I spent most of the summit with tears in my eyes — I was finally learning. Finally hearing others talk about real symptoms, real lifestyles, and actual information on this disease.
Past Virtual Sjögren's Summit Attendee
All Access Pass — $47 Early Bird through June 21 · Save 39% before Standard pricing
Stronger With Sjögren's: Thriving in the New Era of Treatment & Self-Management
You've done the work of getting diagnosed, finding specialists, and staying informed. Now you deserve a map for what to actually do with all of it — in the lab and in the living room. Your complimentary seat is waiting.
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Claim My Complimentary Live Access Pass
Free to register. Watch all sessions live, July 16–18. Want recordings and lifetime access? The All Access Pass is available at checkout — or anytime before the live days.
Returning for its 5th year
5th
Annual Summit
A trusted Sjögren's event since 2022.
4,000+
Attendees
Joined from around the world across four summits.
35+
2026 Speakers
Researchers, clinicians & patient advocates.
3
Days, 3 Tracks
Plus two interactive Live Labs, July 16–18.
You connected the dots. Now build the blueprint.
VSS2026 is where the questions your 15-minute visit can't hold finally get answered.
You know the new biologics are coming. You've read about the FDA pipeline. And you've driven home from an appointment wondering whether anyone is reading your results side by side — your immune markers, your fatigue, your brain fog. The dots exist. The connecting isn't happening.
That gap is what VSS2026 was built to close — a tactical blueprint for partnering your daily habits with the new wave of treatments, so you can stop simply surviving and start thriving. We don't chase symptoms here. We listen to the whole story.
The 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.
Past Summit Attendee
I learned of some great resources and ways to advocate for myself. The guest speakers were not only knowledgeable, they were empowering.
Past Summit Attendee
Your host — science-backed, curiosity-led
Dr. Kara Wada, MD — Double Board-Certified Allergist, Immunologist, and Founder of the Immune Confident Institute
Dr. Kara Wada knows what it feels like to navigate an autoimmune diagnosis from inside the medical system — as a patient and as a physician. She built the Immune Confident Institute on a single conviction: people with complex immune conditions deserve a healthcare partner with both the science and the time to connect the dots.
The Virtual Sjögren's Summit began five years ago because she kept seeing the same gap — informed, motivated patients who still couldn't translate what they knew into daily life. The summit has never been a broadcast. It's an attempt to put the right people in the same room and build something together: a partnership, not a prescription.
From the lab to the living room
Meet Your 2026 Speaker Lineup
Researchers at the edge of the pipeline, clinicians who connect science to daily life, and patient advocates who give language to the invisible work — across three tracks.
Track 1
Treatment Advances & Clinical Science
RG
Rachael Gordon, MD, PhD
Univ. of Pittsburgh
How Immunology Research Is Impacting Sjögren's Disease
IA
Isabelle Amigues, MD
Rheumatologist
Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Its Use in Sjögren's
TV
Tracy Verrico, DO
OB-GYN
How Hormonal Balance Shapes Your Immune Future
LL
Leslie Laing, DDS, MSc
Sjögren's Society of Canada
Decoding the Microbiome & Combating Dryness
MY
Micah Yu, MD
Integrative Rheumatologist
Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Sjögren's
ZS
Zachary Spiritos, MD, MPH
Gastroenterology
The Hidden Biology of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
NC
Nancy Carteron, MD
Rheumatologist
Panel: The New Era of Sjögren's Treatment
PanelDT
Don Thomas, MD
Author, The Lupus Encyclopedia
Panel: The New Era of Sjögren's Treatment
PanelTrack 2
Self-Management & Daily Function
AN
Ali Novitsky, MD
The FIT Collective
Understanding Your Dominant Stress Type
Live LabCM
Cristina Montoya, RD
Registered Dietitian
Digestive Enzymes for Sjögren's & Gut Health
NB
Nishi Bhopal, MD
Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine
