Photo Galleries
Conferences/presentations
APLAR Congress in Chiang Mai, Thailand & APLAR Exchange Program in Singapore
Dr. Yen Chen attended the APLAR Congress with fellows 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.
American College of Rheumatology Conference
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).
National Scleroderma Foundation Ann Arbor 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 U-M, 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
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 Occupational Therapy Summit!
Drs. Yen Chen and Susan Murphy attended the 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.
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 National Scleroderma Foundation conference.
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
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!
Scleroderma Backers virtual event - Christmas celebration
Fun dining with our fantastic RENEW health coaches, Mary, Sheri, and Adam!
Thinking about research in front of the Detroit Institute of Arts!
Group adventure at Bronner's
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
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 - 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!
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
Welcome back! Dr. Alain Lescoat's, our French collaborator, 3rd visit to Michigan.
Delightful brunch with our patient partners!