Doctors and Patients Working Together

[Guest guest]

Doctors and Patients Working Together

It's a gratifying time to be caring for patients with arthritis and rheumatic

diseases. In recent decades, new diseases have been defined, the

relationship of our genes to many diseases have been characterized, a variety

of new classes of medications have been developed, better surgical methods

have become available, and modern information technology is assisting an ever

more informed patient population.

I encourage patients to be motivated to take every advantage of the medical

breakthroughs of our age. Patients and their families should become as

informed as possible about their health issues. They should understand the

diagnoses, likely course and long-term outlook, treatment options, and

warning signs of complications. Working with an informed and motivated

patient unquestionably affords the opportunity for ideal care.

I hope to use this column to provide viewers unique insights into special

circumstances of interest that are encountered as we doctors and patients

join to manage arthritis and rheumatic diseases.