Quiet Racing Thoughts & Rebuild Trust in Sleep
SD
Shannon Dentice, NBC-HWC
Health & Wellness Coach
Building Realistic Lifestyle Habits for More Energy
MA
Meenal Agarwal, OD
Optometrist
Beyond Dry Eye: Restoring Vision & Function
CC
Chemi Chandler, PharmD
Pharmacist, Yoga Teacher
Nervous System–Informed Movement for Sjögren's
KD
Kathleen Desloges
Happiness Educator
A Happiness Practice Alongside Chronic Illness
CL
Catherine "Anne" Lee, MD
Integrative Rheumatologist
Personalized, Holistic Approaches to Sjögren's
HF
Heather Finlay-Morreale, MD
UMass Chan Medical School
Making the Most Out of Medical Appointments
SR
Stefanie Remson, APRN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Setting Boundaries
JH
Jennifer Henning, APRN
Nurse Practitioner
Connecting the Dots: Environment & Inflammation
KB
Keira Barr, MD
Dermatology
Panel: Mind-Skin & the Nervous System
PanelTrack 3
Mind, Community & Care Teams
AD
Alison DeLong, SEP, MA
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
Relational Healing & Nervous System Repair
Live LabGM
Gavin Marshall
Founder, Sjögren's Australia
What Patients Actually Need From Clinicians
SB
Susan Baumgaertel, MD
Founder, myMDadvocate
How to Advocate For Yourself in Healthcare
KK
Kristina Kelly, BCPA
Board Certified Patient Advocate
Reimagining Your Career with Sjögren's
DD
Destiny Davis, MS, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Working With Your Nervous System
KR
KJ Ramsey, MA, LPC
Author, Therapist
Finding Joy Even When Life Doesn't Get Easier
JR
Jillian Rigert, DMD, MD
Oral Medicine, Coach
Reclaiming the Narratives
EW
Erika Warren, MBA
Patient Advocate
An AI Literacy Guide for Sjögren's Patients
CR
Christina A. Russo
Health Coach
Building a Supportive Care Team
Patient StoryAA
Angela Anderson
Patient Advocate
You Can Thrive Despite Sjögren's
Patient StorySH
Seb Harper Fletcher
Patient Advocate
Navigating Chronic Illness Identity
Patient StoryJT
Janene Tirado
Patient Advocate
Own Your Health
Patient Story+ more speakers and sessions announced soon. The full lineup is revealed in its own moment.
Plan your three days
The Working Agenda
Three full days across three tracks, plus two interactive Live Labs. All times Eastern.
| 10:10 AM | Calming the Immune Storm: How Your Nervous System Drives Sjögren'sDr. Kara Wada, MDFeatured Keynote |
| 10:40 AM | How Immunology Research Is Impacting Sjögren's DiseaseRachael Gordon, MD, PhD |
| 11:10 AM | Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Its Use in Sjögren'sIsabelle Amigues, MD |
| 11:50 AM | Thrive, Don't Just Survive: Hormonal Balance & Your Immune FutureTracy Verrico, DO |
| 12:20 PM | The New Era of Sjögren's Treatment: Bridging Current Care and FutureNancy Carteron, MD · Don Thomas, MD · Dr. Kara WadaPanel |
| 1:05 PM | Lunch break |
| 1:45 PM | You Can Thrive Despite Sjögren'sAngela AndersonPatient Story |
| 2:05 PM | Mouth Mystique: Decoding the Microbiome & Combating DrynessLeslie Laing, DDS, MSc |
| 2:35 PM | The Hidden Biology of Irritable Bowel SyndromeZachary Spiritos, MD, MPH |
| 3:05 PM | Beyond Dry Eye: Restoring Vision, Function & Quality of LifeMeenal Agarwal, OD |
| 4:00 PM | Live Lab — Understanding Your Dominant Stress TypeAli Novitsky, MDLive Lab · 60 min |
| 9:10 AM | Stronger With Sjögren's: Gentle Strength Training to Fight Fatigue & PainDr. Kara Wada, MDFeatured Keynote |
| 9:40 AM | Fact vs. Fiction: Digestive Enzymes for Sjögren's & Gut HealthCristina Montoya, RD |
| 10:10 AM | When Your Mind Won't Shut Off: Quieting Racing ThoughtsNishi Bhopal, MD |
| 10:50 AM | Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Sjögren'sMicah Yu, MD |
| 11:20 AM | Thriving With Sjögren's: Realistic Lifestyle Habits for More EnergyShannon Dentice, NBC-HWC |
| 11:50 AM | Mind-Skin & the Nervous SystemKeira Barr, MD · Dr. Kara WadaPanel |
| 12:35 PM | Lunch break |
| 1:15 PM | Healing Through Rest, Nourishment & MindfulnessLarissa SiravoPatient Story |
| 1:35 PM | Own Your HealthJanene TiradoPatient Story |
| 1:55 PM | From Burnout to Balance: Nervous System–Informed MovementChemi Chandler, PharmD |
| 2:25 PM | Developing a Happiness Practice Alongside Chronic IllnessKathleen Desloges |
| 3:05 PM | Connecting the Dots: Environment & InflammationJennifer Henning, APRN |
