Naturopathic Management of Autoimmune Disease: Clinical updates on Rheumatoid Arthritis & Systemic Lupus Erythematous – presented by Alena Guggenheim, ND
CMEs: 1.5 Pharmacy
Summary & Learning Objectives
Rheumatoid arthritis and SLE are highly unpredictable and difficult diseases to manage. Patients can have a highly varied presentation, and diagnosis is not always clear. Many physicians continue to use dated labs and diagnostic criteria when working with suspected rheumatoid arthritis. This presentation will provide a clinical update on diagnosis and provide tools to help non-conventional physicians to treat these diseases safely. Emphasis will be placed on understanding morbidity and managing risk. The most current biological conventional treatments will also be reviewed, including controversies around efficacy and risks of treatment. Attendees will leave with the confidence to diagnose, understand the complexities of conventional treatment and naturopathic management of rheumatoid arthritis and SLE.
Attendees will learn to...
1) Understand the various clinical presentations of rheumatoid arthritis and SLE
2) Be able to utilize the most up to date diagnostic criteria and testing practices
3) Be able to categorize disease severity and understand when and how to refer
4) Understand the risks, benefits and controversies of conventional treatment
5) Utilize naturopathic modalities in the management of rheumatoid arthritis and SLE
Presented by Alena Guggenheim, ND
Dr. Alena Guggenheim attended Reed College in Portland, OR and graduated with a BA in Biology in 2001. In 2007, she graduated from the National College of Natural Medicine with a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine. She completed a residency through National College of Natural Medicine in 2009; as well as participating in research regarding immune modulation with herbs and mushrooms and personality implications on health.
In 2011, Dr. Guggenheim began teaching in the Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research (MSiMR) and Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine programs at NCNM. She has taught Clinical Physical Diagnosis, Rheumatology, Microbiology and an Integrative Modalities course. She also served as a mentor for students completing the MSiMR program.
In 2015 she began working for ZOOM+ helping develop and deliver integrative care programs; currently seeing patients with an emphasis on rheumatological diseases.
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