4th Virtual Sjogren's Summit 2025

Kara Wada, MD
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  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

The Virtual Sjögren's Summit is an annual patient-led online event dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering a supportive global community for everyone touched by Sjögren's. Our mission is to build networks of support, knowledge, and hope.

  1. 07/19/2025

    Day 3 - Kara Wada, MD - Beyond Medication: The 3-Visit Immune Reset

    What if you could achieve the results of 3-5 years of traditional allergy shots in just three visits over two months? For Sjogren's patients stuck in a cycle of inflammation, where allergies fuel autoimmune flares, this isn't just a question of convenience—it's a paradigm shift. In this exclusive presentation, Dr. Kara Wada unveils the Accelerated Immune Reset-ILIT™ (AIR-ILIT) program for the first time publicly. She pulls back the curtain on this revolutionary approach, explaining the science of using ultrasound-guided intralymphatic immunotherapy to reprogram the immune system with unprecedented precision. Dr. Wada details the science, the patient experience, the expected results, and the investment required for this cutting-edge, concierge-level treatment. Watch now to discover the future of allergy treatment for autoimmune patients and learn how you can explore if this breakthrough program is the right fit to help you rebel against chronic inflammation and rise to a new state of health. AIR-ILIT™ Screening Form → https://links.drkarawada.com/widget/survey/igTqA2XSnbGbBkWbKXf8 SESSION IN A GLANCE 00:00 Intro 06:01 What is AIR-ILIT™? The Future of Allergy Treatment 09:22 The Science Deep Dive: How ILIT Reprograms Your Immune System 12:44 The Patient Experience: A 5-Step Concierge Journey 15:29 Real-World Results & Transformational Stories 20:30 The Investment: A Transparent Look at the Program Cost 23:58 Who is a Candidate for AIR-ILIT™? 26:52 An Exclusive Opportunity & Giveaway for Summit Attendees ABOUT DR. KARA WADA Dr. Kara Wada is a 4x board certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology, functional, and lifestyle medicine physician. She is also a Midwest mom of 3 kids and an elder millennial who loves a bit of pop punk music and has a rebel energy that is looking for ways to come out to play along with her very kind, loving, and compassionate nature. She uses a 4 R framework in her work: Recognize, Reclaim, Rebel, and Rise, which echoes throughout her work. She opened a direct care practice, The Immune Confident Institute, which allows her to practice medicine on her terms and is passionate about making this ideal type of care accessible to all. CONNECT WITH DR. KARA WADA Website → https://www.drkarawada.com/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/ Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/immuneconfidentmd/ Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/KaraWadaMD Twitter → https://twitter.com/CrunchyAllergy TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@immuneconfidentmd ABOUT THE VIRTUAL SJOGREN'S SUMMIT The Virtual Sjögren's Summit is an annual patient-led online event dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering a supportive global community for everyone touched by Sjögren's. Our mission is to build networks of support, knowledge, and hope.

    34 min

  2. 07/19/2025

    Day 3 - Kara Wada, MD & Janet Steins - Roundtable: "The Clinical Trial Journey: Patient Perspectives & Insights"

