YOU DON’T HAVE TO NAVIGATE SJÖGREN’S ALONE.
Join the Virtual
Sjogren’s Summit 2025
Built By and For People Who Get It.
The 4th Annual Virtual Sjögren’s Summit is a free, three-day online event designed to help you connect, learn, and build the support system your journey deserves.
July 17–19, 2025 | Online (Join From Anywhere in the World)
Hosted by Dr. Kara Wada
Countdown to Connection Begins In...
Feeling Misunderstood, Unseen, or Unsure?
You're Not Alone.
You're exhausted by symptoms—and by having to explain them.
You feel like you're carrying your diagnosis alone—without a team.
You crave connection, answers, and care that actually fits your life.
You've been told "everything looks fine" but you know something isn't.
You're overwhelmed by conflicting advice and constant decisions.
Now Imagine This...
Feeling Seen
Surrounded by people who truly understand Sjögren's.
Feeling Supported
By clinicians, advocates, and fellow patients.
Feeling Empowered
With practical strategies you can actually use.
Feeling Connected
To a community that makes space for your story.
Feeling Hopeful
With new tools, insights, and clarity for your path forward.
That's why the Sjögren's Summit exists—to co-create this future with you.
This Isn't Just a Summit.
It's a Movement.
The Virtual Sjögren's Summit is a free, community-driven event built around three pillars of support:
Your Healthcare Team: How to build a collaborative circle of care.
Your Support System: Tips for nurturing friendships, family dynamics, and peer connections.
Our Collective Power: Advocacy, awareness, and supporting others with Sjögren’s.
Born in 2022 from a desire to end the isolation of a Sjogren's diagnosis, this summit has grown into a global gathering.
For the past three years, we've brought together thousands of patients, caregivers, and leading experts to share knowledge, find validation, and build lasting connections.
This 4th annual event is our most focused and interactive yet—the culmination of everything we've learned together, for you.
Learn From Experts Who Lead with
Science and Empathy
From board-certified specialists to patient advocates, our lineup includes some of the
most trusted voices in Sjögren's care and lived experience. You'll hear real stories, practical strategies, and evidence-informed perspectives that meet you where you are.
Speaker Name
Speaker TitleThree Days of Connection, Clarity, and Community
Every session is designed to be digestible, compassionate, and relevant—no jargon,
just real solutions. All times are in Eastern Time (EST).
Day 1: Connection & Compassion | Thursday, July 17, 2025
| Time(EST) | Session Block | Session Title & Description | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | Opening |
Welcome & Opening Remarks A warm welcome to the summit, an overview of our goals, and a guide to navigating the event. |
Dr. Kara Wada |
| 12:15 PM | Opening |
Opening Keynote An inspiring message to set the tone for three days of connection, learning, and community building. |
Dr. Kara Wada |
| 12:30 PM | Patient Stories: Embracing the Journey |
Shouldn’t take this long A powerful patient story detailing a decade-long journey to a seronegative Sjogren’s diagnosis and the power of self-advocacy. |
Kerri Washer |
| 1:00 PM | Patient Stories: Embracing the Journey |
“Can You See Me Now? If Seeing is Believing – What if You’re Just Not Looking Hard Enough” A raw, unfiltered look at the fight to be seen, heard, and believed while living with an invisible illness. |
Courtney Whitney |
| 1:30 PM | Live Engagement |
LIVE Q&A: Sjogren’s Myths vs. Realities Join a dynamic, live Q&A session to get answers to your most pressing questions about navigating diagnosis and care. |
Dr. Sarah Schafer |
| 2:15 PM | Patient Stories: Embracing the Journey |
Living with Sjogren’s and concurrent auto-immune conditions – a life on the very dry side! Explore a patient’s journey through concurrent autoimmune conditions and the importance of building a compassionate, multi-disciplinary care team. |
Amanda Turnill |
| 2:45 PM | Patient Stories: Embracing the Journey |
Development of Sjogrens Australia The inspiring story of bringing together the best minds in Sjogren’s disease in Australia to fulfill an unmet community need. |
Gavin Marshall |
| 3:15 PM | Break |
Break & Transition A short break to stretch, refresh, and prepare for our live interactive session. |
N/A |
| 3:30 PM | Live AAP Session |
LIVE: “My Sjögren’s Journey: Micro-Storytelling & Connection” Join an intimate, moderated breakout room to connect with fellow attendees by sharing brief, personal stories. (All-Access Pass Only) |
Event Facilitators & Moderators |
| 5:00 PM | Closing |
Wrap-up Day 1 & Preview Day 2 A recap of the day’s key takeaways and a look ahead to what’s coming on Day 2. |