| 3:35 PM | Integrative Rheumatology: Personalized, Holistic ApproachesCatherine "Anne" Lee, MD |
| 4:05 PM | Preparing to Make the Most Out of Medical AppointmentsHeather Finlay-Morreale, MD |
| 9:10 AM | The Perfect Storm & Immune-Confident FoundationsDr. Kara Wada, MDFeatured Keynote |
| 9:40 AM | What Patients With Sjögren's Actually Need From CliniciansGavin Marshall |
| 10:10 AM | Feeling Like the Underdog? Advocating for YourselfSusan Baumgaertel, MD |
| 10:50 AM | It's Not a Setback, It's a Pivot: Reimagining Your CareerKristina Kelly, BCPA |
| 11:20 AM | Wired & Worn Out: Working With Your Nervous SystemDestiny Davis, MS, LPC |
| 11:50 AM | Reclaiming the Narrative: Resilience & Emotional Well-beingJillian Rigert, DMD, MD · Dr. Kara WadaPanel |
| 12:35 PM | Lunch break |
| 1:15 PM | Navigating Chronic Illness IdentitySeb Harper FletcherPatient Story |
| 1:35 PM | Healing Happens in Relationship: Building a Supportive Care TeamChristina A. RussoPatient Story |
| 1:55 PM | The Place Between Our Pains: Finding JoyKJ Ramsey, MA, LPC |
| 2:25 PM | Under the Hood: An AI Literacy Guide for Sjögren's PatientsErika Warren, MBA |
| 3:05 PM | Setting BoundariesStefanie Remson, APRN |
| 3:45 PM | Live Lab — Relational Healing & Nervous System RepairAlison DeLong, SEP, MALive Lab · 60 min |
This is a working agenda. Sessions and times may shift as we finalize scheduling — if anything meaningful changes, we'll send a summit announcement so you're never caught off guard.
From people who were in the room
This Community Shows Up For Each Other
Real words from people who attended a past Virtual Sjögren's Summit.
The 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.
Past Summit AttendeeVirtual Sjögren's Summit
I gained so much new insight into this much-misunderstood illness. The speakers were fantastic — down-to-earth and approachable. Empowering and uplifting.
Laura T.Summit Attendee
As a newly diagnosed Sjogie, it was extremely valuable. Thank you to everyone behind the scenes who makes this summit happen.
Mandy B.Newly Diagnosed · Attendee
No one understands the complexities of patients better than presenters who have autoimmune diseases themselves — and have walked a mile in our shoes.
Past Summit AttendeeVirtual Sjögren's Summit
This is so helpful — it's making me feel very hopeful.
Liz H.Summit Attendee
I learned of some great resources and ways to advocate for myself. The guest speakers were not only knowledgeable, they were empowering.
Past Summit AttendeeVirtual Sjögren's Summit
There is so much need for more of these positive, helpful programs. Dr. Wada, you are amazing — thank you for this opportunity for our community.
Anita R.Summit Attendee
It's one thing to read the information — but hearing it from people who also live with these health issues makes a big difference.
Past Summit AttendeeVirtual Sjögren's Summit
Two ways to be at the summit — both are a real yes
Choose Your Experience
Your registration is a yes either way. Both options give you full access to every session during the live days. The difference is what happens after the last session ends.
Complimentary Live Access Pass
FREE
No credit card required
- Live streaming access to all sessions, July 16–18
- Both Live Labs (Day 1 + Day 3)
- Full community hub access during the live days
Live access only — no recordings, transcripts, bonus materials, or swag bag. If you miss a session, it won't be available to free-pass holders afterward.
Claim My Complimentary PassRecommended · Lifetime Access
All Access Pass
$47$77
Early Bird — save 39%
Early Bird ends in —
- Recordings of every session — all three tracks
- Transcripts of all recorded sessions
- Speaker bonus materials: worksheets, guides & resources
- Lifetime access to the AAP Vault — revisit any session at your pace
- Digital Swag Bag: exclusive offers and resources
You don't have to catch it live. A flare, a conflict, a low-energy day — none of it touches your access. You have lifetime access to go back to any session.
Get the All Access PassEarly Bird $47 — through June 21. Standard $77 from June 22.
In partnership with
Our Sponsors & Partners
VSS2026 is made possible by partners who believe people with Sjögren's deserve better.