    What is it really like to be in a clinical trial for a new Sjogren's medication? What are the tests like? What's the time commitment? And is it worth it?In this unique and candid roundtable discussion, Dr. Kara Wada is joined by fellow community member and Sjogren's patient Janet Steins to share their personal, lived experiences as participants in the same clinical trial. They pull back the curtain on the entire process—from the initial decision and the intensive screening process to the day-to-day realities of infusions, side effects, and daily surveys.Watch this session to get a rare, firsthand look into the world of clinical trials, hear honest advice for anyone considering this path, and discover the profound hope that comes from contributing to the future of Sjogren's treatment.SESSION IN A GLANCE00:00 Intro00:42 Janet's Background and Diagnosis01:36 Getting into the Clinical Trial03:02 Experiences and Challenges in the Trial06:54 Screening and Enrollment Process11:51 Trial Medications and Phases18:38 Personal Impact and Reflections27:57 Family History and Medical Advances30:48 The Challenge of Diagnosing Seronegative Patients32:07 Personal Experiences with Sjogren's Syndrome34:45 Considering Clinical Trials: Advice and Insights36:32 Navigating Clinical Trials: Expectations and Realities44:40 The Importance of Networks in Managing Chronic Conditions49:46 Concluding Thoughts and EncouragementABOUT JANET STEINSJanet Steins is a Sjogren's patient from Northwest Missouri who was diagnosed in 2021. After finding a supportive rheumatologist who recommended she join a clinical trial, Janet embarked on a journey to not only improve her own health but to contribute to a better future for all Sjogren's patients. A passionate advocate and valued member of our community, this entire session was inspired by her wonderful idea to share the real, lived experience of being in a clinical trial.ABOUT DR. KARA WADADr. Kara Wada is a 4x board certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology, functional, and lifestyle medicine physician. She is also a Midwest mom of 3 kids and an elder millennial who loves a bit of pop punk music and has a rebel energy that is looking for ways to come out to play along with her very kind, loving, and compassionate nature. She uses a 4 R framework in her work: Recognize, Reclaim, Rebel, and Rise, which echoes throughout her work.CONNECT WITH DR. KARA WADAWebsite → https://www.drkarawada.com/LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/immuneconfidentmd/Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/KaraWadaMDTwitter → https://twitter.com/CrunchyAllergyTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@immuneconfidentmdABOUT THE VIRTUAL SJOGREN'S SUMMITThe Virtual Sjögren's Summit is an annual patient-led online event dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering a supportive global community for everyone touched by Sjögren's. Our mission is to build networks of support, knowledge, and hope.

    54 min

  3. 07/19/2025

    Day 3 - Lilly Stairs - The Power of Patient Communities & Network Advocacy

    What does ambition look like when you're living with a chronic condition? How do you build a vibrant life and career when your body requires you to work smarter, not harder?In this candid and inspiring fireside chat, Dr. Kara Wada sits down with internationally recognized patient advocate and entrepreneur, Lilly Stairs. Lilly shares her personal story of being diagnosed with three autoimmune diseases at age 19 and the "identity quake" that followed. She discusses how she redefined ambition, the crucial difference between support from family and support from peers, and the power of setting boundaries to say "yes" to yourself and your dreams.Tune in to this powerful conversation to learn how to navigate your career with chronic illness, find a community that truly "gets it," and hear the simple, reassuring message you might need to hear most: you're still going to live a beautiful, vibrant life.SESSION IN A GLANCE00:00 Introduction02:44 The 'Identity Quake' of a Diagnosis at 1906:43 Redefining Ambition with a Chronic Condition09:19 Finding Your People: The Importance of Peer Support14:00 The Power of Boundaries in Your Work and Life16:30 How to Advocate for Accommodations in the Workplace20:29 The One Thing I Wish Someone Had Told Me23:03 Where to Find and Connect with LillyABOUT LILLY STAIRSLilly Stairs is an internationally recognized patient advocate, serial entrepreneur, and sought-after speaker. Diagnosed with multiple autoimmune diseases, she is the Founder of the Chronic Boss Collective, a networking membership for ambitious business women with chronic conditions, and Patient Authentic, a consultancy that helps healthcare organizations build meaningful experiences for patient advocates. Lilly serves as the Board Chair of the Autoimmune Association, dedicating her life to empowering the autoimmune community.CONNECT WITH LILLY STAIRSWebsite → https://www.chronicbosscollective.com/LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilly-stairs/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs/?hl=enInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/chronicbosscoABOUT THE VIRTUAL SJOGREN'S SUMMITThe Virtual Sjögren's Summit is an annual patient-led online event dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering a supportive global community for everyone touched by Sjögren's. Our mission is to build networks of support, knowledge, and hope.

    26 min

  4. 07/19/2025

    Day 3 - Delia Chiaramonte, MD - Caring for Someone You Love Without Losing Yourself

    Caregivers often struggle to remain empathetic and compassionate without becoming depleted and overwhelmed, leading to guilt, resentment, and burnout. But it doesn't have to be this way.In this deeply compassionate and practical session, palliative care physician and caregiver educator Dr. Delia Chiaramonte offers a lifeline to those supporting a loved one with Sjogren's. She teaches you the single most important concept for reducing stress—understanding what is and is not yours to fix. You'll learn simple, powerful techniques to calm your nervous system, set healthy boundaries, and mindfully manage difficult emotions.Watch now to discover how to fill your own cup, find meaning in the journey, and care for your loved one without losing yourself in the process.SESSION IN A GLANCE00:00 The Universal Stress of Caregiving02:19 What Is (and Is Not) Yours to Fix04:37 The Skill of Centering Yourself06:51 How to Calm Your Nervous System10:13 Generating Healing Intentions12:47 Making Space for Two Truths at Once14:09 How to Feel Your Feelings Without Drowning16:07 The Dangers of Toxic Positivity18:37 Keeping Your Cup Full: An Actionable Exercise24:09 Finding Meaning in the Journey24:51 Your True Role: Walking Beside ThemABOUT DR. DELIA CHIARAMONTEDr. Delia Chiaramonte is a palliative care physician and medical educator whose mission is to improve the care of the ill and aging through education and support of clinicians and family caregivers. She is the founder of the Integrative Palliative Institute, host of The Integrative Palliative Podcast, and author of Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Illness Without Losing Yourself. She teaches at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and offers a caregiver wellbeing program called "Healing the Heart of the Caregiver."CONNECT WITH DR. DELIA CHIARAMONTEWebsite → www.integrativepalliative.comLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/deliachiaramonte/Presentation Slides → https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZLDc2rpc9PcG8GIO_FWm8O3A1CrfPAkZ/view?usp=drive_linkABOUT THE VIRTUAL SJOGREN'S SUMMITThe Virtual Sjögren's Summit is an annual patient-led online event dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering a supportive global community for everyone touched by Sjögren's. Our mission is to build networks of support, knowledge, and hope.

    27 min

  5. 07/19/2025

    Day 3 - Kristina Kelly, BCPA - Hack Your Healthcare_ Top 10 Tips for Tough Talks with Docs

    Do you ever leave a doctor's appointment feeling rushed, unheard, or more confused than when you arrived? The emotional toll of dismissal and confusing medical jargon can leave Sjogren's patients feeling powerless and too stunned to speak up. This session is designed to change that.Join Board Certified Patient Advocate, author, and fellow Sjogren's patient Kristina Kelly as she shares her top 10 communication "hacks" for tough talks with docs. Built from the actionable section of her book, "How to Be a Badass in a Broken Healthcare System," this presentation gives you the practical scripts, plug-and-play tactics, and mindset shifts you need to advocate for yourself clearly, calmly, and confidently.Watch now to learn how to respond when you're being dismissed, prepare for high-stakes appointments without blanking out, and walk away with a plan of action to find your voice and use it like a badass.SESSION IN A GLANC00:00 Introduction: Welcome to Hack Your Healthcare01:39 Hack 1: Trash Talk Gets You Nowhere03:19 Hack 2: Ask Clarifying Questions04:22 Hack 3: Don't Let Them Rush You07:05 Hack 4: Beware the 'But'07:52 Hack 5: Be Honest, Not a Storyteller10:12 Hack 6: Say What You Need (The Goal-Setting Statement)13:14 Hack 7: Think Bullseye, Not Buckshot15:10 Hack 8: Don't Be Afraid to Repeat Yourself16:20 Hack 9: Practice the Art of Listening17:34 Hack 10: Be Intentional, Not Impulsive19:00 Real Talk from a Fellow Patient: You're Not Failing, You're Learning19:50 Where to Find Support: Communities & Patient AdvocatesABOUT KRISTINA KELLY, BCPAKristina Kelly is a board certified patient advocate and the author of How to Be a Badass in a Broken Healthcare System. After battling undiagnosed autoimmune symptoms for years, she was formally diagnosed with seronegative Sjögren’s and now uses her professional background and lived experience to help other patients navigate the diagnostic maze with more confidence and less burnout. Through her business, Little Engine Patient Advocacy, she supports chronically ill patients by teaching practical advocacy skills and creating easy-to-use tools for communication.CONNECT WITH KRISTINA KELLYWebsite → https://littleenginepatientadvocacy.com/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/littleenginepatientadvocacy/Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570805397823TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@littleengineadvocacyPresentation Slides → https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ENx1cut_cOuKCavMOo6UazEWN1rWoUa8/view?usp=drive_linkABOUT THE VIRTUAL SJOGREN'S SUMMITThe Virtual Sjögren's Summit is an annual patient-led online event dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering a supportive global community for everyone touched by Sjögren's. Our mission is to build networks of support, knowledge, and hope.

    23 min

  6. 07/19/2025

    Day 3 - Bexi Lobo, PhD - Networking and Advocacy - Making a Difference Together

    Do you ever leave a doctor's appointment feeling rushed, unheard, or more confused than when you arrived? The emotional toll of dismissal and confusing medical jargon can leave Sjogren's patients feeling powerless and too stunned to speak up. This session is designed to change that.Join Board Certified Patient Advocate, author, and fellow Sjogren's patient Kristina Kelly as she shares her top 10 communication "hacks" for tough talks with docs. Built from the actionable section of her book, "How to Be a Badass in a Broken Healthcare System," this presentation gives you the practical scripts, plug-and-play tactics, and mindset shifts you need to advocate for yourself clearly, calmly, and confidently.Watch now to learn how to respond when you're being dismissed, prepare for high-stakes appointments without blanking out, and walk away with a plan of action to find your voice and use it like a badass.SESSION IN A GLANC00:00 Introduction: Welcome to Hack Your Healthcare01:39 Hack 1: Trash Talk Gets You Nowhere03:19 Hack 2: Ask Clarifying Questions04:22 Hack 3: Don't Let Them Rush You07:05 Hack 4: Beware the 'But'07:52 Hack 5: Be Honest, Not a Storyteller10:12 Hack 6: Say What You Need (The Goal-Setting Statement)13:14 Hack 7: Think Bullseye, Not Buckshot15:10 Hack 8: Don't Be Afraid to Repeat Yourself16:20 Hack 9: Practice the Art of Listening17:34 Hack 10: Be Intentional, Not Impulsive19:00 Real Talk from a Fellow Patient: You're Not Failing, You're Learning19:50 Where to Find Support: Communities & Patient AdvocatesABOUT KRISTINA KELLY, BCPAKristina Kelly is a board certified patient advocate and the author of How to Be a Badass in a Broken Healthcare System. After battling undiagnosed autoimmune symptoms for years, she was formally diagnosed with seronegative Sjögren’s and now uses her professional background and lived experience to help other patients navigate the diagnostic maze with more confidence and less burnout. Through her business, Little Engine Patient Advocacy, she supports chronically ill patients by teaching practical advocacy skills and creating easy-to-use tools for communication.CONNECT WITH KRISTINA KELLYWebsite → https://littleenginepatientadvocacy.com/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/littleenginepatientadvocacy/Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570805397823TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@littleengineadvocacyPresentation Slides → https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ENx1cut_cOuKCavMOo6UazEWN1rWoUa8/view?usp=drive_linkABOUT THE VIRTUAL SJOGREN'S SUMMITThe Virtual Sjögren's Summit is an annual patient-led online event dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering a supportive global community for everyone touched by Sjögren's. Our mission is to build networks of support, knowledge, and hope.

    23 min

  7. 07/19/2025

    Day 3 - Jillian Rigert, DMD, MD, ACC, TIPC- The Importance of Compassionate, Trauma-Informed Care To Cultivate Healing

    Autoimmune conditions and their symptoms are often exacerbated by trauma and stress. While we are often taught to internalize our emotions and stress, this can lead to self-criticism that only fuels the fire.In this compassionate and insightful session, Oral Medicine Clinician and Trauma-Informed Coach Dr. Jillian Rigert explores the critical link between stress, trauma, and immune system dysregulation. She explains the difference between stress and trauma, reveals how perfectionism and self-criticism can harm our health, and offers a powerful path forward through self-compassion.Watch now to learn how to shift your relationship with your mind, body, and self by cultivating a healing, trauma-informed, and compassionate internal environment.SESSION IN A GLANCE02:03 The Difference Between Stress, Toxic Stress, and Trauma06:41 Shifting to a Healing Mindset08:45 The Role of Perfectionism in Chronic Illness13:36 Reclaiming Your Narrative with Self-Compassion16:25 Tender vs. Fierce Self-Compassion18:37 Boundaries as an Act of Love21:35 The Importance of Your Environment and Community23:02 Your Next Small Step to Sustainable ChangeABOUT JILLIAN RIGERT, DMD, MD, ACC, TIPCDr. Jillian Rigert is an Oral Medicine Clinician-Researcher, an Air Force Veteran, and a Martha Beck-certified, Trauma-informed Professional Coach. As a clinician, she has expertise in supporting patients with the oral manifestations of systemic conditions. Her primary professional focus is examining how trauma impacts the mind, body, and relationships, and the powerful role of compassion in promoting healing. She is currently a Marriage and Family Therapy grad student with a focus in trauma.CONNECT WITH JILLIAN RIGERTWebsite → https://www.jillianrigertcoaching.com/YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@DrJillianRigertLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-rigert/Presentation Slides → https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hjCD7SgHWLglkQQHXQx3_RIPrjnod46Z/view?usp=drive_linkABOUT THE VIRTUAL SJOGREN'S SUMMITThe Virtual Sjögren's Summit is an annual patient-led online event dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering a supportive global community for everyone touched by Sjögren's. Our mission is to build networks of support, knowledge, and hope.

    25 min

  8. 07/19/2025

    Day 3 - Bianca Campbell - Intergenerational Trauma AND Resilience for Stress Reduction

    What if the patient you see as "difficult" is actually traumatized? For many living with Sjogren's, years of medical dismissal, normal lab results despite debilitating symptoms, and being told "it's all in your head" can create significant medical trauma.In this essential session, Child Trauma Response Specialist and Sjogren's patient Elise Colquitt bridges her two worlds to offer a masterclass in trauma-informed care. Drawing on her expertise in forensic interviewing and trauma therapy, she reveals how common patient behaviors—like bringing in binders of research or minimizing symptoms—are often protective defense mechanisms. She provides concrete, actionable strategies that providers can use to create emotional safety, build trust, and deliver a diagnosis with compassion.Whether you are a healthcare professional seeking to improve patient outcomes or a patient wanting to understand your own responses to the healthcare system, watch this session to learn how one validating experience can heal years of dismissal.SESSION IN A GLANCE02:35 What Medical Trauma Looks Like in Patients03:31 Defense Mechanisms vs. Difficult Behaviors08:52 The High Cost of Unrecognized Trauma09:57 Creating a Trauma-Informed Environment12:52 How Your Opening Question Sets the Tone16:19 Words That Matter: Trauma-Informed Language18:28 How to Manage Diagnosis Delivery with Care22:59 Building a Patient's Network in Real Time25:05 Your Trauma-Informed Toolkit: Knowledge into ActionABOUT ELISE COLQUITT, MSWElise Colquitt is a Child Trauma Response Specialist who provides Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and facilitates trauma-informed forensic interviews. Her professional expertise in trauma response, combined with her personal journey as a Sjogren's patient, informs her work through SPARK Advocacy Collective. Her unique perspective allows her to address the intersection of medical trauma and chronic illness, teaching evidence-based strategies to create emotionally safe environments and transform the provider-patient relationship into a collaborative partnership.CONNECT WITH ELISE COLQUITTWebsite → https://sparkadvocacycollective.com/LinkedIn → www.linkedin.com/in/elise-colquitt-700013180Presentation Slides → https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XS80wOWTtGXalVQP8PKzDpu9tR7ZxlNw/view?usp=drive_linkABOUT THE VIRTUAL SJOGREN'S SUMMITThe Virtual Sjögren's Summit is an annual patient-led online event dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering a supportive global community for everyone touched by Sjögren's. Our mission is to build networks of support, knowledge, and hope.

    24 min
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The Virtual Sjögren's Summit is an annual patient-led online event dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering a supportive global community for everyone touched by Sjögren's. Our mission is to build networks of support, knowledge, and hope.

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