Date:
Nov 14 2026 - Nov 14 2026
Time:
8:00 a.m.–5:15 p.m.
Location:
University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, Texas, United States
Category:
Patient Advocacy Meetings
Join the IgG4-RD community in Austin for a day of expert-led education, interactive discussions, Q&A, and connection at IgG4ward! TexasJAM.
RegisterIgG4ward! TexasJAM: In-Person Community Event
Join us in Austin for the IgG4ward! TexasJAM, a one-day, in-person gathering for people affected by IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD).
Hosted by Dr. Adam Kilian and the IgG4ward! Foundation, TexasJAM brings together patients, caregivers, families, and supporters to learn from leading IgG4-RD experts, participate in interactive breakout sessions and dedicated Q&A sessions, and connect with others in the IgG4-RD community.
What to expect
Throughout the day, experts will address topics that matter to people affected by IgG4-RD, including:
Understanding how IgG4-RD is diagnosed and monitored
Exploring current treatment approaches and what patients can expect
Learning how IgG4-RD can affect different organs and systems
Managing symptoms and the daily realities of living with IgG4-RD
Supporting a loved one with IgG4-RD
Understanding the science behind IgG4-RD and how treatments work
Looking ahead at the continued evolution of IgG4-RD care
TexasJAM is designed to make time for conversation, connection, and questions. Attendees will have multiple opportunities to choose from smaller breakout sessions based on the topics most relevant to them, with dedicated time for patient questions and discussion.
The day will also feature interactive expert panels, bringing specialists together to answer questions from the IgG4-RD community.
A detailed program will be shared as the event approaches.
Registration is required. Complete the registration form below.
Who can attend TexasJAM?
TexasJAM is designed for people living with IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), caregivers, family members, friends, and others in the IgG4-RD community.
Is there a cost to attend TexasJAM?
There is no cost to attend for people living with IgG4-RD, caregivers, family members, and friends. Registration fees apply to industry attendees.
Do I need to register for TexasJAM?
Yes. Advance registration is required for all attendees. Please complete the registration form on this page to reserve your spot.
Can I only attend part of TexasJAM?
Yes. During registration, you can indicate whether you plan to attend the full day, the morning sessions only, or the afternoon sessions only.
Will food be provided?
Yes. Breakfast and lunch will be provided during the event. An evening reception with appetizers and cocktails will follow the program.
How do I share dietary or accessibility needs?
Please share any dietary restrictions, food preferences, accessibility accommodations, or other support needs when you register so we can help you fully participate in TexasJAM.
Where do I stay if I am traveling to TexasJAM?
TexasJAM will take place at the University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, in Austin, Texas.. Nearby lodging options are available in the Nearby Accommodations section of this page.
Kasa at the Waller Austin
3-star | 9-minute walk
Address: 1104 Sabine St, Austin, TX 78701,
Phone: +1 (737) 238-1914
Website: [Link]
Parking: On-site paid parking
Pets: Allowed (additional $60 per stay)
DoubleTree Suites Downtown Capitol
4-star | 14-minute walk
Address: 303 W 15th St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Phone: +1 (512) 478-7000
Website: [Link]
Parking: On-site paid parking
Pets: Allowed (additional $75 per stay)
Tru by Hilton Austin University Capitol District
4-star | 18-minute walk
Address: 1715 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
Phone: +1 (737) 270-8340
Website: [Link]
Parking: On-site paid valet parking
Pets: Allowed (additional $50 per stay)
Agenda
November 14
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Registration & Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.
Welcome
IgG4ward! Foundation, Dr. Adam Kilian
9:10 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Opening plenary: Building bridges, together: Advancing care through shared purpose, connection, and collaboration
Dr. Adam Kilian, MD - Rheumatologist, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School (Austin)
9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Keynote: Where have we come from? The history and evolution of IgG4-RD
Dr. John Stone, MD, MPH - Rheumatologist, Harvard Medical School (Boston)
10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Morning break & Refreshments
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Expert panel #1: Answers to common patient questions
Moderated by Dr. Jordan Jacquez, MD - Rheumatologist, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School (Austin)
1) Diagnosis: How is IgG4-RD diagnosed, and how do I find the right team to help me?
-Dr. Curry Koenig, MD Rheumatologist, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School (Austin)
2) Treatment: What are the treatment options for IgG4-RD, and what should I expect from them?