Dr. Kara Wada |
Day 2: Holistic Well-being & Evolving Care Models | Friday, July 18, 2025
| Time(EST) | Session Block | Session Title & Description | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Opening |
Welcome Back & Day 2 Overview Kick off Day 2 with a warm welcome and an overview of the day’s empowering sessions. |
Dr. Kara Wada |
| 9:15 AM | Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine: Foundations |
Anti Inflammatory diet for Sjogrens Learn about the relationship between diet and Sjogren’s and discover practical approaches to anti-inflammatory eating. |
Micah Yu, MD |
| 9:45 AM | Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine: Foundations |
Movement, Mindfulness & Moisture: A Holistic Yoga Therapy Approach to Sjögren’s Explore gentle, accessible yoga therapy practices to address fatigue, joint pain, and emotional stress. |
Melanie McNally |
| 10:15 AM | Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine: Foundations |
Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among people living with Sjögren’s An evidence-based look at CAM, emphasizing the importance of communication with your healthcare team. |
James Barlow |
| 10:45 AM | Break |
Break A 15-minute break to refresh. |
N/A |
| 11:00 AM | Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine: Specific Apps |
Sjogrens Disease and Dry Eyes – How can I get back into Eye makeup? Get an ophthalmologist’s overview of dry eye treatment options and learn how to safely get back into wearing eye makeup. |
Diane Hilal-Campo, MD |
| 11:30 AM | Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine: Specific Apps |
Tapping Into Your Healing Powers: Emotional Freedom Technique for Everyday Well-Being Learn how to use EFT (Tapping), a gentle, body-based method to regulate the nervous system and lower stress. |
Dympna Weil, MD, FACOG |
| 12:00 PM | Break |
Lunch Break A one-hour break for lunch. |
N/A |
| 1:00 PM | Roundtable Discussion |
Roundtable: Navigating New Frontiers in Healthcare Join a dynamic discussion on new care models, the role of technology, and how patients can find care that truly meets their needs. |
Bonnie Feldman, DDS; Brittany Panico, MD; Zachary Spiritos, MD, MPH |
| 2:15 PM | Live AAP Session |
LIVE: “Sjögren’s Solutions Exchange” Brainstorm and share practical, peer-tested solutions for specific Sjogren’s challenges in a facilitated breakout room. (All-Access Pass Only) |
Event Facilitators & Moderators |
| 3:45 PM | Break |
Break A 15-minute break to recharge. |
N/A |
| 4:00 PM | Personal Growth & Emotional Well-being |
Who Deserves Your Magic?: Cultivating Your Sense of Agency to Build a Network that Nourishes Learn how to improve self-advocacy skills, set boundaries, and bolster your resilience. |
Jacqueline Marks, MA |
| 4:30 PM | Personal Growth & Emotional Well-being |
Chronic Illness Financial Trauma: Plan for Quality Understand how to flip the narrative on financial trauma from chronic illness to alleviate stress and improve quality of life. |
Priya Freeman |
| 5:00 PM | Personal Growth & Emotional Well-being |
The Acceptance Paradox: How I Stopped Fighting Chronic Illness & Started Thriving WITH it Learn how to thrive with your condition using practical strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. |
Cheryl Crow, OTR/L |
| 5:30 PM | Personal Growth & Emotional Well-being |
Integrative Approaches to Sleep Discover holistic approaches including nutrition, supplements, and behavioral strategies to optimize your sleep quality. |
Nishi Bhopal, MD |
| 6:00 PM | Closing |
Wrap-up Day 2 & Preview Day 3 A recap of the day and a look ahead to the final day of the summit. |
Dr. Kara Wada |
Day 3: Community, Connection & Future Paths | Saturday, July 19, 2025
| Time(EST) | Session Block | Session Title & Description | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Opening |
Welcome Back & Day 3 Kick-off Join us as we kick off our final day focused on building your community and looking toward the future. |
Dr. Kara Wada |
| 9:15 AM | Understanding Trauma & Building Resilience |
The Trauma-Informed Provider: Supporting Patients Through Early Diagnosis Navigation Learn to recognize trauma responses and create emotional safety in clinical settings. |
Elise Colquitt |
| 9:45 AM | Understanding Trauma & Building Resilience |
Intergenerational Trauma AND Resilience for Stress Reduction Discover how to tap into the resilience of your ancestors and build a more expansive support network to help you thrive. |
Bianca Campbell |
| 10:15 AM | Understanding Trauma & Building Resilience |
The Importance of Compassionate, Trauma-Informed Care To Cultivate Healing Examine the connection between trauma and autoimmune disease, and the role of compassion in healing. |
