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Conferences/presentations
Conferences/presentations
2025 American College of Rheumatology Conference in Chicago, Illinois
Our patient partner Sheri Hicks spoke at the ACR's Patient Perspectives session, presenting “Breaking Through Scleroderma’s Invisible Struggles: From Isolation to Connection.”
Dr. Susan Murphy delivered the ARP Distinguished Lecture, highlighting how engaging patients and communities as co-creators rather than passive recipients can drive meaningful solutions to complex health challenges.
Our patient partner Mary Alore shared her experience with brain fog and how it affects her daily life.
Dr. Yen Chen presented her research on brain fog and discussed how health professionals can help patients manage it.
Drs. Alain Lescoat and Yen Chen with Mary Alore and Sheri Hicks (aka the Chronic Crusaders).
Collaborators, Drs. Christine Pellegrini and Janet Poole, at Dr. Susan Murphy's talk.
Our longtime collaborators, Drs. Vivek Nagaraja (left) and Alain Lescoat (right).
Dr. Dinesh Khanna, Director of the University of Michigan Scleroderma Program.
Gail Quaderer from the University of Michigan Rheumatology Division and Dr. Yen Chen showing their support at Dr. Alain Lescoat’s poster.
Mary Wheatley (far left), the Chief Executive Officer of the National Scleroderma Foundation.
Dr. Eric Matteson, the creative mind behind the bent fork idea, and his wife.
The amazing University of Michigan Scleroderma Program team, including rheumatologists Drs. Erica Mulcaire-Jones, Carleigh Zahn, and Alain Lescoat in the middle.
Joined the Scleroderma Foundation Greater Chicago crew at the ACR conference.
Northwestern University Rheumatology Division — Dr. Ai Yaku (far left), Kathleen Aren, Mary Carn, Drs. Yvonne Lee (middle), Haddie Makinde, and Burcu Aydemir (far right).
2025 National Scleroderma Foundation Michigan Health Conference
Dr. Nirali Shah shared how AI-powered health coaching can enhance self-management and empower people with scleroderma to take charge of their health.
Dr. Carleigh Zahn discussed Raynaud’s and its critical role in understanding and managing scleroderma.
Dr. Eliza Tsou highlighted Scleroderma Research: What, Why, and Wow! - an engaging overview of current discoveries and their impact on patient care.
2025 National Scleroderma Foundation Minnesota Health Conference
What a wonderful scleroderma community in Minnesota! Dr. Yen Chen met with this inspiring group and Dr. Jerry Molitor's dedicated scleroderma team at the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Yen Chen shared insights on brain fog in scleroderma and how cognitive rehabilitation can improve daily functioning and quality of life.
2025 National Scleroderma Foundation Conference in St. Louis, Missouri
Dr. Yen Chen with the National Scleroderma Foundation Upper Great Lakes team.
Dr. Yen Chen with Cami Novachek, patient co-facilitator for the Brain Boost program.
2025 EULAR Rheumatology Research Exchange Program in Barcelona, Spain
Dr. Yen Chen attended the EULAR Exchange Program at the University of Barcelona.
Dr. Yen Chen presented her research to the ACR/EULAR Exchange Program cohort.
The 2025 ACR/APLAR/EULAR Exchange Program group — a gathering of talented minds advancing rheumatology research.
The 2024 ACR/EULAR Exchange Program group reunited at the 2025 EULAR Conference.
Drs. Yen Chen and Puja Khanna, Clinical Professor at the University of Michigan, reconnected at EULAR.
Dedicated rheumatology clinicians and researchers from around the world come together to learn about cutting-edge research.
2025 University of Michigan Rheumatology Research Retreat
Our amazing scleroderma program — an interdisciplinary team bringing together clinicians, researchers, and patient partners to improve lives.
Drs. Susan Murphy, Michelle Kahlenberg, and Dan Clauw sharing their wisdom and experiences on what makes great mentorship.
Dr. Yen Chen discussed how a cognitive rehabilitation program can help people with rheumatic diseases manage brain fog in their daily lives.
The Rheumatology Division at the University of Michigan is where brilliant clinical care meets groundbreaking research!
2024 American College of Rheumatology Conference in Washington D.C.
Dr. Susan Murphy presenting the high acceptability and satisfaction ratings reported by participants in our RENEW study.
Dr. Yen Chen reunited with her cohort from the Rheumatology Global Exchange Program, including Dr. Eric Matteson, Chair of the ACR Global Engagement Committee (far right).
