Rob Wicall spent 20+ years sweating behind the mask of the San Antonio Spurs’ mascot, The Coyote. Before that, he was a professional water skier at Sea World of Texas. During his career as a mascot, Rob was named Mascot of the Year in 2006 and 2014. He also was awarded the NBA Mascot Video of the Year in 2007, 2010, 2014, and 2015.
While performing as The Coyote, Rob also owned a number of businesses and built a real estate profile that he continues to manage today. He currently is busy as the Director of Business Strategy at Vuepoint Creative while also writing a book due to publish this year, consulting, and keynote speaking. Rob’s favorite thing to do is help people to connect with others and help build character through lessons he learned while wearing fur for a living. He calls it his FURLOSOPHY.
Rob also enjoys philanthropy as the Board Co-Chair of the Arthritis Foundation’s South and Central Texas Region. Rob was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis in 2011 and is diligent to stay active and healthy so he can keep up with his active sons for years to come. He is due to compete in an Ironman and multiple other races throughout the year.
Sheila Behimehr is a board-certified adult and gerontology nurse practitioner with rheumatology experience working as an NP at Rheumatology Associates in DFW and most recently as an NP for Motto Health, a 100% virtual rheumatology practice. She is an adjunct professor in the Masters program within the Department of Nursing at Texas Woman’s University. Sheila completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing from TWU with honors and graduated summa cum laude with her master’s in science. Prior to practicing as a nurse practitioner, Sheila worked as a registered nurse in the lung transplant and cardiac surgery unit at Baylor University Medical Center. Sheila practices patient-centered care and believes in empowering her patients to play an active role in their health.
Texas Children’s Hospital
Division of Rheumatic Diseases UT Southwestern Medical Center
Kathryn Dao received her medical degree at UT Southwestern Medical School in 1999 and is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. She completed her internship and residency training in Internal Medicine at Washington University-Barnes Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis. She has been voted as one of D-magazine Best Doctors by her peers from 2007-present. Her areas of interest include systemic lupus erythematosus, reproductive health in rheumatic diseases, immune checkpoint inhibitor associated immune related adverse effects, and social media in academic medicine.
Amish J. Dave is a practicing clinical adult rheumatologist at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle and Bainbridge Island, WA. He is board-certified in internal medicine and rheumatology. He teaches for four residency programs in Washington state and is a board member of the Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations. Dr. Dave is a board member of the Washington State Medical Association, King County Medical Society, Washington Medical Political Action Committee, and The Humanity in Action Foundation. He is on the American College of Physicians Executive Council for Washington state and an alternate delegate to the American Medical Association for Washington state.
Matt Duckworth is the Vice President for Government Relations at Hart Health Strategies Inc. In this role, Matt works directly with Members of Congress and their staff from key healthcare committees on Capitol Hill, as well as agency officials within the Department of Health and Human Services. He also provides guidance in the areas of strategic and grassroots advocacy, coalition management, social media, and the planning and implementing of advocacy conferences. In addition to these areas, Matt produces and hosts the Hart Health Strategies Inc. podcast, Health on the Hill.
Matt previously served as the Executive Director of a congressional advocacy firm, Prime Advocacy, where he represented the interests of major healthcare trade associations and Fortune 500 companies. Before Prime Advocacy, he worked on the government relations team at Quinn Gillespie & Associates, where he interfaced with key clients in the healthcare and insurance markets and provided support to the firm’s most senior professionals. At the beginning of his career, Matt spent time in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Matt received his B.A. in Speech Communication and Political Science from the University of Georgia. He is a former President of the Washington, DC chapter of the UGA Alumni Association and currently serves as a mentor to students taking part in the University’s Washington Semester Program.
Cuoghi Edens is a board-certified adult and pediatric rheumatologist at the University of Chicago where she is an Assistant Professor and the pediatric rheumatology fellowship program director. Her clinical and research concentration lies in the interplay between the pregnancy, sexual health, contraception, and rheumatic diseases across ages. She is active in the American College of Rheumatology Reproductive Health Initiative and the co-leader of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Reproductive Health Work Group. She completed her undergraduate and medical school at the University of New Mexico, a combined internal medicine and pediatrics residency at the University of Michigan and a combined adult and pediatric rheumatology fellowship at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital.
