UAB Medicine News

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) will hold a patient conference January 26 at UAB Hospital Highlands. Patients and families will have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field about sarcoidosis treatment options, FSR’s research initiatives, and clinical care.

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the development of tiny lumps of cells called granulomas, most commonly in the lungs and lymph nodes. With sufficient growth, they can affect an organ's structure and function, and eventually lead to permanent scarring or thickening of the organ tissue (also called fibrosis).

Although more research is occurring in the sarcoidosis community than ever before, there remain many regions in the United States and worldwide in which it is difficult to access knowledgeable providers and trustworthy information about the disease, treatment options, and the latest findings. The FSR patient conference will give patients, friends, and family members access to the perspectives of leading institutions, physicians, and thought leaders who are dedicated to providing the best information and care.

Please join the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research and internationally recognized physicians in Birmingham to gain valuable insight into sarcoidosis.

The patient conference will be held Saturday, January 26, 10 am to 4 pm at UAB Hospital-Highlands (see schedule below). Learn more and/or register here.

10:00 am – 10:05 am       Welcome & Introductions: Kelli Beyer, FSR

10:05 am – 10:20 am       “Patients at the Center of Research”: Kelli Beyer, FSR

10:20 am – 10:30 am       “Living with Sarcoidosis: A Patient’s Perspective”: FSR Patient Ambassador

10:30 am – 10:45 am       “Sarcoidosis: An Overview”: Joseph Barney, MD MSPH, UAB Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

10:45 am  – 11:00 am      “Pulmonary Sarcoidosis”: Pilar Acosta Lara, MD, UAB Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine 

11:00 am – 11:10 am       BREAK  

11:10 am – 11:25 am       “Rheumatologic Concerns”: Angelo Gaffo MD, UAB Rheumatology

11:25 am – 11:40 am       “Cardiac Sarcoidosis”: Joanna Joly MD, UAB Cardiology

11:40 am – 11:55 am       “Cutaneous Sarcoidosis”: Lauren Graham MD, UAB Dermatology

11:55 am – 12:10 pm       “Ocular Sarcoidosis”: Dr. Amol Sura, MD, UAB Callahan Eye Foundation 

12:10 pm – 12:45pm         LUNCH  

12:45 pm – 1:00 pm         “Neurosarcoidosis”: Dr. Brandon Moss, MD, Cleveland Clinic

1:00 pm – 1:15 pm           “Sarcoidosis-related Fatigue and Depression”: Lanier O'Hare CRNP, UAB Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

1:15 pm – 2:15 pm           Panel Q&A: All Physician Presenters

2:15 pm – 2:30 pm           “Improving Your Care”: Maggie Hudson – FSR

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm           “Your Role in Research”: FSR Staff

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm           Patient Engagement Session: FSR Staff