Presented By
The Immune Confident Institute
Founded by Dr. Kara Wada, MD
Gold Partner
Vor Bio
Silver Partners
CSI Pharmacy
Sponsored session: Outcomes & Research — Influencing Insurance Decisions
Exagen
Argenx
Community Partner
Auni Allergy
More partners announced soon.
Become a Sponsor
FAQ
Questions We Hear Most
Is it really free?
Yes. The Complimentary Live Access Pass is free to register for, with no catch and no credit card required. You get live streaming access to all sessions July 16–18. The All Access Pass is a paid upgrade — but the free pass is a real, complete option.
What is the difference between the two passes?
The Complimentary Live Access Pass gives you live streaming access during the summit, July 16–18. The All Access Pass adds session recordings, transcripts, speaker bonus materials, a lifetime vault, and the Digital Swag Bag. The only thing that changes is what you can do after the live days end.
Are the sessions recorded?
Sessions are recorded, but recordings are only available to All Access Pass holders. Free-pass holders have live access only.
How long do I keep AAP recordings?
For life. Your AAP Vault stays open for good — revisit sessions track by track, on whatever schedule your energy allows, with no expiration.
What if I can't attend live?
That's exactly what the All Access Pass is for. If a flare or a low-energy day keeps you away, your recordings will be waiting. The Encore window (July 19–27) is a dedicated replay period; after that, your vault stays open for life.
When do I get access?
Registering now confirms your spot. Login credentials and hub access are provisioned about a week before the live days (around July 15). All Access vaults open during the Encore window starting July 19. You'll receive an email with access instructions before the live days begin.
Is this medical advice?
The summit is educational content, not a substitute for individualized medical care. Speakers share research, clinical experience, and self-management strategies to inform conversations with your own care team — not to replace them. VSS2026 is explicitly additive.
Who runs the Virtual Sjögren's Summit?
The Virtual Sjögren's Summit is created and led by physician and patient Dr. Kara Wada. It is built in collaboration with a team of clinicians, educators, and individuals living with Sjögren's who help shape the content, programming, and overall experience.
Is the Virtual Sjögren's Summit a nonprofit?
No. The Virtual Sjögren's Summit operates as a for-profit, mission-driven initiative.
What does "for-profit with purpose" mean?
Being for-profit allows us to sustainably build, grow, and improve the Summit without relying on grants, donations, or external funding cycles. Our decisions are guided by our mission: improving access to high-quality, practical, and compassionate Sjögren's education and support.
This model gives us flexibility to:
- Invest in better technology and user experience
- Compensate contributors fairly
- Respond quickly to community needs
- Expand programming in thoughtful, sustainable ways
Why aren't you a nonprofit?
There are a few intentional reasons:
- Sustainability: Nonprofits often depend on inconsistent funding sources, which can limit long-term planning and innovation.
- Speed and flexibility: A for-profit structure allows us to adapt more quickly and implement new ideas without administrative barriers.
- Alignment: Our focus is on building something that is both impactful and durable over time, without compromising quality or accessibility.
That said, we deeply respect nonprofit organizations and frequently collaborate with and learn from them.
Where does the money go?
Revenue from the Summit is reinvested into several key areas:
- Paying the team who plan, organize, and support the Summit
- Technology, platform infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance
- Speaker honoraria to recognize the time and expertise of contributors
- Development of new educational materials and programming
What about advertising or sponsorship revenue?
Any advertising or sponsorship dollars are used intentionally and transparently. These funds are directed toward:
- Expanding access to programs for individuals who may not otherwise be able to participate
- Supporting the development of additional educational resources
- Contributing to future research and innovation efforts in Sjögren's care
Our goal is to ensure that any external funding directly benefits the community.
Will the Sjögren's Summit ever become a nonprofit?
It's something we've considered, including the possibility of developing a nonprofit arm in the future. At this stage, we have not made that transition, as we want to ensure any structure we choose best supports long-term impact, transparency, and sustainability.
How do you approach transparency?
We believe financial transparency builds trust. That's why we aim to clearly communicate how decisions are made and how resources are used. As the Summit grows, we will continue to share updates about our structure, priorities, and impact.
The Virtual Sjögren's Summit is an independent initiative and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Sjögren's Foundation.
Your complimentary seat is waiting — July 16–18, 2026
This is where the lab meets the living room — and where you build the blueprint for what comes next.
"It was empowering and uplifting to be part of this positive new community."— Laura T., Past Summit Attendee
Claim My Complimentary Live Access PassFree to register. All Access Pass available at checkout — Early Bird $47 through June 21.