PROGRAM CHAIR

Elana J. Bernstein, MD, MSc
Florence Irving Associate Professor of Medicine
Director, Columbia Scleroderma Center
Director of Research, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology
Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
New York, New York
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (F-ILD) frequently intersect with rheumatologic conditions, presenting unique challenges in early detection, differential diagnosis, and ongoing management. This program focuses on strengthening the role of rheumatologists in recognizing early clinical and serologic indicators, optimizing referral timing, and partnering seamlessly with pulmonary teams to deliver comprehensive care. Faculty will review emerging evidence and treatment frameworks that support early intervention, appropriate selection of biologics and antifibrotics, and longitudinal monitoring of disease progression in patients with autoimmune-associated ILD. Practical strategies for integrating HRCT interpretation, autoimmune profiling, and multidisciplinary team (MDT) case review will be emphasized to enhance decision-making and therapeutic precision. Barriers to cross-specialty coordination and opportunities to improve outcomes through proactive, rheumatology-led engagement will also be discussed.
TARGET AUDIENCE
This program is designed to address the educational needs of rheumatologists, rheumatology advanced practice providers (APPs), pulmonologists, and pulmonology APPs.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon the completion of this program, attendees should be able to:
- Identify early clinical features and understand disease burden, especially in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic disorders
- Implement standardized screening protocols (PFTs, HRCT) and establish referral guidelines for suspected ILD cases
- Evaluate recent F-ILD clinical data on emerging therapies and participate actively within MDT frameworks
JOINT ACCREDITATION STATEMENT
In support of improving patient care, Med Learning Group is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
PHYSICIAN CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENT
Med Learning Group designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the enduring activity.
NURSES (ANCC) CREDIT DESIGNATION
Med Learning Group designates this activity for a maximum of 1.0 ANCC contact hour.
ACCME INNOVATION PARTNER
Med Learning Group (MLG) is proud to be recognized as an ACCME Innovation Partner, leading the way in simplifying CME for physicians. As an Innovation Partner, MLG will be working with the ACCME by submitting credits directly to CME Passport.
PHYSICIAN DISCLAIMER: Upon your acceptance in the evaluation and completion of this CME activity, Med Learning Group will share your completion information and certain personal details (e.g., name, National Provider Identifier, birthdate MM/DD) with the ACCME for inclusion in your CME Passport transcript and, as applicable, reporting to certifying, licensing, or other regulatory authorities you specify.
DISCLOSURE POLICY STATEMENT
In accordance with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, educational programs sponsored by Med Learning Group must demonstrate balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor. All faculty, authors, editors, staff, and planning committee members participating in an MLG-sponsored activity are required to disclose any relevant financial interest or other relationship with the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) and/or provider(s) of commercial services that are discussed in an educational activity.
DISCLOSURE OF RELEVANT FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
| Faculty Member | Disclosures |
| Elana J. Bernstein, MD, MSc | Consulting Fees: Boehringer Ingelheim, Synthekine Contracted Research: AstraZeneca, aTyr Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cabaletta Bio, Bristol Meyers Squibb, Synthekine |
All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated.
Content Review
The content of this activity was independently peer-reviewed by a physician and nurse reviewer.
Individuals in Control of the Content of the Activity
The individuals in control of the content of this activity have reported the following financial relationships or relationships to products or devices they have with ineligible companies related to the content of this CE activity:
- Matthew Frese, MBA, CEO of Med Learning Group, has nothing to disclose.
- Lauren Welch, MA, Sr VP of Operations for Med Learning Group, has nothing to disclose.
- Deborah Anderson, PhD, Medical Director for Med Learning Group has nothing to disclose.
- Tom Bregartner, MBA, VP of Outcomes and Accreditation for Med Learning Group, has nothing to disclose.
- Russie Allen, MS, Accreditation and Outcomes Manager for Med Learning Group, has nothing to disclose.
