Minna Kohler, MD
Massachusetts General Hospital
Medical Honoree
 Dr. Minna Kohler is a rheumatologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Founder & Director of the Rheumatology Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSKUS) Program. With expertise gained from a fellowship at Yale, she pioneered the use of ultrasound for early arthritis diagnosis, ultrasound guided procedures, and is part of the MGH Cancer Center Severe Immunotherapy Complications Team where she sees patients with cancer- or immunotherapy-related arthritis. Committed to education, Dr. Kohler is key teaching faculty for the MGH rheumatology fellowship and Spaulding PM&R residency programs and teaches locally, nationally, and internationally. She continually conducts diverse, cutting-edge research ranging in RA, OA, PsA, and other arthritides. Passionate about community outreach, Dr. Kohler serves as Medical Advisory Chair for the Arthritis Foundation Board in Massachusetts.
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Arpi Parseghian, a 26-year-old graduate student at Tufts University School of Medicine, has navigated life with rheumatoid arthritis. Despite managing her pain well, she faced a resurgence of symptoms in 2022, leading to debilitating challenges. With the support of her medical team and the encouragement of her family and friends, Arpi started a new treatment regimen with her first biologic drug. After months of pain, she regained mobility and gratitude for each movement. Through her journey, she found strength in her faith and immense appreciation for her support system, particularly her parents and sister. Arpi's experience has fostered empathy for others battling similar invisible illnesses; she remains grateful for every step she takes.
National Youth Honoree Sammy will participate in the 2024 Walk to Cure Arthritis Boston. In 2020, a puzzling fever led Sammy to a systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) diagnosis after a week at Boston Children’s Hospital. Despite treatment struggles, including an uncommon life-threatening bout of macrophage activation syndrome in 2021, Sammy, now 5 years old, manages with medication. She adores Lucas the Spider, unicorns, drawing, and playing video games with her parents, often as Princess Peach in Mario Wonder. Her family advocates tirelessly to shed light on SJIA and raise awareness for families.