When you live with a chronic rheumatic or autoimmune disease, it can feel overwhelming to sort through all the information online. Between social media advice, news articles, and personal blogs, it’s not always easy to tell what’s trustworthy.
One of the best ways to stay informed, and avoid misinformation, is to follow credible, peer-reviewed medical journals. These are the gold standard sources where scientists and clinicians publish their research. Before a study appears in one of these journals, it goes through peer review, meaning other experts in the field have carefully evaluated it for accuracy, quality, and scientific integrity.
Following these journals (even just their social media feeds or newsletters), patients can stay updated on the latest findings, new treatments, and shifts in clinical care, all without relying on unverified online claims.
You can find my name in some of these journals as a co-author! That’s the benefit of being a patient partner in research. Last time I looked, I was a co-author in over 30 articles! There is probably more now. Learn more about my participation in research here.
Why Patients Should Follow Credible Medical Journals
- Reliable, evidence-based information.
Journals only publish research that meets strict scientific standards. This helps you separate proven facts from health fads or anecdotes. - Early awareness of new discoveries.
Clinical trials, new medications, and emerging therapies are often published in journals months before they’re discussed in mainstream media. - Better conversations with your healthcare team.
Knowing where to find accurate summaries or study results can help you ask informed questions and understand your treatment options more clearly. - Reduced exposure to misinformation.
Following reputable medical journals keeps you anchored to science, not speculation.
1. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (ARD)
Published by EULAR (European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology), this is one of the most respected journals in the field.
Focus: Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, spondyloarthritis, and emerging therapeutics.
ARD often features landmark studies that shape treatment guidelines and influence global standards of care.
📍 Visit ARD – https://ard.bmj.com/
📍Follow on Social Media – https://www.instagram.com/eular_org/
2. Arthritis & Rheumatology (A&R)
The flagship journal of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), this is a cornerstone publication for clinicians and researchers alike.
Focus: Clinical, translational, and basic science research across all rheumatic diseases.
If your doctor talks about a “new ACR study,” this is probably where it was published.
📍 Visit Arthritis & Rheumatology– https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/23265205
3. Arthritis Care & Research (AC&R)
A companion to Arthritis & Rheumatology, this journal zeroes in on patient outcomes, self-management, and the healthcare experience.
Focus: Clinical care, quality of life, pain management, and patient education.
It’s one of the most patient-centered scientific journals in rheumatology.
📍 Visit Arthritis Care & Research – https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/21514658
5. Nature Reviews Rheumatology
Part of the Nature family of journals, this is a high-impact review publication offering expert commentary and analysis of major advances in the field.
Focus: Comprehensive reviews and forward-looking perspectives on research and innovation.
It’s ideal for readers who want an overview of where rheumatology research is headed.
📍 Visit Nature Reviews Rheumatology – https://www.nature.com/nrrheum/
6. The Lancet Rheumatology
A member of the globally respected Lancet family of journals.
Focus: Translational and clinical rheumatology research, policy, and global health outcomes.
Articles here often have a strong patient-impact focus, linking science with public health and real-world care.
📍 Visit The Lancet Rheumatology – https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanrhe/home
9. Clinical Rheumatology
The official journal of the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR).
Focus: Global rheumatology research, including studies from developing regions and international collaborations.
It offers a broad view of how autoimmune diseases are managed across different healthcare systems.
📍 Visit Clinical Rheumatology – https://link.springer.com/journal/10067
11. The Journal of Rheumatology
A long-standing and widely read publication in the field.
Focus: Clinical research, case studies, and innovations in rheumatology treatment and patient care.
Many key studies on biologics and autoimmune disease management have appeared here.
📍 Visit The Journal of Rheumatology – https://www.jrheum.org/
How to Follow These Journals Without a Subscription
Most journals share open-access articles, plain-language summaries, and research highlights on social media. Follow their official accounts on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, or Facebook, or sign up for email alerts to receive summaries of new publications.
You don’t need to read every article cover-to-cover—just staying aware of what’s being discussed can help you feel more informed and empowered in your own care.
Credible journals are the compass that keeps rheumatology research grounded in science, not speculation. By following them, patients can stay connected to accurate, evolving information about their condition and treatment landscape. In a world overflowing with health misinformation, these publications are a trustworthy lighthouse—guiding both patients and professionals toward better understanding and better care.
