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ForwardContemporary Sarcoidosis Care 2026: From Granuloma to Precision Medicine- September 26,2026
In-Person and Virtual attendance options are available.
Houston Methodist J.C. Walter Conference Series
Program overview:
The Houston Methodist Sarcoidosis Conference is a multidisciplinary educational program designed to provide clinicians with a comprehensive and practical approach to the diagnosis, risk stratification, and management of sarcoidosis. Bringing together experts in pulmonology, cardiology, rheumatology, radiology, pathology, transplant medicine, and patient advocacy, the conference will review current understanding of disease pathobiology, diagnostic challenges, advanced imaging, tissue diagnosis, and evolving treatment strategies.
Participants will gain insight into pulmonary and cardiac manifestations of sarcoidosis, learn to recognize high-risk phenotypes, and explore contemporary approaches to immunosuppressive therapy, precision medicine, and multidisciplinary care. Through case-based discussions, expert panels, and interactive question-and-answer sessions, attendees will develop practical skills to improve patient outcomes and understand when referral to specialized centers may be warranted.
The program will conclude with a discussion of emerging clinical trials, biomarker development, patient advocacy initiatives, and opportunities to enhance collaboration across specialties involved in sarcoidosis care.
FEES
| REGISTRATION TYPE | FEE |
|---|---|
| Physician (HM, MPAQ, ACO PCP) | Complimentary |
| Physician (Private physician located within the Greater Houston Area)* | $350 |
| Physician (Private physician located within the Greater Houston Area; NO CE) | Complimentary Click here to learn more and register as this registration type! |
| Physician (Private physician located outside the Greater Houston Area) | Complimentary |
| Allied Health Care Professionals / All Others | Complimentary |
| Resident / Fellow / Student (No CME) | Complimentary |
* In compliance with HM’s policy on Physician Non-Monetary Compensation regarding “Stark Law,” private physicians who reside and/or practice medicine within the Greater Houston Area are required to pay the full Fair Market Value registration fee.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Describe the current epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical spectrum of sarcoidosis.
- Recognize common diagnostic pitfalls and distinguish sarcoidosis from granulomatous diseases and other clinical mimics.
- Apply contemporary approaches to the diagnosis and staging of pulmonary sarcoidosis.
- Explain key immune pathways involved in sarcoidosis and evaluate available treatment options based on disease phenotype and organ involvement.
- Interpret radiographic and advanced imaging findings, including CT, FDG-PET, and cardiac MRI, to support diagnosis and guide management decisions.
- Identify appropriate biopsy strategies and understand the role of tissue diagnosis in confirming sarcoidosis.
- Assess risk factors for adverse outcomes in cardiac and systemic sarcoidosis and implement appropriate risk stratification strategies.
- Recognize high-risk patients who may benefit from referral to advanced heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, transplant, or specialized sarcoidosis centers.
- Incorporate multidisciplinary decision-making principles into treatment planning for patients with complex sarcoidosis.
- Review emerging biomarkers, clinical trials, and precision medicine approaches that may influence future sarcoidosis care.
- Discuss the role of patient advocacy organizations, support networks, and community resources in improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Contemporary Sarcoidosis Care 2026: From Granuloma to Precision Medicine | ||
TIME | PRESENTATION | SPEAKER(S) |
7:00 AM | Registration & Breakfast | |
8:00 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks | Mahwash Kassi, MD |
8:10 AM | Keynote: | TBD |
8:50 AM | Granulomas, Mimics, and Diagnostic Pitfalls | TBD |
9:10 AM | Diagnosis & Staging of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis | Umair Ashraf, MBBS |
9:30 AM | Systematic Sarcoidosis: Immune Pathways & Treatment Options | Myraim Guevara, MD |
9:50 AM | Q&A Moderated Session | Mena Botros, MD |
10:35 AM | CT Patterns and Guidance for Biopsy | JTBD |
10:55 AM | Tissue is the Issue | Tarek Dammad, MD, D-AABIP |
11:15 AM | Diagnosis and Risk Stratification | TBD |
11:45 AM | PET vs MRI in Clinical Practice | Mouaz Al-Mallah, MD |
12:05 PM | Q&A Moderated Session | Arvind Bhimaraj, MD, MPH, FACC, FHFSA |
12:20 PM | Lunch & Networking | |
1:00 PM | High Risk Patients: When to Refer to a Transplant Center? | Mena Botros, MD |
1:20 PM | To Treat or Not to Treat: Multidisciplinary Decisions | Panel: |
1:50 PM | Trials, Biomarkers, Precision Care | Mahwash Kassi, MD |
2:15 PM | Advocacy, FSR Collaboration, Support Group Launch | Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research |
3:00 PM | Key Takaways & Next Steps | Mahwash Kassi, MD |
3:10 PM | Adjourn | |
In-person attendance will be held in the Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, Texas 77030).
Virtual information will be provided to registered learners.
Travel
Click here for a list of nearby hotels.
Note that there is no defined hotel blocks.
The following hotels are recommended based on their proximity to the Houston Methodist Research Institute:
The Westin Houston Medical Center/Museum District (0.1mi away)
Houston Marriott Medical Center/Museum District (0.1 mi away)
Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center (0.2 mi away)
Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District (1.1 mi away)
Available Credit
- 6.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
Houston Methodist is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Houston Methodist designates this Live activity for a maximum of 6.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- 6.50 Attendance
Interested in exhibiting? Contact us for more information.
Price
FEES
| REGISTRATION TYPE | FEE |
|---|---|
| Physician (HM, MPAQ, ACO PCP) | Complimentary |
| Physician (Private physician located within the Greater Houston Area)* | $350 |
| Physician (Private physician located within the Greater Houston Area; NO CE) | Complimentary Click here to learn more and register as this registration type! |
| Physician (Private physician located outside the Greater Houston Area) | Complimentary |
| Allied Health Care Professionals / All Others | Complimentary |
| Resident / Fellow / Student (No CME) | Complimentary |
* In compliance with HM’s policy on Physician Non-Monetary Compensation regarding “Stark Law,” private physicians who reside and/or practice medicine within the Greater Houston Area are required to pay the full Fair Market Value registration fee.