In this episode of Remission Possible, we break down what the 2025 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) lupus treatment guidelines really mean for people living with lupus beyond the clinical language. Host Dr. Shilpa Venkatachalam is joined by rheumatologist Dr. Ashira Blazer, Co-Director of the Lupus Center at the University of Maryland and a Board Member of the Lupus Foundation of America, along with lupus advocates Estela and Juana Mata of Looms for Lupus, for a powerful, patient-centered conversation.

Together, they explore why reducing long-term steroid use matters, how and when to escalate treatment, and why shared decision-making is now central to lupus care. From managing symptoms and treatment side effects to addressing access barriers, health equity, and the role of caregivers, this episode puts lived experience at the heart of the guidelines.

Above all, the message is clear: your voice matters. These guidelines are not something done to patients, they are meant to be used with patients, equipping you with the tools you need to advocate for the care that fits your goals, your life, and your health.

Contact Our Host

Shilpa Venkatachalam, Chief Patient Centered Research and Ethical Oversight Officer at GHLF: svenky@ghlf.org.

A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments or questions to podcasts@ghlf.org

Remission Possible is a podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation, its arthritis patient community CreakyJoints, and this episode was made possible with support from AstraZeneca.

Learn more at ghlf.org/remission-possible/

In this episode of Remission Possible, we break down what the 2025 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) lupus treatment guidelines really mean for people living with lupus beyond the clinical language. Host Dr. Shilpa Venkatachalam is joined by rheumatologist Dr. Ashira Blazer, Co-Director of the Lupus Center at the University of Maryland and a Board Member of the Lupus Foundation of America, along with lupus advocates Estela and Juana Mata of Looms for Lupus, for a powerful, patient-centered conversation. Together, they explore why reducing long-term steroid use matters, how and when to escalate treatment, and why shared decision-making is now central to lupus care. From managing symptoms and treatment side effects to addressing access barriers, health equity, and the role of caregivers, this episode puts lived experience at the heart of the guidelines. Above all, the message is clear: your voice matters. These guidelines are not something done to patients, they are meant to be used with patients, equipping you with the tools you need to advocate for the care that fits your goals, your life, and your health. Contact Our Host
Shilpa Venkatachalam, Chief Patient Centered Research and Ethical Oversight Officer at GHLF: <a href="mailto:svenky@ghlf.org">svenky@ghlf.org</a>.
A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments or questions to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>
Remission Possible is a podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation, its arthritis patient community CreakyJoints, and this episode was made possible with support from AstraZeneca.
Learn more at <a href="https://ghlf.org/remission-possible/">ghlf.org/remission-possible/</a>

Welcome to Remission Possible, the podcast dedicated to guiding and supporting you on your mission to take back your life and control symptoms. We understand that this challenge wasn’t something you asked for, but remember, you’re stronger than you think, and you deserve the opportunity to regain control and live your best life.

In each episode, we’ll share inspiring stories from patients who are succeeding in their mission and discuss how patients and doctors can work together to better understand the optimal course of treatment for different chronic conditions while keeping personal goals and lifestyle choices in mind.

Remission Possible is a new podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation, its arthritis patient community CreakyJoints, and made possible with support from AbbVie.

Learn more at ghlf.org/remission-possible/

Welcome to Remission Possible, the podcast dedicated to guiding and supporting you on your mission to take back your life and control symptoms. We understand that this challenge wasn’t something you asked for, but remember, you’re stronger than you think, and you deserve the opportunity to regain control and live your best life.
In each episode, we’ll share inspiring stories from patients who are succeeding in their mission and discuss how patients and doctors can work together to better understand the optimal course of treatment for different chronic conditions while keeping personal goals and lifestyle choices in mind.
Remission Possible is a new podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation, its arthritis patient community CreakyJoints, and made possible with support from AbbVie.
Learn more at <a href="https://ghlf.org/remission-possible/">ghlf.org/remission-possible/</a>

Remission Possible

Welcome to Remission Possible, the podcast dedicated to guiding and supporting you on your mission to take back your life and control symptoms. We understand that this challenge wasn’t something you asked for, but remember, you’re stronger than you think, and you deserve the opportunity to regain control and live your best life.
In each episode, we’ll share inspiring stories from patients who are succeeding in their mission and discuss how patients and doctors can work together to better understand the optimal course of treatment for different chronic conditions while keeping personal goals and lifestyle choices in mind.
Remission Possible is a new podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation, its arthritis patient community CreakyJoints, and made possible with support from AbbVie.
Learn more at <a href="https://ghlf.org/remission-possible/">ghlf.org/remission-possible/</a>