Barry Shibuya, MD, Champions Better Gout Care in New Art Campaign

As a rheumatologist, Barry Shibuya, MD, director of rheumatology at TeleMed2U says it's unfortunate that despite advancements in diagnosing and treating various forms of arthritis, the epidemic of gout continues to rise. This was the catalyst for Amgen’s Portraits of Gout Revealed campaign: to bridge educational gaps among both the public and healthcare providers. The goal is to increase discussions and awareness, particularly among primary care physicians and podiatrists, who may encounter these patients but not necessarily help them get to experienced rheumatologists to manage their gout effectively.

In an interview with The Educated Patient, Shibuya says he hopes the patients who visit the exhibit feel validated by recognizing that others share their struggles with gout. Many patients, he explains, often feel isolated and surprised to learn that gout is a form of arthritis. By building a community and using the exhibit as a platform for sharing stories, patients can help one another feel understood and learn from each other's experiences. This will, in turn, improve the recognition and validation of their condition.

Shibuya also mentions several reputable resources for gout information, including Gout Revealed and the Arthritis Foundation, which provide validated patient information from rheumatology experts. However, there's also a lot of misinformation out there. He strongly encourages patients to consult their doctors or rheumatologists for credible information. As a rheumatologist, he says providers need to do a better job of guiding patients towards reliable resources that help them develop a comprehensive wellness plan. This plan should include not only diet and exercise but also stress management, sleep and a supportive environment to sustain healthier lifestyle habits in managing gout and other chronic diseases.

Meet the Patients:

The individuals featured in the portraits share their challenges, diagnoses and eventual paths to better health through proper medical care and self-advocacy. You can learn more about their stories here.

Sam: Sam endured intense gout pain for nearly 20 years, experiencing debilitating pain in his ankle, knees and toes. The uncertainty of flare-ups impacted his family life, preventing him from enjoying activities with his kids. Proper treatment finally allowed him to reclaim his life, bringing joy to his son as they could play together. Sam hopes his story encourages others to seek the medical care and resources they need.

Chris: Diagnosed with uncontrolled gout in 2020, Chris struggled with disbelief from doctors due to his young age. Misdiagnosed and untreated, the disease progressed to his knees, hips and spine, which ultimately severely impacted his mobility. When he began advocating for himself, he found a physician who understood his condition, helping him regain his self-confidence and quality of life.

Sharon: Sharon’s gout journey began at age 22, but it took 37 years for an accurate diagnosis. The disease affected every aspect of her life, from her job to her health. Initially misdiagnosed with other rheumatic conditions, Sharon finally received the correct diagnosis, discovering that both her parents had suffered from gout as well. With proper care, she regained control over her health.