Dear friends,
Greetings from the editorial team as we wade through the 2nd COVID spike, and hope to conquer the tsunami armed with our harmonious ‘immune system,’ masks and vaccines.
This edition of IRA e-newsletter is themed around “Past, current and future trends in Rheumatology” focussed on some of the elements which changed our approach to diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
Dr K. M. Mahendranath, one of the most decorated internationally renowned rheumatologists has penned a brief history of Rheumatology in our country sprinkled with some cherished photographs from times gone by. Dr Ashok Kumar; pioneer of Indian HAQ has captured his thoughts about outcome measures as they have evolved in the last two or three decades. Dr RN Misra with his usual wit, precise and masterly insight has shared his vision about immunodiagnostics- what the future beholds! Dr Pravin Hissaria has summed up his thoughts about ‘Treat to Target” approaches and has wondered aloud for simpler ‘TARGETS’ in rheumatic diseases. Dr Rajeshwari has written an exhaustive review on ‘Registries’- how they have changed the landscapes in our understanding of rheumatic diseases. Dr Sujata Sawhney has reviewed landmark publications in the last year which have had an impact on our therapeutic decisions in paediatric rheumatic diseases.
In the fellow’s Corner; this time we have added a new section for residents to present challenging or intriguing patient cases. This time around, it is presented and discussed by a 1st year DM resident at IPGMER guided by Dr Sumantro Mandal. All the trainees are welcome to send us any interesting write ups about your research, difficult case videos especially with clinical findings, interesting radiology or even new rheumatological or non- rheumatological ventures.
Our usual feature on MSK USG section will conclude with this edition of e-newsletter. We have educational videos on USG of Knee and ankle by Dr PD Rath and intraarticular injection of knee and ankle joint demonstrated by Dr Sharath Kumar. All previous videos can be accessed via this link- https://www.youtube.com/channel /UCujFzHvJrWLlqhpN_HO9vYA
In the patient’s section, we have COVID-19 vaccine update on behalf of the IRA by Dr Avinash Jain. We also have poetry by a teenager and another one describing challenges faced by chronic illness patients during these difficult times.
Request all to please look up the Secretary's message for information regarding various activities including an announcement for IRACON 2021 at Hyderabad from 10th to 12th December. Also, the IRA election announcement is enclosed.
And lastly, don’t forget to share with friends, colleagues and patients on facebook, twitter, Instagram or any other Social Media platforms.
Let me end with this quote-
Nature has a way of reminding us, that all things great and small, ebb and flow in rhythm with the heartbeat of her call. -Gabriella Goddard
Vineeta Shobha
Editor,
IRA e newsLetter.