2026 Annual meeting
The Ohio Association of Rheumatology’s 2026 Annual Meeting took place August 21–22 at The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center in Lewis Center, Ohio. Each year, this premier educational and networking event brings together rheumatologists, advanced practice providers, fellows, residents, researchers, and industry partners dedicated to advancing rheumatologic care in Ohio.
For more than 20 years, the OAR Annual Meeting has featured expert-led educational sessions covering the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases, emerging therapies, and issues impacting patient access to care. Attendees have opportunities to engage with nationally recognized speakers, participate in meaningful discussions with peers, and gain practical insights that can be applied directly to patient care.
In addition to outstanding educational programming, the meeting provides valuable opportunities to connect with colleagues, strengthen professional relationships, and collaborate on the challenges and opportunities facing the rheumatology community.
Whether you are a seasoned practitioner, a trainee, or an allied healthcare professional, the OAR Annual Meeting offers an exceptional opportunity to learn, network, and help shape the future of rheumatology in Ohio.
Stay tuned for details about the Ohio Association of Rheumatology's 2027 Annual Meeting.
2026 Agenda
Friday, August 21, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm:
The Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Treatment of Lyme Arthritis & Case Presentations
Speaker: Allen Steere, MD
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm:
Industry Symposium Lunch – Amgen Rare Disease
Disease State: Opportunities to Further Care in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis: GPA and MPA
Speaker: Alexa Meara, MD
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm:
GLP-1 Therapies in Rheumatic Disease Management
Speaker: Orrin M. Troum, MD, MACR
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm:
Dessert Break & Networking with Exhibitors
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm:
Medically Integrated Dispensing - The Good, the Bad and the Uncertainty - Navigating the Future of Rheumatology Independent Practice
Speaker: Nehad Soloman, MD, FACR (Virtual)
5:00 pm - 6:15 pm:
The Hypermobility Spectrum: From Benign Flexibility to Systemic Disorder
Moderator: Stacy Ardoin, MD
Panelists: Lora L. Black, PhD, MPH; William Black, PhD, HSP; Iziegbe K. Ehiorobo, MBBS; Laura Pratt, MD, RhMSUS
6:15 pm - 6:45 pm:
State & Federal Affairs Update
Speaker: Monica Hueckel & Stephanie Ott, MD
6:45 pm - 7:45 pm:
Welcome Reception
7:45 pm - 9:00 pm:
OAR Annual Dinner and Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation
Honoring Lifetime Achievement Award Winners: Dr. Daniel Lovell and Dr. Chad Deal (Posthumous Recognition)
Saturday, August 22, 2026
7:30 am - 8:30 am:
Industry Symposium Breakfast - UCB
Unveiling New Evidence in PsA Joint Efficacy Be Bold: A Head-to-Head Superiority Trial in PsA
Speaker: Bret Sohn, MD
8:30 am - 9:15 am:
Poster Session & Networking with Exhibitors
9:15 am - 10:15 am:
Thieves Market
10:15 am - 10:45 am:
Refreshment Break & Networking with Exhibitors
10:45 am - 11:45 am:
Artificial Intelligence in Rheumatology: Promise, Pitfalls, and Practical Applications
Speaker: Bella Mehta, MBBS, MS, MD
11:45 am - 12:45 pm:
Industry Symposium Lunch - Sanofi
The History, the Present, the Future: KEVZARA in RA, PMR, and pJIA
Speaker: Orrin M. Troum, MD, MACR
12:45 pm - 1:35 pm:
Deciphering the Genetic Complexity of Lupus
Speaker: Linda T. Hiraki, MD, FRCPC, ScD
1:35 pm - 2:25 pm:
Understanding Still’s Disease and Its Complications
Speaker: Grant Schulert, MD, PhD
2:25 pm - 2:35 pm:
Annual Business Meeting
2:35 pm - 5:00 pm:
Fellows Program (Open to All Attendees)
Fellows Program Agenda
2:35 pm - 2:50 pm:
Welcome and Introductions
2:50 pm - 3:50 pm:
A Day in the Life Panel
Host: Aya Abugharbyeh, MD
Speakers: Linda T. Hiraki, MD, FRCPC, ScD, Grant Schulert, MD, PhD, Fatima Barbar-Smiley, MD, Melissa Argraves, MD, Meriah Moore, MD, Stephanie Ott, MD, and Nina Couette, DO
3:50 pm - 4:00 pm:
Break
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm:
AI in Medicine
Speaker: Mike Patrick, MD
4:30 pm - 5:00 pm:
Financial Wellness
Speaker: Jake Seymour, DO