World Arthritis Day brings global attention to the growing challenge of autoimmune diseases and the urgent need for better care
Florida – As October 12 approaches, millions around the world are turning their attention to a condition that often hides in plain sight. World Arthritis Day is more than just a date on the calendar — it’s a global reminder of a disease that affects more than half a billion people. According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis remains the leading cause of disability in the United States, impacting nearly one in four Americans. Behind those numbers are stories of pain, persistence, and the hope for better care.
One of the people working to shape that future is Benjamin Smith, associate dean of the School of Physician Assistant Practice at Florida State University’s College of Medicine. With more than 25 years of clinical experience in rheumatology, Smith stands at the intersection of research, education, and patient care. His work focuses not only on arthritis but also on a wide range of autoimmune diseases that affect both the body and the quality of life of millions of people.
Smith’s career has been defined by a simple but powerful mission: helping patients live life on their own terms. As he explains, these chronic illnesses are not just medical challenges — they are lifelong journeys that touch every aspect of a person’s existence.
“Arthritis and autoimmune diseases can affect people at any age, including children. Many families have to travel hours to reach a pediatric rheumatologist because there are so few. On the other end of the spectrum, older adults also face rheumatic diseases that appear later in life. These diseases are lifelong conditions that carry both direct and indirect costs. This is why strengthening care across the lifespan is so important.”
That reality — that arthritis can touch anyone, from children to seniors — is often misunderstood. Many still associate arthritis only with aging, but autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis can strike at any stage of life. The limited number of specialists available for diagnosis and treatment only makes access more difficult, especially in rural or underserved areas.
Yet the future is not without hope. Over the past few decades, treatment options have evolved dramatically. Advances in targeted therapies and biologic medications have transformed what was once a life of constant pain and disability into one of possibility and control.
“Treatments are sharper and more effective than they were even a few decades ago, though we still don’t have cures for most rheumatic diseases. The key is making sure patients have access to the best possible care. This means continuing to refine therapies, expand the health care workforce and ensure patients can maintain their function and quality of life. Ultimately, it’s about helping people not only do what they need to do, but also what they want to do.”
That philosophy — combining science with compassion — is evident in Smith’s recent work. He was a co-author of the 2024 American College of Rheumatology Guidelines for Lupus Nephritis, a serious kidney condition caused by systemic lupus erythematosus. The updated guidelines signal a major shift in how autoimmune diseases are managed, with an emphasis on both innovation and collaboration.
“The guidelines reflect the tremendous progress we have made in treating lupus nephritis. One key takeaway is the emphasis on combination therapy — using multiple treatment approaches alongside careful monitoring and judicious use of corticosteroids. We also now have stronger screening tools for diagnosis and long-term monitoring. Importantly, the guidelines incorporated perspectives from rheumatologists, nephrologists and patients themselves, which makes the recommendations much more applicable in real-world practice.”
By bringing together different medical disciplines and patient experiences, the new recommendations highlight how far autoimmune care has come — and how far it still has to go. For Smith, the challenge isn’t just creating better treatments; it’s ensuring that patients actually have access to them.
That’s where education and workforce development come in. The shortage of rheumatologists in the United States has been well-documented, and the gap continues to grow as demand increases. Physician assistants, Smith believes, will play an increasingly vital role in closing that gap and extending care to those who need it most.
“One major priority is growing the rheumatology workforce. We need more physician assistants working in rheumatology, and the data shows that number is trending upward. The next step is to determine how to maximize their skills based on training, expertise and scope of practice so patients with rheumatic diseases have better access to timely, effective care.”
This approach — combining specialized training with community-based practice — is central to FSU’s broader vision for healthcare. Through initiatives like FSU Health, the university’s College of Medicine is pushing to reach underserved populations across Florida, ensuring that the latest medical advancements don’t remain out of reach for rural and low-income communities.
“I am very excited about FSU Health and the mission of the College of Medicine to reach underserved communities in North Florida and across the state. While arthritis is just one part of that, the broader goal is the same: improving access, optimizing treatment and making sure our patients and communities benefit from advances in medicine.”
As World Arthritis Day draws attention to this global challenge, the message from Smith and his colleagues is clear: progress is possible, but it requires persistence. It’s not enough to simply develop new drugs or publish new guidelines — the real change happens when patients everywhere, regardless of age or zip code, can access the care they need to live full, healthy lives.
The future of autoimmune care, then, lies not only in laboratories and research journals but also in classrooms, clinics, and communities. Each represents a step toward a world where arthritis and other autoimmune diseases no longer define people’s limits — only their resilience.
For more information about Benjamin Smith’s work or to schedule a media interview, he can be reached at [email protected].
