Troy University Partners with ACOM to Host Rural Health Rheumatology Conference Focused on Lupus 

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Troy University’s Wiregrass Alabama Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is collaborating with the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) to present a specialized rheumatology conference designed to improve lupus care in rural communities. 

The rural health outreach conference will take place on Friday, July 18, beginning at 12 p.m. in the Team Based Learning Center at ACOM. The two-hour educational event is specifically tailored for healthcare providers serving rural populations, where access to specialized rheumatology care can be limited. 

Expert Leadership 

The conference will be led by Dr. Ariail G. Schmitz, DO, a rheumatologist affiliated with Southeast Health Medical Center. Dr. Schmitz, a 2018 ACOM graduate, currently practices at Dothan Medical Associates, where she specializes in diagnosing and treating autoimmune and inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and gout. Her background as an ACOM alumna brings valuable perspective to the educational program. 

Addressing Critical Healthcare Needs 

This conference addresses a significant gap in rural healthcare by focusing specifically on lupus, a complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of Americans. The program is designed to enhance healthcare provider knowledge and awareness of lupus in rural communities, where patients often face challenges accessing specialized care. 

The initiative aligns with the American College of Rheumatology’s nationwide effort to improve early diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care for patients with lupus. Early detection and proper management of lupus are crucial for preventing serious complications and improving patient outcomes. 

Conference Details and Registration 

Healthcare providers can participate either in person or virtually, making the educational opportunity accessible to professionals across the region. The conference includes Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits and lunch will be provided for attendees. 

Additional information is available at alahec.org/calendar_event/wiregrassruralhealthoutreach/. 

Supporting Rural Healthcare 

This conference exemplifies Troy University’s commitment to addressing healthcare disparities in rural Alabama. Through the Wiregrass AHEC, Troy University works to recruit, train, and retain Alabama’s healthcare workforce while enhancing the quality of care in rural and medically underserved areas. 

The partnership between Troy University’s AHEC and ACOM demonstrates the power of collaboration in addressing critical healthcare education needs. By bringing specialized knowledge to rural healthcare providers, this conference represents an important step toward improving lupus care and outcomes for patients throughout Alabama’s rural communities. 

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