Nancy Eisenberger currently resides in Voorhees, New Jersey where she works as a nurse practitioner at Arthritis, Rheumatic and Bone Disease Associates. She studied nursing at Misericordia University and received her graduate degree in nursing at Medical University of South Carolina. She is currently working on her doctorate in nursing at Rutgers University. She has been practicing rheumatology since 2006. Nancy has three amazing adult children and recently added a granddaughter to her life. She is passionate about her family, her career, and loves taking care of the people around her.
Joni Fontenot currently resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she works as an RN Staff Nurse at Ochsner Health System – The Grove – Infusion/ Rheumatology Infusion. She studied nursing at Louisiana State University Eunice, and has been practicing rheumatology since 2017. Nursing is her passion, and believes that rheumatology is a hidden gem within the medical field. She is passionate about educating patients and advocating for patients. She strives to use her passion for nursing along with her experiences to engage and collaborate with others to provide exceptional care for patients and their family. She is the recipient of the Making A Difference Award in 2012 from Lafayette General Medical Center, Ochsner Health System’s Clinical Employee of the Month in October 2018, and the 2019 recipient of the Rheumatology Nurses Society’s Excellence in Rheumatology Nursing Award, along with the Chapter Trailblazer Award. Joni and her husband, Luke, have been married since 2015, and have 3 children -Jack and Owen who are twins and Emily. In her spare time, you can find her starting a new DIY project, sewing, working in her flower beds, or cooking delicious cajun meals.
Kaiser Permanente
In her role as the Operations Manager at Journey Health Services, Kyra Freeman is entrusted with the crucial responsibility of overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Community Health Workers. She works closely with the Executive Leadership team, fostering strong collaborations to effectively execute strategic initiatives and ensure the program’s overall success. Kyra’s journey in the healthcare field began at Kaiser Permanente, where she started as an Administrative Fellow. Throughout her tenure, she held various pivotal positions, including Interim Assistant Department Administrator for Primary Care, Interim Regional Assistant Department Administrator at the Southern California Spine Center, and Senior Consultant and Administrative Manager for the Care at Home department. During this time, Kyra adeptly managed diverse responsibilities, such as overseeing the reduction of surgical backlog, analyzing re-admissions for total joint surgeries, and managing three Care at Home agencies that provided services for Hospice, Home Health, and Palliative Care patients. She also led pilot projects in the virtual hospital-at-home space and contributed to patient access development. Prior to her tenure at Kaiser Permanente, Kyra worked as a Project Manager for quality improvement and patient experience at Sutter Health Solano Medical Center. Kyra holds a Master’s degree in Public Health in Health Management and Policy from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the University of Miami (UM). During her time at UM, she conducted research for the MHIRT Program through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on smoking cessation programs in Chile. Throughout her graduate studies, Kyra actively pursued her passion for health equity by collaborating with the Health Equity Leadership Pipeline Collaborative. Together, they published an article in August 2022 that assessed the connection between educational attainment and health outcomes. Kyra’s commitment to health equity, leadership, and improving the patient experience serves as the driving force behind her work in healthcare administration.
Jacqueline M. Fritz, is an advanced practice nurse and infusion specialist for Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center in La Palma, CA, where she has been since 2002. Her patient care consists of assessments and treatment, infusions, injection care and prescription processing. She is the owner and coordinator of education at Medical Advancement Center, focusing on RN/BSN programs emphasizing clinical expertise at the bedside, as well as acts as a Critical Care Clinical Nurse Consultant at many facilities throughout Orange County, California.
Lafayette Arthritis and Endocrine Clinic
Barbara Kienzle currently resides in Augusta, Georgia where she works as a pediatric rheumatology nurse navigator. She studied nursing at Iowa Wesleyan College and has been practicing rheumatology since 2010. Barbara contributed to the Rheumatology Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, 2nd Edition, and serves as the Pediatric Chair on the RNS Chapter Development Team, and is an author of the second edition of The Rheumatology Core Curriculum. Barbara serves as the Medical Director of Camp Joint Venture, a summer camp for children with rheumatic conditions. She firmly believes in being the voice for her patients, and their families, to ensure they get the medications and services necessary to treat their disease and cope with chronic illness. Her hope is to help bring the pediatric rheumatology nursing community together to be a strong united voice, raising awareness of the unique needs of the pediatric rheumatology population.
