Up to Our Neck in Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: A Lifespan Look at Women’s Health

September 13, 2024 @ 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm EDT

Autoimmune diseases affect more than 24 million Americans, 80% of which are women. They are among the leading causes of death for young and middle-aged women and contribute significantly to increased medical and economic costs and reduced quality of life. In particular, autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) are among the most common autoimmune diseases with more than 85% of cases occurring in women. There are several variants of AITD with the most common types being Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (hypothyroidism). Patients with AITD are also often diagnosed with other autoimmune diseases and comorbid conditions.

As with other autoimmune diseases, AITD may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors and can impact individuals throughout their lifespan. AITD may develop and be diagnosed during adolescence, pregnancy, or post menopause. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of AITDs are imperative to reducing potential physical and cognitive delays in childhood, adverse pregnancy outcomes, associated health problems, and reduced quality of life.

The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) is hosting a webinar to discuss autoimmune thyroid diseases, highlighting the risks and impacts of AITD on women’s health, the breadth of experiences for women living with AITD across the lifespan, and innovations in diagnostics and treatment.

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Details

Date:
September 13, 2024
Time:
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm EDT
Event Categories:
, , , ,
Website:
https://swhr-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2W3AIs7OTtKMo7ZSvNSQuQ

Venue

Virtual Event

Organizer

SWHR

Goals

  • Provide an overview of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD)
  • Highlight the breadth of symptoms and presentations of AITD throughout the life course
  • Increase awareness about the diagnosis and treatment of AITD in adolescence, pregnancy, and post menopause
  • Spotlight innovations in diagnostic and treatment approaches for thyroid disease

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Speakers

Deepa Kirk, MD

Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine

Deepa Kirk, MD

Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine

Deepa Kirk, MD, is an endocrinologist whose academic clinical practice focuses on the management of adults with thyroid disease and general endocrine conditions. She is a Clinical Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology in the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

Dr. Kirk’s passion for diagnosing and treating thyroid disease began early in her career. She wanted to focus on an area of endocrinology that was common, that affected women disproportionately, and that required education and advocacy throughout the lifespan. Thyroid disease was a natural choice. Moreover, as thyroid disorders require a clear understanding of hormonal pathways and cellular processes, they offered a daily opportunity to navigate the critical intersection between basic science, clinical knowledge, and patient care.

Dr. Kirk has held several administrative roles that focus on streamlining and advancing clinical care. She currently serves as the Associate Chief of Clinical Affairs for the UNC Division of Endocrinology, and as the Associate Vice Chair for Outpatient Services for the UNC Department of Medicine. She previously served as Medical Director of the UNC Faculty Practice Endocrinology Clinic (2014-2024).

One of Dr. Kirk’s greatest joys is helping to educate the next generation of physicians and physician-scientists. She precepts endocrine fellows in their weekly continuity clinic, works with residents and medical students in her own clinic, and has directed several undergraduate medical courses in the UNC School of Medicine.
Faculty Profile Website: https://www.med.unc.edu/medicine/endocrinology-metabolism/people/deepa-kirk-md/

Patricia Vuguin, MD

Professor of Pediatrics, Director of the Pediatric Endocrine Fellowship Program, Director of the Pediatric Thyroid Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeon

Patricia Vuguin, MD

Professor of Pediatrics, Director of the Pediatric Endocrine Fellowship Program, Director of the Pediatric Thyroid Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeon

Dr. Vuguin received her medical degree from the University of Buenos Aires, School of Medicine in Argentina and completed her residency in pediatrics and her fellowship in pediatric endocrinology at the Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University. Later on, she also earned her Master of Science in clinical research methods from the same institution.

Dr. Vuguin is a professor of pediatrics, the director of the Pediatric Endocrine Fellowship Program and the director of the Pediatric Thyroid Center at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, NY. She has also provided clinical care at Cohen’s Children Hospital, North Shore-Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Health System (now Northwell Health), Jacobi Medical Center and Montefiore Medical Center.

Additionally, Dr. Vuguin has published more than 50 peer-reviewed articles in research journals and has presented her research findings at national and international meetings. She is an active member of the Pediatric Endocrine Society and the Society of Pediatric Research. In 2021, Dr. Vuguin was appointed to the pediatric endocrinology subcommittee at the American Board of Pediatrics and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Review Committee for Pediatrics and has recently participated in the revision of the pediatric endocrine milestones 2.0.

Layla Lohmann, DDS

Patient Advocate; Clinical Director, Apex Dental Partners

Layla Lohmann, DDS

Patient Advocate; Clinical Director, Apex Dental Partners

Dr. Layla Lohmann is a dedicated dentist, patient advocate, and the co-founder and Clinical Director of Apex Dental Partners. She earned her undergraduate degree and dental degree from the University of Oklahoma and has served on the clinical faculty at Texas A&M College of Dentistry. Dr. Lohmann is actively involved in the Texas Dental Association’s Peer Review Committee and continues to see patients in private practice.

Diagnosed with Graves’ disease at 12 and later discovering she had Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) during her first pregnancy, Dr. Lohmann has lived with autoimmune conditions for over 26 years. Her personal journey led her to become a passionate advocate for others battling TED. She played a crucial role in building the TED Community Organization and now hosts TED EDU webinars. Dr. Lohmann has led public forums, participated in Patient Empowerment Programs, and served as a peer mentor.

A mom of two young kids and a recent graduate of Glidewell’s Guiding Leaders program, Dr. Lohmann is committed to bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers. She believes that education empowers individuals to make informed decisions, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to healthcare that benefits all.

Sponsor

Support for this educational program has been provided by Johnson & Johnson. SWHR maintains independence and editorial control over program development, content, and work products.