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Science and Story
Reflections from the edge of science, soul, and story
Welcome to the Blog
A Rheumatologist By Any Other Name
August 30, 2025
For a long time, I pushed back on the label ‘arthritis doctor.’ But maybe it’s not a reduction, it’s a bridge and an invite for connection.
August 30, 2025
"We can get into the details of autoimmunity and inflammatory arthritis later. But the first step is meeting people where they are."
Keep Calm and Rethink the ANA
August 23, 2025
A positive ANA doesn’t equal lupus . It should only be ordered and interpreted in the right clinical context, with titers and signs of inflammation guiding next steps.
August 23, 2025
"Using ANA thoughtfully, and interpreting titers in context, protects patients from worry and ensures those who truly need rheumatology get timely access."
It’s All Pain to Me, But Not to Your Doctor
August 15, 2025
Pain is pain… right? Not exactly. From burning nerve pain to deep bone aches, each type has its own “fingerprint” and knowing the difference can help you get the right diagnosis faster.
August 15, 2025
"The pain in the hands could be the numbness and tingling of carpal tunnel or the dull achy pain of arthritis. NSAIDs like ibuprofen will usually help with arthritis pain but not carpal tunnel pain."
5 Things I Can’t Live Without as a Rheumatologist and Patient with Sjögren’s Syndrome
August 10, 2025
Living with Sjögren’s means navigating daily dryness, but these five essentials help me stay comfortable, protect my teeth, and thrive with chronic illness.
August 10, 2025
“Sometimes it’s the little things that help us not just survive but thrive.”
Just What Are “Great Jeans” and What Do They Have to do with Autoimmune Disease?
August 3, 2025
People often ask if autoimmune disease runs in the family. Spoiler: it’s not always in the jeans.
August 3, 2025
"Even great jeans fray. Even great genes come with complications. And that's ok. What matters most isn’t what you were handed, it’s how you care for what you’ve got."
From Fellow to Mom: Why AWIR Keeps Me Coming Back
July 27, 2025
From fellow to new mom, AWIR has supported me through every stage. It’s more than a conference. It’s a community that keeps me coming back.
July 27, 2025
"From learning the latest in autoimmune research to mentoring, advocating, sharing life lessons, or dancing with friends and rheumatologists after dinner, AWIR has it all."
Anything Above Zero Is A Win
May 22, 2025
We often dismiss small efforts as failures. But what if doing something, anything, isn’t just enough, but the very definition of success?
May 22, 2025
“These micro-wins are like keeping the pilot light on. They’re small, but they remind you: you’re still in the game.”
What Dave Ramsey Taught Me About Chronic Illness
May 19, 2025
What does financial peace have to do with chronic illness? As a rheumatologist, mom, and patient, I’ve found soul-deep peace in five biblical principles.
May 19, 2025
“Tracking patterns is not weakness, it’s wisdom. Whether with dollars or disease, winning is not accidental.”
5 Things I’ve Learned as a First-Time Mom with Autoimmune Disease
May 10, 2025
What happens when chronic illness meets motherhood? These five honest lessons reflect the fatigue, the grace, and the unexpected growth that came with both.
May 10, 2025
“Strong doesn’t mean solo. Letting others in isn’t weakness... it’s wisdom.”
I Saw My Disadvantages as Weaknesses
May 5, 2025
From childhood immigration to chronic illness, I once saw my disadvantages as setbacks. Now I see them as the very foundation of my strength and purpose.
May 5, 2025
“What feels like your greatest disadvantage today may one day become your most unshakable strength.”
Footprints of Lupus: Identifying and Treating Foot Complications
May 3, 2025
Lupus affects more than the organs we expect. From vasculitis to tendon damage, the feet can carry early signs of systemic disease if we know how to look.
May 3, 2025
“Every footprint tells a story: some are faint, some are deep, but each one matters.”
What I’ve Learned From Living With Autoimmune Disease as a Rheumatologist
April 26, 2025
I treated autoimmune disease for years then I became the patient. Here’s what RA and Sjögren’s taught me about empathy, early signs, and how we listen.
April 26, 2025
“Pain doesn’t always shout...sometimes, it whispers.”
Here, I share reflections from life as a rheumatologist, a mother, and a patient living with autoimmune disease. My goal is to make rheumatology more approachable, blending clinical insight with lived experience to support, inform, and uplift.
Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis, caring for a loved one, or simply curious about autoimmune health, I hope you find something here that speaks to you.
© 2025 Dr. Thao Tran, MD | All Rights Reserved
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