-Dr. Sambhawana Bhandari, MD Rheumatologist, Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis)
3) Monitoring: How will I know if my IgG4-RD is under control?
-Dr. Daniela Ghetie, MD Rheumatologist, Amarillo Medical Specialists (Amarillo)
4) Q&A (30 min)
11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Reflections and what's ahead
Dr. Adam Kilian, MD - Rheumatologist, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School (Austin)
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Breakout Session 1
Participants choose ONE:
1) Pancreas and Bile Ducts: Digestion, Enzyme Replacement, and Managing Diabetes Risk
- Dr. Fares Ayoub, MD Gastroenterologist, Baylor College of Medicine (Houston)
2) Salivary and Orbital IgG4-RD: Swollen Glands, Dry Eyes/Mouth, and Eye Swelling
- Dr. Oded Sagiv, MD Ophthalmologist, MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston)
- Dr. Taylor Lackey, MD Otolaryngolist (ENT), Austin Ear Nose & Throat Clinic (Austin)
3) Beyond the Common Sites: Lungs, Aorta, Thyroid, Meninges, Cranial Nerves
- Dr. Avira Som, MD Rheumatologist, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas)
- Dr. Tania Reyna, MD Neuroimmunologist, University of Texas at Health Science Center San Antonio (San Antonio)
2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Breakout Session 2
Participants choose ONE:
1) Kidneys and Retroperitoneal Fibrosis: Kidney Health, Back Pain, and Ureteral Stents Explained
-Dr. German Hernandez, MD Nephrologist, El Paso Kidney Specialists (El Paso)
-Dr. J. Stuart Wolf, Jr, MD Urologist, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School (Austin)
2) Salivary and Orbital IgG4-RD: Swollen Glands, Dry Eyes/Mouth, and Eye Swelling
-Dr. Oded Sagiv, MD Ophthalmologist, MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston)
-Dr. Taylor Lackey, MD Otolaryngolist (ENT), Austin Ear Nose & Throat Clinic (Austin)
3) Living with IgG4-RD: Fatigue, Brain Fog, and Strategies for Daily life
-Dr. Sanjay Chabra, DO Rheumatologist, Texas Arthritis Center (El Paso)
-Dr. Christopher Parker, MD Rheumatologist, Central Texas Rheumatology Associates (Austin)
3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Breakout Session 3
Participants choose ONE:
1) Pancreas and Bile Ducts: Digestion, Enzyme Replacement, and Managing Diabetes Risk
-Dr. Fares Ayoub, MD Gastroenterologist, Baylor College of Medicine (Houston)
2) Let’s Get Nerdy: The Immunology of IgG4-RD, How Treatments Work, and Labs and Biopsy Explained
-Dr. Sambhawana Bhandari, MD Rheumatologist, Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis)
-Dr. Avira Som, MD Rheumatologist, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas)
3) Caregiving in IgG4-RD: Supporting a Loved One
-Dr. Sanjay Chabra, DO Rheumatologist, Texas Arthritis Center (El Paso)
-Dr. Christopher Parker, MD Rheumatologist, Central Texas Rheumatology Associates (Austin)
-Katharine M. Provencher, MSW Director of Patient Advocacy, IgG4ward! Foundation
3:45 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Afternoon break & Refreshments
4:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Interactive Q&A: Ask the experts anything
Dr. John Stone, MD, MPH Rheumatologist, Harvard Medical School (Boston)
Dr. Fares Ayoub, MD Gastroenterologist, Baylor College of Medicine (Houston)
Dr. Taylor Lackey, MD Otolaryngolist (ENT), Austin Ear Nose & Throat Clinic (Austin)
Dr. German Hernandez, MD Nephrologist, El Paso Kidney Specialists (El Paso)
Dr. J. Stuart Wolf, Jr., MD Urologist, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School (Austin)
Dr. Tania Reyna, MD Neuroimmunologist, University of Texas at Health Science Center San Antonio (San Antonio)
Dr. Oded Sagiv, MD Ophthalmologist, MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston)
5:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Thank you & Closing remarks
Dr. Adam Kilian & IgG4ward! Foundation
Host
Adam Kilian, MD
Rheumatologist
Dr. Adam Kilian is a rheumatologist at the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School. His work reflects a commitment to patient-centered care, education, and collaboration for people affected by complex rheumatic diseases, including IgG4-related disease.