Medical Education Grants – Systemic Sclerosis
Independent Medical Education (IME) Grants
Boehringer Ingelheim is proud to provide Independent Medical Education (IME) Grant support for evidence-based, fair-balanced, unbiased healthcare professional (HCP) education to help close clinical and practice gaps, improve the quality and delivery of patient care, and enhance behavioral change.
An independent educational program includes both continuing medical education (CME) and non-CME programs. These programs may be at the national, regional, or local level and may include didactic presentations (eg, symposia at educational meetings, grand rounds, and regional workshops), web-based programs, print and electronic monographs, and innovative educational formats.
Pathogenesis and Disease Progression
- Increase HCP knowledge of the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) including the vasculopathy–fibrosis axis and the role of inflammation in disease progression, including skin manifestations, internal organ involvement, key risk factors, and common comorbidities
Disease Presentation and Diagnosis
- Increase HCP competence in recognizing early clinical signs and risk factors associated with SSc phenotypes, including patterns of pulmonary involvement predictive of ILD development as well as other complications (PAH, renal crisis)
- Increase HCP competence in timely SSc diagnosis through guideline recommended evaluations including high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), pulmonary function testing (PFTs), echocardiograms, biomarker and autoantibody tests aimed at reducing disease burden and characterizing disease extent
Clinical Management and Evidence-based Practice
- Increase HCP knowledge of the latest and emerging evidence-based management strategies for SSc
- Increase HCP performance of multidisciplinary care through incorporation of patient-reported outcomes, effective patient education about disease pathophysiology, symptom management, long–term disease impact, and utilization of system-based practices
PIRA™ proposals are AI generated and are not reviewed or endorsed by the sponsoring company.
Advancing Early Recognition and Evidence-Based Management of Systemic Sclerosis: A CME Symposium at XXX Meeting
Proposed Date and Location
DATE
CITY STATE
SPECIFIC MEEITNG NAME
Summary
This proposal outlines a live, accredited educational symposium focused on improving clinician knowledge, diagnostic accuracy, and evidence-based management of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The activity will directly address documented gaps in understanding of SSc pathogenesis, variable clinical presentation, early identification of high-risk features, and multidisciplinary management strategies aimed at mitigating long-term morbidity.
Unmet Educational Need
SSc remains a complex autoimmune disease marked by vasculopathy, dysregulated immunity, and progressive fibrosis. Delayed diagnosis and inconsistent use of guideline-recommended evaluations contribute to increased risk of interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and renal crisis. Clinicians require strengthened competence in recognizing early phenotypic patterns, interpreting diagnostic modalities, and applying evolving evidence-based management approaches.
Target Audience
Rheumatologists, pulmonologists, dermatologists, primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and allied health professionals involved in autoimmune disease care.
Learning Objectives
By the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to:
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Explain the vasculopathy–fibrosis axis and describe how vascular injury, immune activation, and fibroblast dysregulation drive SSc progression and organ involvement.
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Identify early clinical signs, autoantibody patterns, and pulmonary risk indicators predictive of ILD, PAH, and renal crisis.
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Implement guideline-recommended diagnostic testing—including HRCT, PFTs, echocardiography, and biomarker evaluation—to support timely diagnosis and disease characterization.
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Apply current and emerging evidence-based therapeutic strategies for SSc with attention to organ-specific manifestations.
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Integrate multidisciplinary approaches including patient-reported outcomes, patient counseling, and system-based care pathways.
Format and Agenda (60 minutes)
• Introduction (5 minutes): Epidemiology, disease burden, and diagnostic challenges
• Pathogenesis Deep Dive (10 minutes): Vasculopathy–fibrosis axis, immune drivers, organ targets
• Recognizing Early Presentation (15 minutes): Phenotypes, autoantibodies, early pulmonary involvement, risk stratification
• Diagnostic Excellence (10 minutes): HRCT interpretation pearls, PFT patterns, role of echocardiography, biomarkers
• Management and Future Directions (15 minutes): Approved therapies, ILD-directed treatments, evolving targets, multidisciplinary care models
Educational Outcomes Measurement
• Pre- and post-testing to assess changes in knowledge and clinical competence
• Commitment-to-change statements evaluating anticipated improvements in diagnostic and management behaviors
• Follow-up survey at 60–90 days to assess practice impact
Budget
A detailed budget will include faculty honoraria, slide development, outcomes assessment, logistics, and on-site audiovisual support. Estimated total request: $45,000–$60,000 depending on final agenda and faculty availability.