsen disease activity in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and IBD, and how obesity accelerates drug clearance and impacts biologic efficacy. We also examine clinical misconceptions, challenges with pharmacokinetics, and the real-world cycle of flares, surgeries, and increased healthcare utilization seen in this high-risk population. APPs will gain practical insight into addressing weight as part of comprehensive IMID care, improving patient conversations, and leveraging collaborative, cross-specialty management strategies. Stream this episode and the full series on RhAPPcast, GHAPPcast, and Dermcast, or access every installment through the RhAPP ACE 2.0 and GHAPP ACE 2.0 mobile apps for on-the-go learning. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we shift from mechanisms to action and discuss practical strategies APPs can use to improve outcomes for patients living with both obesity and IMIDs.

Welcome to the first episode in our special cross-platform podcast collaboration on IMIDs and Obesity, shared across RhAPPcast, GHAPPcast, and Dermcast—the official podcasts of RhAPP, GHAPP, and SDPA. Hosted by Amanda Mixon, PA-C, President of RhAPP, this conversation titled “Obesity and IMIDs: Unpacking the Epidemic and Its Far-Reaching Impacts” explores one of the most under recognized yet clinically significant intersections in modern medicine—the link between obesity and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Joined by Laura Bush, PA-C, Erin Darguzas, NP, and Jennifer Hernandez Parra, APRN, the episode delves into the evidence behind obesity’s role in disease onset and progression across rheumatology, gastroenterology, dermatology, and metabolic health. Together, these experts examine how obesity influences inflammation, treatment response, and patient quality of life while highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care and open communication between providers and patients. Tune in to gain practical insights on how advanced practice providers can better address obesity as a key driver of IMID burden, and stay tuned for upcoming episodes exploring pathophysiologic mechanisms and clinical management strategies.

Join host Amanda Mixon, President of RhAPP, for a special episode of RhAPPcast, recorded live at the 6th Annual RhAPP Conference. In this conversation, Amanda is joined by Jessica Glennie, CNP, from the Cleveland Clinic, to explore the complex intersection of rheumatology and pulmonology, focusing on Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) and Pulmonary Hypertension in ILD (PH-ILD). Together, they unpack how early recognition, multidisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based management can improve outcomes for patients with connective tissue disease–related pulmonary complications. Tune in for expert insights, practical diagnostic tips, and highlights from one of the most engaging sessions of the RhAPP National Conference.

#RhAPP #Rheumatology #Pulmonology #ILD #PHILD #APPeducation #RheumatologyConference #MedicalPodcast