Dr. Alain Lescoat presented the important international collaboration, CRISTAL — the development of a new patient-reported outcome measure that serves as a combined response index for limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis.
Dr. Yen Chen shared findings from a pilot study of an online patient co-facilitated cognitive rehabilitation program designed to help people with rheumatic diseases manage brain fog.
University of Michigan Scleroderma Program rheumatologists — Dr. Alain Lescoat from Université Rennes 1 (left) and Dr. Vivek Nagaraja (now at Mayo Clinic Arizona, right).
Collaborators at Northwestern University — Dr. Yvonne Lee (center) and Dr. Burcu Aydemir (far right).
2024 National Scleroderma Foundation Conference in Seattle, Washington
Dr. Yen Chen presented her poster on the Brain Boost program, highlighting its acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effects on health outcomes in people with scleroderma.
Dr. Yen Chen, on behalf of Dr. Susan Murphy, shared insights on using the TeleRehab program to improve arm and hand function in people with scleroderma.
Breakfast chat with Mary Wheatley, CEO of the National Scleroderma Foundation, and the Upper Great Lakes Chapter team.
The Upper Great Lakes Chapter was amazing, taking home 7 of 15 awards. Dr. Yen Chen was proud to represent the team for the Outstanding Educational Program Award.
Our wonderful University of Michigan patient partner and peer mentor, Glen Copeland, and his wonderful care partner and wife, Elizabeth!
Dr. Lesley Saketkoo and Erion Moore, the 20% men support group leader.
Amy Gietzen, a dedicated patient advocate and incredible supporter of our research!
Our amazing University of Michigan patient partner and peer mentor, Dee Haddock, joined by her supportive husband and care partner, Stan!
2024 AI & Digital Health Conference in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Dr. Alex Harper gave a presentation on how natural language processing can be used to evaluate whether a behavioral intervention is being implemented as intended.
Dr. Nirali Shah discussed how to personalize scleroderma management using AI health coach.
2023 APLAR Congress in Chiang Mai, Thailand & APLAR Rheumatology Research Exchange Program in Singapore
Dr. Yen Chen attended the APLAR Congress with peers from ACR and EULAR.
Meeting scleroderma experts, Dr. Andrea Low (Singapore General Hospital ) and Prof. Oliver Distler (University of Zurich).
Dr. Yen Chen presented a mixed methods study using data from an online peer-led energy management program at the APLAR Exchange Program.
APLAR Exchange Program at Singapore General Hospital.
2023 American College of Rheumatology Conference in San Diego, California.
Dr. Susan Murphy highlighted the critical findings from our RENEW study, providing insights into how our program effectively addresses fatigue and other symptoms in people with scleroderma.
Dr. Yen Chen revealed the impact of the RENEW program on partcipants' symptoms and well-being from patients' perspectives in her award-winning poster.
Our RENEW health coach, Mary Alore, presented the crucial role played by health coaches in the program.
Mary was a rockstar at the conference, sharing her journey at the ACR Patient Perspectives Program. We are so proud of you!
Dr. Janet Poole, Dr. Puja Khanna, and Mary Wheatley (CEO, the National Scleroderma Foundation) showed support and smiles during Mary's talk.
Mary was very popular at the ACR conference!
Dr. John Varga, UM's Rheumatology Division Chief, showed support by visiting Dr. Yen Chen's RENEW poster!
Dr. Yen Chen passionately conveyed the importance of this qualitative research to fellow researchers.
Dr. Daniel Whibley presented interesting findings on how psychosocial factors (negative affect, anxiety, and fatigue) moderate the association between pain intensity and physical function in people with scleroderma.
Dr. Yen Chen received amazing peer support from other research fellows Dr. Burcu Aydemir (Northwestern University) and Dr. Elena Joerns (Mayo Clinic).
2023 National Scleroderma Foundation Michigan Health Conference
Dr. Susan Murphy shared the key findings from our RENEW study, which focuses on managing fatigue and other symptoms for people with scleroderma.
Carole Dodge, an OT, presented ways to exercise upper extremity in scleroderma.
Dr. Yen Chen delivered a talk on cognitive dysfunction and well-being in people with scleroderma.
Dr. Erica Mulcaire-Jones, a rheumatologist from University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, gave updates on scleroderma treatments.
Dr. Erica Mulcaire-Jones addressed patients' concerns and offered answers.
Our sweet scleroderma backer, Stephanie, attended the conference and provided great support!