Jillian Rigert, DMD, MD |
| 10:45 AM | Building Your Sjögren’s Network: Support & Advocacy |
Networking and Advocacy – Making a Difference Together Learn powerful lessons on how to successfully network, leverage patient knowledge, and advocate effectively within the community. |
Bexi Lobo, PhD |
| 11:15 AM | Break |
Break A 15-minute break to refresh before the next sessions. |
N/A |
| 11:30 AM | Building Your Sjögren’s Network: Support & Advocacy |
Hack Your Healthcare: Top 10 Tips for Tough Talks with Docs Get practical scripts and strategies to communicate confidently and clearly with your healthcare providers. |
Kristina Kelly, BCPA |
| 12:00 PM | Building Your Sjögren’s Network: Support & Advocacy |
Caring for Someone You Love Without Losing Yourself Discover strategies for caregivers to provide compassionate support without becoming depleted and overwhelmed. |
Delia Chiaramonte, MD |
| 12:30 PM | Break |
Lunch Break A one-hour break for lunch. |
N/A |
| 1:30 PM | Building Your Sjögren’s Network: Support & Advocacy |
The Power of Connection: How Emotional Resilience and Support Networks Promote Healing... Explore the science of the mind-body connection and how relationships can support healing. |
Eva Selhub, MD |
| 2:00 PM | Building Your Sjögren’s Network: Support & Advocacy |
Fireside Chat: Redefining Ambition & Building a Network That Thrives Join a candid conversation about redefining success and finding your community after a chronic illness diagnosis. |
Lilly Stairs & Dr. Kara Wada |
| 2:30 PM | Roundtable Discussion |
Roundtable: The Clinical Trial Journey: Patient Perspectives & Insights Hear directly from patients about their experiences navigating the world of Sjogren’s clinical trials. |
Janet Stein & Patient Guests |
| 3:30 PM | Special Presentation |
Beyond Medication: The 3-Visit Immune Reset Dr. Kara Wada unveils a revolutionary approach using ultrasound-guided immunotherapy to reprogram the immune response for Sjogren's patients. |
Dr. Kara Wada |
| 4:15 PM | Closing |
Closing Keynote & Summit Wrap-up A final, inspiring message to summarize key takeaways and encourage continued engagement with the community. |
Dr. Kara Wada |
Here's What Past Attendees Have to Say...
For the first time since my diagnosis, I felt truly seen. This summit was a lifeline.
– 2024 Attendee
Thank you for organizing such an informative and easy to access event.
– 2024 Attendee
It gave me the power to speak up for myself.
– Loretta, 2022 Attendee
I was more prepared for my doctor visit as a result of the information I received.
– Melba L., 2022 Attendee
I thought it was excellent & very comprehensive…the topics, speakers, continuity, platform. Thank you so very much.
– 2023 Attendee
I'm just so appreciative for this summit. I'm absolutely exhausted but feel I have so many more tools I can use now. Thank you so much!!!
– 2024 Attendee
Enjoyed every single one of them. Gleaned excellent information from all presentations. The gut focus was especially timely as I've been struggling.
– 2024 Attendee
The Sjogren's and MCAS connection... the talk was so helpful. Dr. Kara, the talk was so helpful and hopefully you'll expand on MCAS next year!
– 2024 Attendee
Be more insistent and proactive with my doctors—find new ones. I heard that I deserve to be heard and listened to and if I am not, I need to find doctors who will listen.
– Andrea K., 2022 Attendee
This summit gave me tools to begin making positive changes. I am thankful for all of the speakers and for having this community to know I am not alone.
– Stephanie H., 2022 Attendee
This summit had the most impact on my psychological well being. It is a real disease, with real symptoms, and we can create real coping strategies.
– Meg C., 2022 Attendee
Will definitely get the paid pass next time if it is offered the same way. This Summit was great! Some new information and some new things to think about for sure.
– 2024 Attendee
This summit has verified how all patients have to educate nurses, and doctors. It has to be done in a way that the professionals don’t think you just read Dr. Google! Having the references and clinical studies... is extremely important.
– 2024 Attendee
I personally get more out of your summits than from the Foundation ones... Thank you so much for your labor of love this past weekend! The quality of your work is always outstanding!
– 2024 Attendee
This was better than the Sjogren's Foundation virtual meeting... easier to follow and use, and additional practical ideas on how to help ourselves. Having MDs at the forefront of this effort makes a difference in quality.
– Healthcare Provider, 2024 Attendee
It felt good to not feel alone. I still feel like an oddball without an official diagnosis, seems like for many it takes years.
