Dr. Iazsmin Ventura | Facebook
Dr. Iazsmin Bauer Ventura, a leading rheumatologist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Chicago, has dedicated her career to understanding and treating complex autoimmune diseases. Her passion for unraveling their mysteries stems from her clinical practice, which she describes as the “source of curiosity.” Dr. Bauer Ventura treats patients with rare and systemic autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and interstitial lung diseases.
"Why Did I Get This?"
In her clinic, a common question Dr. Bauer Ventura faces is: “Why did I get this?” The answer, she says, is elusive.
“We don't have a great explanation as to why [autoimmune diseases] happen,” she says. This motivates her collaborations nationally and internationally with colleagues to investigate how the diseases progress and how best to treat them.
Despite advances in medicine, autoimmune diseases remain poorly understood compared to conditions like cancer or cardiovascular diseases. "We are so behind in understanding what causes [them]," she says. These chronic illnesses — characterized by a dysregulated immune system attacking the body — affect millions of Americans.
An Environmental Connection
Bauer Ventura is particularly interested in the environmental factors that she believes contribute to the rise in autoimmune diseases. “The way we live our lives is dramatically different [from] how our great-grandparents lived,” she says, pointing to changes in diet, air quality, and exposure to pollutants as possible triggers.
She draws parallels with asthma, where environmental factors like air pollution and weather changes are documented triggers. “Asthma is a wonderful example of how the environment triggers these conditions,” she says, adding that similar dynamics may be at play in autoimmune diseases.
Bauer Ventura’s recent online survey explores whether extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change, are linked to flares in autoimmune conditions. “We want to know if there have been flares in autoimmune diseases and if extreme weather events were associated with problems in connecting with doctors or accessing medication,” she says.
The Economic and Social Toll
The financial burden of treating autoimmune diseases is staggering. Bauer Ventura points out that in 2001, the cost of treating autoimmune patients in the U.S. was approximately $168 billion — equivalent to the combined budgets of the Departments of Homeland Security and the Interior. “We are talking about a huge social and financial burden,” she says, noting that some medications can cost over $100,000 annually per patient.
Beyond the economic impact, there are significant social costs. Chronic diseases often strike individuals in their prime working years, limiting their ability to contribute to the workforce and their communities. “These illnesses affect people who would otherwise be capable of having a normal, functional life,” she says.
Children and adolescents are increasingly affected by chronic illnesses, a trend Bauer Ventura finds alarming: “Can you imagine having a child burdened with a disease that cannot be cured during their cognitive and emotional growth?”
Science, Not Politics
Bauer Ventura stresses the importance of maintaining scientific rigor and objectivity in her research. “Let’s see the facts and see where they lead us,” she says, cautioning against politicizing issues. Her focus remains on identifying the links between environmental factors and disease to inform public health policies.
She envisions a future where doctors can provide clear answers to patients about the causes of their diseases. “I’m hoping that in the future, when a patient asks, ‘Why did I develop this?’ I can say, ‘I actually have an idea,’” she says.
For Bauer Ventura, her research is not just about solving medical mysteries — it’s about giving patients the answers they deserve and ensuring a healthier future for all.
“We need to approach this with humility and an open mind,” she says. “The only way to get answers is through rigorous research conducted without bias.”
You can listen to the entire interview at the following link:
