Two Rheumatologist Speakers
To Discuss Latest Treatment Options for Lupus

(In English and in Spanish)
and Learn the Facts about Participating in Clinical Trials
Saturday, October 13, 2007
O’Connor Hospital
*Hospital Auditorium  
2105 Forest Avenue
San Jose 95128-1425
(near Hwy 880/San Carlos Ave)

**Entire First segment: 12:30 pm–3:00 pm

Part I
Journey Through the Human Body Afflicted with SLE and Current Treatment Methods 12:30–2:00 pm

Dr. Melissa McNamara is our first featured speaker for our upcoming conference on Saturday, October 13th.  Dr. McNamara is a new Rheumatologist to the Bay Area who set up practice in San Ramon in early August this year.  She recently finished her fellowship in Rheumatology at UCLA where she trained under two world experts in lupus, Dr. Bevra Hahn and Dr. Jennifer Grossman.  She will be talking about lupus treatment with a focus on organ specific manifestations.  Her resentation is entitled, “Journey Through the Human Body Afflicted with SLE: Manifestations and Current Therapies.”  Dr. McNamara has performed research in the area of Osteoporosis and will also cover the relevance of this condition to those who suffer from lupus.  Dr. McNamara is also subspecialty trained in the field of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound and will demonstrate pictures of arthritis with this new tool that enables faster and more accurate diagnosis without exposing a patient to X-ray.

Part II
Clinical Trial Participation—What to Know 2:00 pm–2:50 pm

Kathleen Arntsen is our second featured speaker. For the past 14 years she has served as President/CEO of the Lupus Foundation of Mid and Northern New York, Inc., and has volunteered within the local lupus community 22 years.  She has also been very active on both the state and national level as a patient advocate and is a persuasive and passionate voice for lupus, rheumatologic, and autoimmune diseases. Her presentation includes an overview of Clinical Research Trials with definition, purpose, and significance in developing new treatments.  It will also describe the state of lupus treatments including: past history, current medications, drugs in the pipeline, and the importance of clinical trials in finally bringing safer therapies to individuals with lupus. A free 16-page booklet entitled “Participating in Clinical Trials” will be distributed that includes a glossary of terms, overview, and lupus clinical research trial opportunities.  Objectives of the program are:  Upon completion of this session the participants should be able to recognize the benefits and risks of clinical trial participation and learn how to locate regional trial sites. 

Part III
Presentation in Spanish **3:15 pm–5:00 pm

Dr. Gabriela Schmajuk is a fellow in rheumatology at Stanford University Hospital.  She will be presenting an “Overview of the Latest Treatment Options for Lupus” in Spanish. Prior to Dr. Schmajuk’s presentation, Kathleen Arnsten, (qualifications listed above) will be present to answer questions about Clinical Trials and each participant will receive a brochure about clinical trials in Spanish. 

* In the Medical Office Building (on the right as you enter main entrance parking area for O’Connor Hospital from Forest Avenue)

** If you plan to attend, please contact the LFNC office (408) 954-8600 by Friday, October 12th, by 4:00 pm, to make a reservation for the number in your party.

Funding for the 2007 LFNC Fall Conference Provided by:

     Genentech/Biogen Idec
     Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.