PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR), the leading international organization dedicated to finding a cure for sarcoidosis and improving care for those living with the disease, is hosting the FSR Regional Sarcoidosis Summit 2026, a complimentary, one-day educational event taking place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown.
Designed to expand access to specialized sarcoidosis education and strengthen collaboration across the Mid-Atlantic region, the summit will bring together nationally recognized experts, clinicians, healthcare professionals, patients, care partners, and advocates for a day of learning, connection, and community. The event features two concurrent educational programs—one for clinicians and one for patients and care partners—along with a shared networking lunch that encourages meaningful conversations between the medical and patient communities.
Powered by the FSR Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance (FSR-GSCA), the summit is co-hosted with FSR-GSCA Alliance Founding Members, Jefferson Health and Temple Health, along with FSR-GSCA Member Penn Medicine. The educational initiative is jointly accredited through the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and offers up to 7 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for participating physicians.
“Improving outcomes for people living with sarcoidosis requires more than advancing research—it also means ensuring patients and healthcare providers have access to trusted education, specialized expertise, and one another,” said Mary McGowan, MHRM, President and CEO of FSR. “The FSR Regional Sarcoidosis Summit reflects our commitment to building stronger local communities of care by bringing together leading specialists alongside patients, care partners, and clinicians to learn from one another and improve lives.”
The clinician symposium is designed for pulmonologists, rheumatologists, cardiologists, neurologists, dermatologists, internists, primary care clinicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, fellows, residents, and other healthcare professionals who may encounter undiagnosed or recently diagnosed sarcoidosis. Through evidence-based educational sessions led by internationally recognized faculty, participants will explore current best practices in diagnosis, treatment, multidisciplinary care, referral pathways, and long-term disease management. Upon completion of the activity, participants will be better equipped to recognize sarcoidosis across multiple organ systems, employ appropriate diagnostic strategies, strengthen collaborative care between specialty centers and community providers, and apply evidence-based treatment and monitoring approaches that improve patient outcomes. To learn more and register for the clinician event, click here.
The patient and care partner program is designed for individuals newly diagnosed with sarcoidosis, those living with the disease, family members, friends, care partners, advocates, and support group leaders. Sessions will focus on understanding sarcoidosis, fatigue and pain management, exercise, medications and treatment options, participating in research, and navigating everyday life with the disease. Attendees will also have dedicated opportunities to ask questions of sarcoidosis experts, connect with others who share similar experiences, and learn about FSR programs including the FSR SARC Patient Registry, volunteer opportunities, and patient support resources. To learn more about the patient event, click here.
The summit’s expert faculty and planning committee include leading sarcoidosis specialists from FSR-GSCA institutions: Rohit Gupta, MD, Director of the Sarcoidosis Program at Temple University Hospital and Professor of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Temple Health, Behram Khan, MD, Director, Sarcoidosis Program, Jefferson Health, Rafael Perez, MD, Professor of Medicine, Jefferson Health, Misha Rosenbach, MD, Director and Founder, Cutaneous Sarcoidosis Clinic, Penn Medicine; FSR Scientific Advisory Board Member, Mary McGowan, MHRM, President & CEO, FSR.
“I am delighted to be working with FSR and other experts across the region to bring together patients, clinicians, and sarcoidosis experts to share best practices and answer burning questions – and help patients with sarcoidosis get the care they need,” said Misha Rosenbach, MD, Penn Medicine.
“Despite important advances in our understanding of sarcoidosis, patients continue to face challenges with timely diagnosis, access to specialized care, and navigating a complex multisystem disease,” said Rohit Gupta, MD, Temple University. “This summit is an important opportunity to bring patients, care partners, community clinicians, and sarcoidosis specialists together to share knowledge and strengthen connections across our region. We hope these conversations translate into earlier recognition, better coordinated care, and ultimately better outcomes for people living with sarcoidosis.”
“At Jefferson, we strive for greater knowledge, improved management, and more effective treatments to improve outcomes for people with sarcoidosis,” said Behram Khan, MD, and Rafael Perez, MD, Jefferson Health.
Registration is complimentary for both the clinician symposium and the patient and care partner program. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Participants are encouraged to register by September 15, 2026.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/philadelphia-summit/
To schedule a media interview, please contact FSR directly.
About Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by granulomas—tiny clumps of inflammatory cells—that can form in one or more organs. Despite advances in research, sarcoidosis remains challenging to diagnose, with limited treatment options and no known cure. Approximately 175,000 people live with sarcoidosis in the United States.
About the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research
The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is the leading international organization dedicated to finding a cure for sarcoidosis and improving care for patients through research, education, support, and advocacy. Since its founding in 2000, FSR has invested nearly $10 million in sarcoidosis-specific research.
Media contact
Cathi Davis
Director, Marketing and Communications, FSR
cathi@stopsarcoidosis.org
312-341-0500