- Sarah Milano, RN, MSN, has nothing to disclose.
- A medical reviewer from CME Peer Review LLC, has nothing to disclose.
- Sharine Griggs, Senior Program Manager for Med Learning Group, has nothing to disclose.
- Emmanuella Foucault, Associate Program Manager for Med Learning Group, has nothing to disclose.
DISCLOSURE OF UNLABELED USE
Med Learning Group requires that faculty participating in any CE activity disclose to the audience when discussing any unlabeled or investigational use of any commercial product or device not yet approved for use in the United States. During this lecture, the faculty may mention the use of medications for both FDA-approved and non-approved indications.
METHOD OF PARTICIPATION
There are no fees for participating and receiving CE credit for this activity. In order to obtain your certificate for the mentioned accreditation, participants need to successfully complete the associated pre/post activities and evaluation. Your certificate will be provided as a downloadable file.
DISCLAIMER
Med Learning Group makes every effort to develop CE activities that are science based. This activity is designed for educational purposes. Participants have a responsibility to use this information to enhance their professional development in an effort to improve patient outcomes. Conclusions drawn by the participants should be derived from careful consideration of all available scientific information. The participant should use his/her clinical judgment, knowledge, experience, and diagnostic decision-making expertise before applying any information, whether provided here or by others, for any professional use.
For CE questions, please contact Med Learning Group at [email protected]
Contact this CE provider at Med Learning Group for privacy and confidentiality policy statement information at www.medlearninggroup.com/privacy-policy/
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Event staff will be glad to assist you with any special needs. Please contact Med Learning Group prior to participating at [email protected]
RELEASED DATE: February 13, 2026
EXPIRATION DATE: February 13, 2027

Copyright © 2026 Med Learning Group. All rights reserved. These materials may be used for personal use only. Any rebroadcast, distribution, or reuse of this presentation or any part of it in any form for other than personal use without the express written permission of Med Learning Group is prohibited.
PROGRAM CHAIR

Toby Maher, MD, PhD
Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
Keck School of Medicine
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (F-ILD) demand timely recognition, precise diagnosis, and coordinated treatment planning to slow progression and improve quality of life. Designed specifically for pulmonologists, this program explores current and emerging clinical data shaping therapeutic decision-making, with an emphasis on when and how to intervene to prevent irreversible functional decline. Through case-based discussions and evidence-guided review, attendees will examine advanced diagnostic approaches—including HRCT interpretation, PFT trend analysis, and serologic evaluation—to enhance accuracy in disease identification and longitudinal monitoring. Faculty will also highlight patient-centered treatment pathways and collaborative strategies that integrate rheumatology, radiology, and pharmacy expertise to streamline management, optimize therapy selection, and support sustained disease control. Practical barriers to optimal care delivery and opportunities to improve outcomes through multidisciplinary practice will be addressed throughout the session.
TARGET AUDIENCE
This program is designed to address the educational needs of rheumatologists, rheumatology advanced practice providers (APPs), pulmonologists, and pulmonology APPs.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon the completion of this program, attendees should be able to:
- Evaluate recent F-ILD clinical data on emerging therapies and participate actively within MDT frameworks
- Apply advanced diagnostic protocols and assessment techniques to accurately diagnose and monitor F-ILD disease progression
- Optimize individualized patient management strategies for F-ILDs through multidisciplinary collaboration and effective use of new therapeutic options
JOINT ACCREDITATION STATEMENT
In support of improving patient care, Med Learning Group is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
PHYSICIAN CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENT
Med Learning Group designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the enduring activity.
NURSES (ANCC) CREDIT DESIGNATION
Med Learning Group designates this activity for a maximum of 1.0 ANCC contact hour.
ACCME INNOVATION PARTNER
Med Learning Group (MLG) is proud to be recognized as an ACCME Innovation Partner, leading the way in simplifying CME for physicians. As an Innovation Partner, MLG will be working with the ACCME by submitting credits directly to CME Passport.
