The University of Findlay’s College of Pharmacy will present “Connective Tissue Disease – Focusing on Rheumatoid Arthritis” from 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, in the Alumni Memorial Union.  

This presentation is part of the college’s Grand Rounds series, continuing education activities for health care providers. There is no cost to attend, and registration is not required.  

Bradley Shinn, Pharm.D., associate professor of pharmacy at Findlay, and Michael Lindamood, M.D., doctor of internal medicine at Blanchard Health Medical Associates Inc., will present the program.  

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most crippling form of arthritis, which affects approximately 1.3 million Americans. Women are affected two to three times more often than men.  

After completing this activity the participant will be able to:  

•       Define rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
•       Identify the common symptoms and diagnostic modalities to effectively treat patients who have been diagnosed with this disease.
•       Identify how arthritis affects the patient’s joints and the range of motion to effectively determine radiographic approach and appropriate care of the patient.
•       Determine the various therapies that can relieve symptoms or provide partial improvement in patients.
•       Identify various social support systems (medical, group therapies, home) to assist with psychological side effects of RA (anger, hostility, frustration, depression).
•       List the medications that can be used to effectively treat RA.
•       Explain specific circumstances when a patient who has been diagnosed with RA should consult his or her pharmacist.  

For additional information, contact Anne Hermiller in The University of Findlay’s College of Pharmacy at 419-434-6610.