Thriving with Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases -with Dr. Diana Girnita
Thriving with Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases is an evidence-based podcast dedicated to helping people understand, manage, and live well with arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Hosted by Dr. Diana M. Girnita, MD, PhD, a double board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology with a PhD in Immunology, the podcast bridges modern rheumatology with lifestyle and integrative medicine.
The show covers a wide range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, Sjögren’s disease, gout, and other inflammatory and immune-mediated disorders. Each episode provides clear explanations of diagnosis, lab testing, imaging, medications, biologics, and emerging therapies—alongside practical strategies for nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress regulation, and chronic pain management.
Listeners hear conversations with experts in rheumatology, immunology, nutrition, physical therapy, and mind-body medicine, as well as real patient stories that highlight the challenges of diagnosis, flares, remission, and long-term disease management.
Dr. Girnita brings over 20 years of clinical and academic experience, including advanced postdoctoral training at Harvard University and the University of Pittsburgh. She is widely recognized for combining rigorous scientific medicine with a whole-person approach that treats not just disease activity, but the person living with the disease.
An educator with a global reach, Dr. Girnita has accumulated over 30 million views across YouTube and social media, where she delivers clear, science-based education on autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Medscape, and other major medical publications.
Thriving with Arthritis empowers patients to make informed decisions, navigate the healthcare system with confidence, reduce inflammation, prevent complications, and reclaim quality of life.
Episodes
36 episodes
Menopause, Autoimmune Disease & Weight Gain: The Truth About HRT, Estrogen & GLP-1
If you're a woman over 40 with joint pain, unexplained weight gain, fatigue, or an autoimmune diagnosis — this episode connects dots that most doctors never connect.Dr. Diana Girnita, double board-certified rheumatologist and founder of...
Ozempic, Monjaro, Zepbound - The Arthritis and Autoimmune Disease SECRET Nobody Is Talking About
What is the power of GLP-1 medications in managing arthritis and autoimmune diseases, without the need for dramatic weight loss? In this episode, Dr. Diana Girnita, a double board-certified rheumatologist and founder of Rheum...
The Surprising Link Between Vaccines and Polymyalgia Rheumatica - a True Patient Story
This episode features a heartfelt discussion with Ms. Dorothy, a patient diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), shedding light on the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and importance of awareness for this often misunderstood disease. If you...
Ankylosing Spondylitis - What Patients and Doctors Often Miss
Most people don’t realize that ankylosing spondylitis (AS) isn’t just a bad back — it’s a systemic inflammatory disease that can silently attack multiple areas of your body. If you or someone you love experiences chronic back stiffn...
Why Doctors Kept Dismissing My Joint Pain — And How I Got Diagnosed With Psoriatic Arthritis at 26
Can you get arthritis in your 20s? The answer is yes — and Ayda's story proves it.In this powerful episode of THRIVING WITH ARTHRITIS, Dr. Diana Girnita sits down with Ayda, who was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis at age 26 aft...
Evidence Based Tips to Reduce Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis
In this episode, Melissa Schenkman, MPH, MSJ, Founder of YMyHealth, and Dr. Diana Girnita discuss a real-life roadmap for people with chronic illnesses like Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They are also discussin...
How Rheumatoid Arthritis Speeds Aging—and How to Push Back
What if rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t just cause joint pain—but quietly speeds up how fast your entire body ages? In this episode of Thriving with Arthritis, Dr. Diana Girnita sits down with Dr. Neha Bhanusali, from the University ...
Why Psoriatic Arthritis Goes Misdiagnosed for Years | GLP-1 Medications & Inflammation Breakthrough
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is the most commonly misdiagnosed form of inflammatory arthritis—and it's costing patients years of their lives. In this episode of Thriving with Arthritis, Dr. Diana Girnita and Dr. Vishnuteja Devalla explain why psor...
Autoimmune Diseases: Signs, Myths, Realities, New Treatments and the AI challenges
In this episode, Dr. Diana Girnita and Dr. Vishnu Devala explore the complexities of autoimmune diseases, discussing their causes, symptoms, and the latest treatments. They delve into the role of gut health, environmental triggers, and the pote...
Living with Sjogren’s Syndrome: Dr. Girnita's approach in treating a complex autoimmune disease
In this inspiring episode of Thriving with Arthritis, Dr. Diana Girnita, board-certified rheumatologist and founder of Rheumatologist OnCall, is interviewed by Raha Saber—a courageous woman navigating life with Sjogren’s Syndrome. Raha...