A big thank you to staff from the Upper Great Lakes Chapter for their exceptional work in organizing the conference!
From left to right: Carole Dodge, Dr. Susan Murphy, Randy Slikkers (Executive Director of the Upper Great Lakes Chapter), Nancy Stephens, Dr. Eliza Tsou, Dr. Yen Chen, Dr. Erica Mulcaire-Jones
2023 Scleroderma Symposium: Transforming Tomorrow - Celebrating Dr. John Varga's four decades in scleroderma research
Dr. John Varga's inspiring talk on his four decades scleroderma research journey.
Our scleroderma backers, Robyn and her family, at the symposium.
Dr. Dinesh Khanna introduced the dedicated scleroderma team at the University of Michigan.
The devoted research team, including patient partners and key personnel from the National Scleroderma Foundation, is working tirelessly to advance scleroderma research.
Drs. John Varga and Julie Varga at the symposium dinner.
Team members and their families at the symposium dinner.
Drs. Alex Harper and Susan Murphy shared some interesting findings from our RENEW study at the 2023 Occupational Therapy Summit!
Drs. Yen Chen and Susan Murphy attended the 2023 Rheumatology Research Workshop to present their research ideas on cognitive dysfunction in people with scleroderma.
Dr. Susan Murphy presented the findings from our RENEW study at the National Scleroderma Foundation Lunch & Learn.
2022 American College of Rheumatology Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dr. Yen Chen shared insights on how people with scleroderma use practical strategies to manage cognitive challenges in daily life.
Dr. Yen Chen joined a reunion dinner with research collaborators at Northwestern University.
Dr. Susan Murphy gave a talk at the American Occupational Therapy Association conference.
Dr. Dinesh Khanna and the research team at the National Scleroderma Foundation conference.
Dr. Yen Chen presented her research findings at the 2023 National Scleroderma Foundation conference.
Recognition
Recognition
2023 MICHR Distinguished Mentor Award - Congratulations to Dr. Susan Murphy on her well-deserved award!
Huge thanks to Sheri and Mary for their continued contributions and support for our Center and Scleroderma Program. Working with you both always brightens our day!
Congratulations to Dr. Susan Murphy and Co-I Dr. Dinesh Khanna on this Innovative Research Award for testing a web-based intervention for Scleroderma, the RENEW project.
Congratulations to Dr. Susan Murphy for being recognized as a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association!
Our patient partner, Michael Bessert, received the Support Group Volunteer of the Year Award! This award truly reflects Michael’s endless effort and incredible dedication to the scleroderma community. We are so proud of you, Michael!
Research moments
Research moments
Exergaming in people with scleroderma
Virtual rehabilitation session
Virtual focus group explored cognitive difficulties in people with scleroderma.
RENEW virtual health coaching session. Left, Health Coach, Mary. Right, RENEW participant, Nadia.
We worked with a group of OT students from Eastern Michigan University, engineers, and scleroderma patient partners on exergaming prototypes.
In-person OT sessions
Sonography with a patient with scleroderma
Fun Times!
Fun Times!
TRACC-R team reunion in Paris! Brainstorming by day, baguettes by night.
TRACC-R Center team lunch!
TRACC-R Center team gathering!
Welcome back! Dr. Alain Lescoat's, our French collaborator, 3rd visit to Michigan.
Delightful brunch with our patient partners!
Thinking about research in front of the Detroit Institute of Arts!
Group adventure at Bronner's
Fall activity in Michigan - Cider mill
The group's first time dining in the rain (with a beautiful rainbow in the back).
Scleroderma Backers virtual event - drumming up some fun with a wonderful music therapist, Shauna Rupert
Celebrating postdoc fellow, Duygu's first baby shower with Drs. Anna Kratz, Susan Murphy, and Claire Kalpakjian
Scleroderma Backers virtual event - Christmas celebration
Fun dining with our fantastic RENEW health coaches, Mary, Sheri, and Adam!
Scleroderma Backers virtual event - Listening to Carole Dodge, OT, Certified Hand Therapist on the topic of hands and general mobility issues in scleroderma.
Carole Dodge, OT, Certified Hand Therapist
Scleroderma Backers virtual event - Halloween; Dr. David Roofeh & Dr. Alain Lescoat speak about scleroderma and COVID/vaccines
Lunch gathering with our postdoc fellows, Duygu, Yen, Tom, and Nick
Exploring Grosse Ile Island, Michigan
Scleroderma Backers virtual event - St. Patrick celebration!
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