EP 27 Jen Swisher

Episode Title: Navigating Myositis: Jen Swisher on Diagnosis, Advocacy, and Resilience 📝 Episode Description: In this deeply moving episode of Rare Awareness Radio, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Jen Swisher, a physician assistant, professor, mom of three, and dermatomyositis patient living with the TIF1-gamma autoantibody. Jen shares her extraordinary journey through years of misdiagnoses, delayed care, and debilitating symptoms—culminating in a diagnosis that changed her life. From her early medical career in emergency medicine and pharma, to becoming a full-time working mother navigating a rare autoimmune condition, Jen reflects on how her personal and professional worlds collided. Together, Richard and Jen discuss: What dermatomyositis is, and how it’s often overlooked The realities of IVIG, Rituxan, and immunosuppressive therapy The emotional toll of parenting with chronic illness Challenges within our healthcare system—especially for rare disease patients Her growing advocacy work with the Myositis Association (TMA) And why support networks for young, working patients are urgently needed This episode is about more than just a disease—it's about strength, empathy, and pushing for change in how we care for those with rare conditions. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, healthcare professional, or advocate, Jen’s story will move and inspire you. 🔗 Resources & Links: The Myositis Association: www.myositis.org Rare Awareness Radio: www.rareawarenessradio.org 💬 Join the conversation by using #RareAwarenessRadio and tagging us on social! 🎙️ Subscribe, rate, and share to help amplify voices in the rare disease community.