The 2025 Annual Meeting of the Florida Society of Rheumatology brought together an inspiring community of rheumatology professionals from across Florida and beyond for a dynamic and engaging weekend of education, collaboration, and connection.

The meeting not only delivered cutting-edge clinical content and timely legislative updates, but also reaffirmed our shared mission to advance the science and practice of rheumatologic care.

The scientific program showcased a distinguished lineup of expert speakers addressing emerging therapies, translational research, practice management, and public policy. This comprehensive content provided attendees with valuable tools and insights to improve patient care in practical settings. Participants, ranging from experienced clinicians to fellows-in-training, contributed to the dynamic discussions that continue to shape FSR's impactful efforts.

Equally important, the meeting created space for professional renewal. From hallway conversations to networking receptions, the spirit of collegiality and shared purpose was palpable throughout the event.

We extend our appreciation to Dr. Manish Relan, whose exceptional leadership and tireless efforts were central to the successful planning and execution of this year’s meeting. We are also grateful to the FSR Board of Directors, our distinguished faculty of expert speakers, and our valued sponsors for their steadfast dedication to excellence.

And above all, we thank our members. Your presence, engagement, and support are what make our society thrive.

Until next year, thank you for being a part of this unforgettable gathering.

Join us in recognizing Manish Relan, MD, FACP, FACR, RhMSUS, President of the Florida Society of Rheumatology and Program Director for the 2025 FSR Annual Meeting.

The FSR Board of Directors convened to align strategic objectives, review recent advocacy successes, and shape the future of rheumatology in Florida. We are honored to be guided by a committed and passionate leadership team.

Drs. Rohit Aggarwal, Manish Relan, Dinesh Khanna and Atul Deodhar.

Dr. Janet Pope with Dr. Alison Bested.

The Florida Society of Rheumatology extends our sincere gratitude to the outstanding speakers who contributed their expertise and time to the 2025 Annual Meeting clinical program. Your commitment to education and excellence in rheumatology is vital to the continued advancement of our specialty.

• Rohit Aggarwal, MD, MS – UPMC
• Alison Bested, MD, FRCPC – NSU Florida
• John J. Cush, MD – RheumNow.com
• David Dempster, BSc, PhD, FRMS – Columbia University
• Atul Deodhar, MD, MRCP – Oregon Health & Science University
• Dinesh Khanna, MD, MSc – University of Michigan
• Jennifer Lee, MD – Texas Oncology
• Vikas Majithia, MBBS, MPH – Mayo Clinic
• Janet Pope, MD, MPH – St. Joseph’s Health Care London
• Philip Seo, MD, MHS – Johns Hopkins Medicine
• Maria Suarez-Almazor, MD, PhD – MD Anderson
• Grace Wright, MD – Association of Women in Rheumatology (AWIR)

Your contributions are helping to shape a meaningful and impactful program for the entire rheumatology community. We are honored to have you with us.

Celebrating Excellence in Research: 2025 FSR Oral Presentation Winners

The Florida Society of Rheumatology proudly congratulates the winners of this year’s Oral Presentations, held on Sunday during the 2025 Annual Meeting.

These outstanding individuals showcased compelling research and clinical insights that reflect the future of rheumatology.

Each year, FSR invites Fellows-in-Training, Residents and Medical Students from across Florida to submit abstracts of their original research or fascinating case reports in rheumatology. The top eleven abstracts are selected for oral presentation and judged live at the Annual Meeting.

Thank you to all participants for your dedication to advancing rheumatologic knowledge and care.

1st Place $1,000 Award

Luis Penaranda-Bolano, MD

Resident, University of Miami

2nd Place – $500 Award

Deepanjali Vedantam, MD

Resident, Shasta Regional Medical Center – PrimeWest Consortium

3rd Place – $250 Award

Sehreen Mumtaz, MD

Fellow, Mayo Clinic Florida

Thank you 2025 Capitol Club Members

• Manish Relan, MD - Arthritis & Rheumatology Care Center
• Robert Levin, MD – Bay Area Rheumatology
• Natalie Faith, MD – Florida Medical Clinic
• Michael Schweitz, MD
• Pamela Freeman, MD – Rheumatology Associates of Central Florida
• Vikas Majithia, MD – Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
• Priya Reddy, MD – Southwest Florida Rheumatology
• Kenneth Stark, MD – Lake Rheumatology
• Catherine Kowal, MD
• Vipul Joshi, MD - Bay Area Arthritis and Osteoporosis
• Vedashree Panthulu, MD – Sunshine Rheumatology
• Rodney Daniel, MD – Bay Area Rheumatology
• Marc J Hirsh, MD, – The Hirsh Center
• Meredith Hirsh – The Hirsh Center
• Meera Oza, MD - Arthritis & Osteoporosis Treatment Center Jacksonville
• Olga Kromo, MD – Rheumwell
• Brian Kirby, MD - West Florida Medical Center Clinic
• Howard Busch, MD – Family Arthritis Center
• Guillermo Valenzuela, MD
• Shawn Baca, MD
• Michael Weitz, MD 
• Catherine Garcia, MD

Alexion Pharmaceuticals

Altus Biologics

American Rheumatology Network

ANI Pharmaceuticals

ANI Pharmaceuticals Sovuna

Aqtual

Arthritis Foundation

Association of Women In Rheumatology

Bendcare

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals

Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim Medical

Bristol Myers Squibb Medical 3

Canon Medical Systems

Cencora

CSRO

CuraScript SD by Evernorth

FleishmanHillard

Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health

Fresenius Kabi

Genentech

Immunovant

Infinity Care Solutions/Arcare

Intrafusion by McKesson

INVIVYD

IV Solutions RX

IVX Health

Kiniksa

Kroger Specialty Pharmacy

Kyowa Kirin

McKesson MID

National Organization of Rheumatology Management

National Scleroderma Foundation Florida & Puerto Rico Chapter

NextGen Healthcare

Novartis - Ilaris

Nufactor

Octapharma

Primus Pharmaceuticals

Radius Health

RhAPP

RhAPP

Rheumatology Research Foundation

Rheumera

Risk-Strategies Company

Sandoz Inc.

Sobi

Sobi Medical

SoundRheum Diagnostics

Teva Pharmaceuticals

The Leaders Rheum

TheraTest

Tonix Pharmaceuticals

United Therapeutics

Zenas BioPharma

Zura Bio

Please submit your quizzes to claim credit by July 10, 2025.

Physicians

AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare designates this live activity for a maximum of 18.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 18.25 MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. Participants will earn MOC points equivalent to the amount of CME credits claimed for the activity. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

Nurses

Credit being awarded: 18.25 ANCC contact hours

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