J. Nicholas Manwaring has lived and worked in Alaska since 1992 with a brief one-year deployment to a remote native reservation in North Dakota. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with the Peer Award from the University of Alaska Anchorage with an advanced degree in nursing, in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. He has worked at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska since 2004; initially as a registered nurse in the emergency department for 8 years, then after completing a graduate degree as a nurse practitioner, he worked in general internal medicine for 6 years before sub-specializing in rheumatology where he has worked since 2018. He has served as the president of the Alaska Nurse Practitioners Association, and is currently serving on the board of the Rheumatology Nurses Society. He is fluent in Spanish and enjoys the outdoors and traveling with his wonderful wife and amazing 3 children.
Karen McKerihan currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina where she works as the Director of Infusion Services at Articularis Healthcare. She studied at the University of Tennessee, Walden University, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. She began her nursing career in 1987 and worked as an RN in women’s care and pain management until 2016. Since then she has worked as an FNP in rheumatology and is currently the Director of Infusion Services for Articularis Healthcare. She is a member of the AANP, ARP, INS, and the RNS. As the daughter of educators, she grew up in India, speaks Hindi, and in her spare time plays the bagpipes for the Charleston Pipe Band.
Teri Puhalsky currently resides in Maryland, where she works as an infusion RN at Medstar Orthopaedic Institute. She studied nursing at Excelsior College School of Nursing and has been practicing rheumatology since 2011. Teri received the Outstanding Clinical Performance Award as an LPN, obtained her CRNI in 2012, and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Phi Pi Chapter. She strives for positive patient outcomes and firmly believes that collaboration with the healthcare team is critical for chronic disease management. With a patient-focused and evidence-based nursing practice, she knows all patients can receive quality, safe, and effective care.
Alaska VA Healthcare System
Mary Anne Rowen is a dermatology certified nurse practitioner who has spent the last 22 years in Alaska. She has been working in the field of dermatology for the past 13 years. She is U.S. Navy veteran who began nursing care following her honorable discharge after 7 years enlistment. She along with her husband lived in Florida many years and attained all her graduate education there. She decided she wanted further her career with the uniform services and joined the US Public Health Service in 2002 serving active duty ever since. She has worked with Alaska native population for 21 years, first in Dillingham, Alaska then in Anchorage with the Alaska Native Medical Center. She has recently come onboard with to the Alaska VA healthcare system as the only dermatology provider. Her graduate work in was completed at University Alaska, earning a master’s in science/certified in family health as a nurse practitioner (2007), eventually discovering that Dermatology was in her destiny. Over a decade later she secured the Doctorate in Nursing Practice. She is an active person who likes to dabble with many hobbies over the years such as running marathons, flying running, music and karate as well as the Alaska fun-stuff. She adopted two kiddos and enjoys going to Idaho to visit her daughter. She is a church member, and volunteers locally.
Roxanne Sukol is an internationally recognized expert in health and wellness. As a physician, speaker and writer, she advises C-level executives and medical professionals in Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies, non-profits, and academic organizations. Dr. Sukol has spoken extensively at seminars, events, and conferences including TEDx and has written for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Wall Street Journal, KevinMD.com, Human Pathology, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and the Baltimore Review. She has been quoted in the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Arthritis Advisor, Martha Stewart Living, Marie Claire, Redbook, and Prevention Magazine. Dr. Sukol is a 1995 graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine with distinction in Biomedical Ethics, and a member of Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA). She is author of the blog Your Health is on Your Plate, with over 30 million hits, and a certified yoga teacher.
Vice President, National Organization for Rheumatology Management (NORM)
Alicia Sullivan started at her Rheumatology practice in 2005. Getting patients access to treatment has become exponentially more difficult, leading to a passion for advocacy. Alicia has been volunteering with the National Organization for Rheumatology Management in 2019 and will become president of the Board of Directors this coming fall.
Rheumatology Associates, P.A.
Devin Weidman is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner and has been with Rheumatology Associates, PA in Stuart, Florida since 2002. She earned her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Florida in 2000. She is board certified with advanced training in diagnosing and treating rheumatologic diseases as well as preventive care and health maintenance. She is a proud member of the Rheumatology Nurses Society and Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals. Devin prides herself on patient care and is trained in physical and arthritis exams. But even more importantly she is a skilled educator and counselor with a particular love for developing relationships with her patients. Devin and her husband are the proud parents of three children, one still at home. She is an avid runner and completed her first marathon in March 2021. She and her #GirlGangStrong have been training together for several years and this year, challenged themselves to a race a month.
