Overview
The recorded plenary sessions from the 2025 Early Career Professional Program on Interstitial Lung Disease are ideal for learners who are committed to improving their diagnostic skills, expanding their understanding of ILDs, and preparing for successful clinical practice. This multi-session preceptorship program emphasizes real-world application and the integration of multidisciplinary perspectives and is certified for up to 4.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.
Recorded Session Topics
First and Foremost: Centering on the Patient
In these first two sessions, you will hear from Theresa, a patient living with interstitial lung disease (ILD), and Dolly Kervitsky, RCP, CCRC, CNP, a respiratory therapist and patient advocate, as they discuss the challenges of living with ILD, the importance of early and accurate diagnosis, and the vital role of education, empathy, and collaboration in improving patient care and outcomes.
ILD: Prevalence, Pathophysiology, and Burden of Disease
Dr. Deji Adegunsoye will explore the epidemiology and prevalence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) subtypes, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, connective tissue disease-associated ILD, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. He will discuss the current understanding of disease mechanisms—from alveolar injury to fibrosis—along with the influence of genetics, environment, and comorbidities on progression. His talk will also address diagnostic challenges, the broad societal and patient burden, and ongoing unmet needs and research gaps in ILD management.
Dr. Corey D. Kershaw discusses strategies for building and sustaining a successful career in academic pulmonary medicine, with a focus on interstitial lung disease (ILD). He highlights how to evaluate and negotiate job opportunities, balance inpatient and outpatient responsibilities, and structure time for research, teaching, and administrative duties. Dr. Kershaw also emphasizes the importance of mentorship, multidisciplinary collaboration, and thoughtful career planning to achieve professional growth and fulfillment in academic medicine.
Diagnostic Guidelines and Best Practices
In this session, Dr. Joyce S. Lee provides a detailed overview of how to recognize, diagnose, and evaluate interstitial lung disease (ILD), with a focus on autoimmune-associated forms. The discussion equips clinicians with practical strategies to identify ILD early and improve patient outcomes through coordinated care.
Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease
In this session, Dr. Anna Podolanczuk provides an in-depth review of the diagnostic approach to interstitial lung disease (ILD), emphasizing the integration of clinical, imaging, and pathologic findings within a multidisciplinary discussion (MDD).
Current Treatment Approaches
In this session, Dr. Kerri Aronson reviews the use of antifibrotic, immunosuppressive, and supportive therapies in treating fibrosing ILDs beyond IPF. She discusses balancing efficacy, safety, and timing of treatment, emphasizing individualized care and the importance of early intervention to improve patient outcomes.
Managing Co-morbidities and Complications
In this session, Dr. Scott Matson discusses strategies for managing common comorbidities and complications in patients with ILD, including pulmonary hypertension, GERD, and infections. He also reviews emerging therapies and clinical trials, highlighting novel targets and advances that may soon expand treatment options for fibrosing lung diseases.
Shared Decision-Making and Patient Education in Therapy Selection
Watch as Drs. Scott Matson and Kerri Aronson, joined by patient Theresa Genovese, discuss the principles of shared decision-making (SDM) and the SHARE approach in the management of interstitial lung disease (ILD).
From Insights to Action: Key Takeaways, Expert Reflections, and SMART Goals in ILD Care
This bonus audio reconvenes the main session with key takeaways from breakout discussions, as group spokespersons share insights moderated by Dr. Fernando J. Martinez. The faculty panel then explores lessons from the front lines of interstitial lung disease (ILD) care, featuring expert perspectives and patient experiences that illuminate current challenges and future directions. The discussion concludes with SMART goals to help learners apply evidence-based strategies and shape a new era in ILD management.
Who Should Participate
Rheumatologists, pulmonologists, NPs, PAs, fellows, and residents who have been in practice for less than 10 years with an interest in interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) . This activity is certified for up to 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.
What You Will Learn
At the conclusion of this activity, learners will be able to better:
- Identify the pathophysiology, prevalence, and burden of disease associated with fibrosing ILDs
- Integrate updated diagnostic guidelines, tools, and best practices to identify fibrosing ILDs earlier and with greater accuracy
- Implement a multidisciplinary approach to manage common comorbidities and improve disease management of fibrosing ILDs
Upon completion of the pre-evaluation survey, learners will have an opportunity to submit a question for faculty response.
Royal College MOC
MIPS Improvement Activity
ABIM MOC