PHYSICIAN DISCLAIMER: Upon your acceptance in the evaluation and completion of this CME activity, Med Learning Group will share your completion information and certain personal details (e.g., name, National Provider Identifier, birthdate MM/DD) with the ACCME for inclusion in your CME Passport transcript and, as applicable, reporting to certifying, licensing, or other regulatory authorities you specify.
DISCLOSURE POLICY STATEMENT
In accordance with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, educational programs sponsored by Med Learning Group must demonstrate balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor. All faculty, authors, editors, staff, and planning committee members participating in an MLG-sponsored activity are required to disclose any relevant financial interest or other relationship with the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) and/or provider(s) of commercial services that are discussed in an educational activity.
DISCLOSURE OF RELEVANT FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
| Faculty Member | Disclosures |
| Toby Maher, MD, PhD | Salary: Boehringer Ingelheim Royalties: United Therapeutics Receipt of Intellectual Property / Patent Holder: Genentech Consulting Fees: GSK Speakers Bureau: AstraZeneca Fees For Non-CME/CE Services: AbbVie Contracted Research: Merck |
All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated.
Content Review
The content of this activity was independently peer-reviewed by a physician and nurse reviewer.
Individuals in Control of the Content of the Activity
The individuals in control of the content of this activity have reported the following financial relationships or relationships to products or devices they have with ineligible companies related to the content of this CE activity:
- Matthew Frese, MBA, CEO of Med Learning Group, has nothing to disclose.
- Lauren Welch, MA, Sr VP of Operations for Med Learning Group, has nothing to disclose.
- Deborah Anderson, PhD, Medical Director for Med Learning Group has nothing to disclose.
- Tom Bregartner, MBA, VP of Outcomes and Accreditation for Med Learning Group, has nothing to disclose.
- Russie Allen, MS, Accreditation and Outcomes Manager for Med Learning Group, has nothing to disclose.
- Sarah Milano, RN, MSN, has nothing to disclose.
- A medical reviewer from CME Peer Review LLC, has nothing to disclose.
- Sharine Griggs, Senior Program Manager for Med Learning Group, has nothing to disclose.
- Emmanuella Foucault, Associate Program Manager for Med Learning Group, has nothing to disclose.
DISCLOSURE OF UNLABELED USE
Med Learning Group requires that faculty participating in any CE activity disclose to the audience when discussing any unlabeled or investigational use of any commercial product or device not yet approved for use in the United States. During this lecture, the faculty may mention the use of medications for both FDA-approved and non-approved indications.
METHOD OF PARTICIPATION
There are no fees for participating and receiving CE credit for this activity. In order to obtain your certificate for the mentioned accreditation, participants need to successfully complete the associated pre/post activities and evaluation. Your certificate will be provided as a downloadable file.
DISCLAIMER
Med Learning Group makes every effort to develop CE activities that are science based. This activity is designed for educational purposes. Participants have a responsibility to use this information to enhance their professional development in an effort to improve patient outcomes. Conclusions drawn by the participants should be derived from careful consideration of all available scientific information. The participant should use his/her clinical judgment, knowledge, experience, and diagnostic decision-making expertise before applying any information, whether provided here or by others, for any professional use.
For CE questions, please contact Med Learning Group at [email protected]
Contact this CE provider at Med Learning Group for privacy and confidentiality policy statement information at www.medlearninggroup.com/privacy-policy/
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Event staff will be glad to assist you with any special needs. Please contact Med Learning Group prior to participating at [email protected]
RELEASED DATE: February 13, 2026
EXPIRATION DATE: February 13, 2027

Copyright © 2026 Med Learning Group. All rights reserved. These materials may be used for personal use only. Any rebroadcast, distribution, or reuse of this presentation or any part of it in any form for other than personal use without the express written permission of Med Learning Group is prohibited.