From Diagnosis to Empowerment: Sona’s Story of Thriving with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Welcome to another inspiring episode of Thriving With Arthritis, hosted by Dr. Diana Girnita—rheumatologist, immunologist, and founder of Rheumatologist OnCall. In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Girnita is joined by Ms. Sona, a coura...
Thriving with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Lifestyle Strategies, Science & Hope with Dr. Diana Girnita
In this special episode, Dr. Diana Girnita joined Melissa Schenkman, Founder of YMyHealth Podcast, to discuss Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Dr. Girnita shares insights from her new book, Thriving with Rheumatoid Arthritis, a must-read gui...
How to manage Rheumatoid Arthritis during winter time?
In this episode of 'Thriving with Arthritis,' hosted by Dr. Diana Girnita, a rheumatologist, you will learn invaluable strategies for managing rheumatoid arthritis during cold weather. Dr. Girnita explains how cold weather affects ...
Hand Exercises and Virtual Occupational Therapy with Hannah Pugh
In this episode of "Thriving with Arthritis," host Dr. Diana Girnita welcomes Hannah Pugh, an experienced occupational therapist from Reactiv, to discuss innovative approaches to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other joint conditions....
Obesity, Autoimmune Diseases and Weight Loss Drugs (Mounjaro, Ozempic, Zepbound) with Dr. Michaela Mocanu
In this episode of "Thriving with Arthritis," host Dr. Diana Girnita welcomes Dr. Michaela Mocanu, a board-certified nephrologist and obesity medicine specialist, to explore the intricate connections between obesity, kidney health, and autoimmu...
Gut Health Revolution and Autoimmune Disease with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
In this groundbreaking episode of "Thriving with Arthritis," host Dr. Diana Girnita welcomes renowned gut health expert Dr. Will Bulsiewicz. Together, they explore the fascinating connection between gut health, nutrition, and autoimmune disease...
Thriving Minds: Navigating Mental Health and Autoimmune Diseases with Ms. Deborah Sawaf
In this episode, Dr. Diana Girnita is joined by a special guest, Ms. Deborah Sawaf, a renowned fashion designer and founder of 'The Power of Words' movement.Key Topics Covered1. The Psychological Impact of Autoimmune Disea...
Sex, Hormones and Hormone Replacement Therapy in Autoimmune Diseases with Expert Dr. Becky Kaufman Lynn
Join host Dr. Diana Girnita on Thriving with Arthritis as she welcomes Dr. Becky Kauffman Lynn, a dual-certified OBGYN and obesity medicine specialist renowned for her expertise in sexual health and menopause. In this episode, they div...
Today's Healthcare Challenges: Daniel's Story of Morphea and Using Telemedicine as a Solution
In this special episode of Thriving with Arthritis, Dr. Diana Granita, a seasoned rheumatologist, sits down with Daniel, a 32-year-old man who shares his personal journey of being diagnosed with Morphea, a localized autoimmune disease.
Navigating Systemic Sclerosis: Signs, Symptoms, Updates on Treatment with Professor Dr. Daniel Furst
Welcome to Thriving with Arthritis, the podcast that empowers you to live a better life, despite all the challenges of arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Hosted by Dr. Diana Granita, a rheumatologist with over 20 years of experience. Each episo...
Most Common Questions about Arthritis - An Interview with Drs. Andrea Furlan and Dr. Diana Girnita
In today's episode, Dr. Andrea Furlan and Dr. Diana Girnita will answer some of the most common questions about arthritis, including:1. Is there a cure for arthritis?2. Have you ever witnessed any remission with your patients? And i...
Living with Sjogren's Disease: Expert and Patient Insights with Dr. Kara Wada
Join Dr. Diana Girnita and special guest Dr. Kara Wada as they explore the intricate world of Sjogren's disease. Dr. Wada offers a unique dual perspective as both a physician and a patient recently diagnosed with Sjogren's. This episode delv...
Overcoming Psoriatic Arthritis: Valerie's Journey to Pain-Free Living with Dr. Diana Girnita
In this episode of 'Thriving with Arthritis,' Dr. Diana Girnita, converses with her patient Valerie about her transformative journey. Valerie shares the challenges she faced navigating the medical system, dealing with unbearable pa...
Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Jill's Story of Telemedicine Success
Join Dr. Diana Girnita and her patient Jill Toole for an inspiring exploration of overcoming obstacles in the current healthcare system. In this episode, Jill shares how she was finally diagnosed with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. ...
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain: Expert Advice from Dr. Martina Ziegenbein
In this episode of the Thriving with Arthritis Podcast, Dr. Diana Girnita, a double board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, interviews Dr. Martina Ziegenbein, a renowned rheumatologist specializing in fibromyalgia.&n...