In this episode of Around the Rheum, Dan and Janet sit down with Dr. Kam Shojania and Dr. Sheila Au from the DART (Dermatology–Rheumatology) Clinic at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver to explore how the dermatologic lens can transform rheumatology practice.
From alopecia to facial rashes, morphea to lichen planus, this conversation unpacks the some of the diagnostic traps rheumatologists commonly fall into — and how a morphology-first approach can improve accuracy and patient care.
We discuss:
- Why “maculopapular” isn’t a great descriptor
- Scarring vs. non-scarring alopecia in lupus
- Rosacea and other mimics of the malar rash
- Lichen planus, morphea, and eosinophilic fasciitis
- The difference between “lumpers” and “splitters” in medicine
- When to biopsy — and how deep it needs to be
If you see rashes in your clinic patients — this episode will change how you think about them!
Dr. Kam Shojania is a Clinical Professor at the University of British Columbia, Head of Rheumatology at Vancouver General Hospital, and Medical Director of the Mary Pack Arthritis Program. He co-leads the DART Clinic at St. Paul's Hospital, a combined dermatology-rheumatology clinic focused on complex inflammatory skin and connective tissue diseases.
Dr. Sheila Au is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Dermatology and Skin Science at the University of British Columbia and a medical dermatologist at St. Paul’s Hospital. She co-leads the DART Clinic and specializes in inflammatory and autoimmune skin disease, with a focus on morphology-based diagnosis and collaborative care.
Around The Rheum is produced by the CRA Communications Committee. A special thank you to the podcast team, Dr. Dax G. Rumsey (CRA Communications Committee Chair), Dr. Daniel Ennis (Host), Dr. Janet Pope (Host) David McGuffin (exploreproductions.ca) and Erin Stewart (CRA) for leading production.
Our theme music was composed by Aaron Fontwell.
For more on the work of the Canadian Rheumatology Association, visit rheum.ca
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