Ep 116: The Road To Remission
AiArthritis Voices 360 Main, Full Episode 116
Air Date: December 7th 2025
This episode is a 2, as outlined in our 6 Step Patient-Led Problem Solving Process.
Remission is no longer an abstract idea for people living with AiArthritis diseases. Thanks to earlier diagnosis, better treatment options, and growing global awareness, more patients are reaching remission and staying there. In this episode of AiArthritis Voices 360, Health Education Manager Leila P. L. Valete sits down with Neil Betteridge of the Global Remission Coalition to explore what remission truly means and why it is becoming a realistic goal for many.
Together they unpack how remission differs from basic disease control and why that distinction is so important for daily life. They also talk through the emotional and practical impact of reaching remission, the role of early action, and the barriers that still prevent many patients from accessing timely care. The conversation highlights what sustainable remission looks like in the
real world and how better education, support, and policy attention can help more people get there.
Whether you are newly diagnosed or years into your patient journey, this episode offers a grounded and hopeful look at the road to remission and the steps that can make a life-changing difference.
Episode Highlights:
● What remission really means and how it differs from basic disease control
● Why remission improves quality of life, mental health, and daily function
● Key factors that help patients reach remission including early diagnosis and timely treatment
● Common barriers patients face like limited access to specialists, treatment delays, and lack of information
● What it takes to sustain remission through monitoring, adherence, and patient support
Links & Resources
● AiArthritis remission information
● Have questions about this episode or topics you want to hear us bring to the table?
Email us at podcast@aiarthritis.org
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AiArthritis Voices 360 is produced by the International Foundation for Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis. Visit us on the web at
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¿Quién está en la mesa?
Leila P.L. Valete,AiArthritis Health Education Manager & Person Living with Lupus & Sjogren's
Neil Betteridge, Chair of Global Remission Coalition
Todos nuestros episodios principales del primer domingo de cada mes son un episodio inicial para "poner el tema sobre la mesa". (Paso 2 del proceso de resolución de problemas de 6 pasos de nuestra organización) o un episodio de "revisión de la mesa" (Paso 6 en el proceso de 6 pasos de nuestra organización)donde nos basamos en un programa anterior porque hemos avanzado en el desarrollo de ayuda, herramientas o proyectos en torno al tema. (Paso 5 del proceso de 6 pasos de nuestra organización).
Tras la emisión de cada programa, ampliamos la conversación a numerosos debates en diversos formatos, a los que ahora llamamos #360its.
Your Co-Hosts: Who is at the Table this Episode?
Leila P.L. Valete, Health Education Manager
Leila P.L. Valete is the Health Education Manager at the International Foundation for AiArthritis. She is a person living with Lupus & Sjögren's. She is passionate about inclusion and diversity in health education and meeting individuals where they are at in order to learn in a way that resonates with them. Leila is on social media as @Lupus.Lifestyle.Lei sharing bits and pieces about her life with lupus and connecting with others.
Neil Betteridge
Neil Betteridge developed juvenile arthritis at age three, an experience that shaped his lifelong
commitment to advocating for people with chronic diseases. He has led major patient organizations in the UK and globally, including serving as CEO of Arthritis Care and now as Senior Director of the Global Alliance for Patient Access, where he also chairs the Global Remission Coalition.
With decades of experience in public affairs and patient engagement, Neil has advised health ministers, worked with the Royal College of Physicians, and held key leadership roles in international networks such as the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health and EULAR. His work continues to advance policy, access, and better outcomes for people living with chronic inflammatory conditions.
Connect with Neil:
Website: www.globalremission.org
X/Twitter: https://x.com/Neil_Betteridge
Pull up your seat at the table
Now it's YOUR TURN to join the conversation!
What do you think about this episode?
We want to know what you think! By continuing the conversation with your opinions and perspectives - we all get a better understanding of the problems facing our community. Better yet, through these conversations we can start working and developing solutions.
We mean it when say 360. Not only do we want your input anytime and anywhere, but we also are eager to see where the conversation will take us. So please, "pull up a seat at the table" and let's start talking!
Email us at podcast@aiarthritis.org, message us on social media (find us by searching for @IFAiArthritis)
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