Interview with Dr. Gary S. Firestein

How has Firestein & Kelley’s Textbook of Rheumatology, 2-Volume Set, 12th Edition evolved since the previous edition? How has it evolved since the first edition?

For the new edition, we are proud to have Dr. Ted Mikuls and Dr. Tuhina Neogi join us. Both are expert clinicians and internationally acclaimed clinical investigators who bring new perspectives in population health, epidemiology, gout, osteoarthritis, and other inflammatory arthropathies. The 12th edition also includes new or significantly revised chapters on Pre-Clinical Autoimmunity; The Microbiome in Health and Disease; Physical Therapy, ad Rehabilitation; Nutrition and Rheumatic Disease; Classification and Epidemiology of Spondyloarthritis; Etiology and Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis; COVID and Rheumatic Disease; Vaccination in Rheumatic Disease; Autoimmune Complications of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Cancer; and many more. What has not changed since the beginning is the goal of combining clinical science and basic science in a single authoritative textbook that has become the gold standard in rheumatology. One unique feature of the book is that it has gradually changed editors over the years. With each edition 1 or 2 editors rotate off and we get new editors to keep the content fresh. Each edition has about 30% of the chapters written by new authors, which also allows new perspectives and expertise.

What is the most exciting aspect of the Firestein & Kelley’s Textbook of Rheumatology, 2-Volume Set, 12th Edition? What chapter or topic covered in the new edition are you most excited about? 

Several new chapters related to topics like COVID, vaccinations, and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Who will find the greatest value from Firestein & Kelley’s Textbook of Rheumatology, 2-Volume Set, 12th Edition and why? Has the audience changed since the book was first published?

The book can be useful at all levels, from students to established scientists and clinicians. Those goals have not changed, although there is a greater emphasis on the international readers. So we have many more younger and international authors.

What new ideas, practices, or procedures would you like to highlight for the new edition? 

This is a tough one….probably discussion of the pharmacology and utility of novel therapeutic agents.

What problem do you hope the future generation of your specialty will be able to solve? 

Individualizing therapy for rheumatic diseases, new treatments for degenerative diseases, and novel therapeutic targets that can be exploited to address current unmet needs in our specialty.

Is there anything else about the book you would like to say? 

The editors admire and respect the enormous effort and expertise of our authors, who donate their time to educate our learners around the world.

About the Author

Gary S. Firestein, M.D., is a distinguished Professor of Medicine and Senior Associate Vice Chancellor at UC San Diego Health Sciences in San Diego, California.

Purchase your copy of Firestein & Kelley’s Textbook of Rheumatology, 2-Volume Set, 12th Edition here!