– 2024 Attendee
Choose Your Summit Experience
Live Access Pass - FREE
A great choice if you plan to join us live and want to experience the summit in real time.
What's Included:
Live access to all sessions as they premiere (July 17–19)
20+ expert presentations from leading physicians, advocates, and patients
Entry to the private Summit Hub for community discussion and connection
Easy access — no downloads or tech headaches, just log in and join
Early Bird Price
All-Access Pass - $47
Goes up to $77 after July 19
Perfect if you want flexibility, on-demand replays, and deeper community access.
What's Included:
Everything in the Live Access Pass, PLUS...
LIFETIME On-Demand Access to all session recordings — watch anytime, at your own pace.
Audio Podcast Playlist of all sessions to listen on the go.
Complete Transcripts (PDFs) of every session.
2 Live, Small-Group Networking Sessions for face-to-face connection via video.
Bonus Group Q&A + Coaching Session with Dr. Kara in August.
Digital Swag Bag with exclusive resources, tools, and discounts.
Your All-Access purchase helps sustain this patient-led summit and expand its reach. Thank you for your support!
Questions? We've Got Answers.
Here are some common questions about the summit. If you don't find your answer here,
please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].
Who is this event for?
This summit is for anyone whose life is touched by Sjögren’s. This includes newly diagnosed patients, long-term patients, caregivers, friends, family members, and healthcare professionals (like physicians, nurses, dietitians, and therapists) who wish to deepen their understanding of the patient experience. You are welcome here.
What if I can’t attend all the sessions live?
We understand completely! Life with a chronic illness is unpredictable. That's why we created the All-Access Pass. While the live summit dates are July 17-19, purchasing the All-Access Pass gives you lifetime, on-demand access to all session recordings, transcripts, and audio files. You can watch and learn at your own pace, whenever you feel up to it, without any pressure.
How exactly does a "virtual summit" work?
It's like a conference, but from the comfort of your own home! A few days before the summit begins, you will receive an email with a unique, private link to our secure Summit Hub. Each day of the event, you'll use that link to log in and see the day's schedule. You can watch the pre-recorded sessions as they premiere and join the live Q&A and networking sessions. It's all managed through a simple, easy-to-use webpage.
What is the difference between General Admission and the All-Access Pass?
- General Admission (Free): This gives you access to watch all the pre-recorded presentations as they are released during the live summit dates (July 17-19). You can also participate in the text-based Summit Hub community chat.
- All-Access Pass (Paid): This includes everything in the free pass, PLUS: lifetime access to all recordings, downloadable audio files (MP3s) and transcripts (PDFs), exclusive access to our three live small-group video networking sessions, a bonus Q&A session with Dr. Kara in August, and the Digital Swag Bag.
What are the live small-group networking sessions?
These are a core feature of the All-Access Pass and the heart of our "Building Your Sjogren's Network" theme! They are live, 90-minute video calls where you will be placed in an intimate breakout room with a trained moderator and a small group of other participants (aiming to keep groups to 8-10 people at most). These are not lectures; they are guided conversations designed to foster real, face-to-face connection and peer support.
What time zone is the event in?
All scheduled times are listed in Eastern Time (ET). If you are in a different time zone, we recommend using a time zone converter like worldtimebuddy.com to find your local time. Remember, with the All-Access Pass, you can watch the recordings anytime!
Do I need any special software or technology?
Nope! All you need is a device with a web browser (like a computer, tablet, or smartphone) and a stable internet connection. To participate in the live video networking sessions (part of the All-Access Pass), a webcam and microphone are required.
Is this event providing medical advice?
No. The Virtual Sjogren's Summit is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your own healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Why is there a cost for the All-Access Pass if the summit is free?
We are committed to making the core educational content accessible to everyone, which is why we offer the live viewing for free. The All-Acess Pass helps us cover the significant costs of running a high-quality virtual event, including technology platforms, transcription services, marketing, and compensating our team for their dedicated work. Your purchase directly supports the sustainability and future of this patient-led summit.
What is your refund policy for the All-Access Pass?
Due to the digital nature of the product and immediate access to materials, we do not offer refunds for the All-Access Pass. Please review the benefits carefully before purchasing to ensure it's the right fit for you. We are confident you will find immense value in the resources provided
Presented with Gratitude
The 4th Annual Virtual Sjogren's Summit is presented by The Immune Confident Institute, as part of our ongoing commitment to providing accessible, patient-centered education and fostering a supportive global community for those navigating Sjogren's.
Learn more about our mission at www.drkarawada.com.
It’s Time to Feel Supported. Seen. Empowered.
Here are some common questions about the summit. If you don't find your answer here,
please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].