Carolyn Zic currently resides in the Chicago area where she works as a rheumatology nurse practitioner at Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago Medicine. She studied nursing at Madonna University and obtained her nurse practitioner degree in 2019 from the University of St. Francis. In 2018, Carolyn was recognized as the Chicago area Arthritis Foundation Medical Honoree for her excellence and compassionate care to patients and their families. She firmly believes in patient advocacy and treasures the bond that she has created with her patients over the years.
8437 Tuttle Avenue – Suite 404
Sarasota, FL 34243
ph: (800) 380‑7081 / fax: (410) 384‑4222
OUR MISSION
The Rheumatology Nurses Society (RNS) is a professional organization committed to empowering nurses through professional development and education to benefit its members, patients, family, and community.
We look forward to seeing you at Conference! Your registration discount code will be emailed to you.
Live Attendee Prizes
During our Dear Diary Webinars we will be raffling off a variety of prizes in addition to one grand prize per event. The grand prize will be chosen at random (from a selection of a massage gun, a portable bluetooth speaker, or a Kindle Fire tablet), and given away at the end of each session. Additionally, we will be raffling off prizes including registration to the Virtual 2021 14th Annual RNS Conference, an RNS mug, amazon gift cards and more. In total there will be 5 prizes given away per event.
Referral Contest
What better way to enjoy the Dear Diary Webinar, than with friends! We encourage you to refer friends or colleagues for your chance to win an Apple iPad Mini! In order for the entry to count, your referral must (a) include your first and last name in the referral field on their registration form, and (b) attend the broadcast they signed up for. Spread the word from now until March 25 and increase your chance to win!
Terms & Conditions.
Live Attendee Prizes
Throughout our live event, the RNS will be raffling off a variety of prizes. You must be present during the live event when the raffle is occuring to claim a prize. In addition to our raffles, the RNS will be giving away a select number of grand prizes. Raffles are chosen at random while grand prizes will be given away to those who qualify in the following areas: Top 3 Bingo Social Event winners, Highest Engagement Overall, Most Educational Questions Asked, and the “Find Elvis” Raffle. All grand prize winners (except for the Bingo Social Event winners) will be announced during the Farewell Reception at the end of the event. Bingo Social Event winners will be announced at the end of the social event. All winners must be present during the reception or social event to claim a prize. Additional details on how to play and qualify will be provided during the live event broadcast. See also, Terms & Conditions listed below and the event agenda for announcement dates and times.
Referral Contest
In order for the entry to count, your referral must (a) include your first and last name in the referral field on their registration form, and (b) complete the evaluation at the end of the event or OnDemand portion of the event. Winner will be contacted via email by May 30, 2021.
Terms & Conditions
Thyroid eye disease is often linked with other comorbidities, including many autoimmune diseases. In this session, learn how thyroid eye disease presents itself in patients with other rheumatic conditions.
We will be getting this registration up and running in the next couple of days.
Please check back soon!
Take a crash course on common rheumatic diseases seen in patients. This session will cover the pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and treatments of the following diseases:
Take a crash course on common rheumatic diseases seen in patients. This session will cover the pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and treatments of the following diseases:
Complete the form below to reserve your seat and lock in your discount code.
In addition to great evidence-based and accredited education we have great prizes to give away! Throughout the Virtual 2021 14th Annual RNS Conference we will be giving away Apple Airpods Pro, Apple Watch Series 6, Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine Bundle, Nintendo Switch Lite Game Console, Ring doorbell, and more.
You will be able to win these prizes by earning points throughout the conference. Rack up points by being an active participant throughout the conference, attending all conference sessions, visiting with our exhibitors and exhibitor pages, and more!
Live Attendee Prizes
Throughout our live event, the RNS will be raffling off a variety of prizes. You must be present during the live event when the raffle is occurring to claim a prize. In addition to our raffles, the RNS will be giving away a select number of grand prizes. Raffles are chosen at random while grand prizes will be given away to those who qualify in the following areas: Top Leaderboard Winners and Top Completed Poll Participation During Accredited Sessions. All grand prize winners will be announced during the Farewell Reception at the end of the event. All winners must be present when the winner is announced to claim a prize.
Referral Contest
In order for the entry to count, your referral must (a) include your first and last name in the referral field on their registration form, and (b) complete the evaluation at the end of the event or OnDemand portion of the event. Winner will be contacted via email by Sept 6, 2021.
Terms & Conditions
Patients with rheumatic diseases, (from rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, or lupus) have many questions and concerns. This booklet will provide an overview of some of the most common questions patients ask and equip you to answer them efficiently.
Topics include:
Autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, which account for the majority of rheumatic diseases, occur when an individual’s body mistakenly attacks itself. As patients experience different symptoms and challenges, this booklet will supply you with simple answers for complex concerns patients have regarding their immune system.
Topics include:
Every woman’s journey through rheumatic disease is unique, filled with twists and turns as life’s challenges come and go. To adequately support and assist female patients, this booklet will equip you to answer the many different questions and concerns women with rheumatic diseases face.
Topics include:
Over the last several decades, scientific advances have led to the development of new treatment approaches for patients with systemic, immune-mediated rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Many of these new medications are biologic agents. Learn more about the coming wave of biosimilars and how to effectively communicate appropriate responses to common–and challenging–questions patients with rheumatic disease are asking.
Topics include:
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unknown. RA appears to arise from a mix of genetic risk factors, environmental exposures, and chance. Patients diagnosed with RA have many questions, this guide will help you navigate their challenges and concerns.
Topics include:
Due in part to its uncommon nature, rheumatology nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are often challenged in answering questions from patients newly diagnosed with Behçet’s disease. It is important to be able to properly and effectively communicate appropriate responses.
Topics include:
Gout affects an estimated 9 million individuals throughout the United States. Many patients with gout have questions about their condition and treatment options, particularly following a recent diagnosis. By providing patients with evidence-based answers to common questions, providers can help alleviate patient concerns and emphasize the importance of interventions that can help prevent flares and long-term damage.
Topics include:
Rheumatology healthcare providers spend a good part of their day educating patients about their disease, alleviating concerns about treatment and making sure that patients are armed with the information they need to give them the best chance at reaching their personal treatment goals. This booklet will equip you to navigate and support your patient to best manage their condition.
Topics include:
The events during the summer of 2020 sparked by the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in public raised the awareness of racism in this country and sparked an outcry from every part of this society. Interestingly, many were surprised that there are various forms of racism and that it has existed in this country since it was colonized by Europeans. Policies, laws, and social structures were put in place to promote some groups of people as superior and others as inferior. Citizenship, voting rights, education and housing policies that discriminate are well-documented and persist today.
Health care disparities in this country is another area that have their roots in bias, discrimination and racism. The concept of “race” itself, false scientific attributes awarded to various races, medical decisions, policies, treatments, and research have been influenced by bias and racism.
This talk is to provide information about the historical events leading to the existence of structural racism in this country and how it has permeated the healthcare system. The presentation will begin with a series of definitions to provide a shared mental model to the participants. This will be followed by examples in the medical literature of how bias, discrimination and racism have affected health care both on the micro and macro levels. Finally, recommendations on how to recognize and confront bias, discrimination and racism in health care will be provided. Along with PowerPoint slides, short video clips will be used to demonstrate and augment the points made in the lecture.
Lupus nephritis (LN) impacts a large proportion of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Because of this, it is vitally important for providers to be able to identify the manifestations of the disease in patients. In this session, learners will take away key identifying presentations of the disease, as well as learn about the most up-to-date research and treatment options.
Which treatment option would you choose? In this session, learners will walk through different case studies with our presenters on multiple disease states, including lupus nephritis, psoriatic arthritis, and non-radiographic axial spondylitis. Be prepared to respond as this is an interactive session!
Live Attendee Prizes
During this webinar we will be raffling off a variety of prizes in addition to one grand prize. The grand prize, an Apple Watch (Series 6) will be given away at the end of the session. Additionally, we will be raffling off prizes including registration to the Virtual 2021 14th Annual RNS Conference, a one year RNS Membership, and an Uber Eats Gift Card.
Referral Contest
In order for the entry to count, your referral must (a) register and attend the live event and (b) include your first and last name in the referral field on their evaluation at the close of the event. Winner will be contacted via email by June 17, 2021.
Terms & Conditions
Member at Large
Director of Infusion Services
Articularis Healthcare
Charleston, SC
Member at Large
Nurse Practitioner
McBride Orthopedic Hospital
Edmond, Oklahoma
Member at Large
Nurse Practitioner
Arthritis, Rheumatic and Back Disease Associates
Voorhees, New Jersey
Treasurer
Nurse Practitioner
Comer Children’s Hospital
New Lenox, IL