Welcome, we are a local support group based in Richmond, Virginia associated with the Spondylitis Association of America (SAA). The aims of our group are:

• to provide an outlet for discussion of topics on ankylosing spondylitis or related diseases

• to support the physical and mental health of individuals with ankylosing spondylitis or related diseases

• to exchange experiences and information on ankylosing spondylitis or related diseases

• to empower and oppose the social isolation of individuals with ankylosing spondylitis or related diseases

• to advise individuals in social and medical problems associated with the condition

• to exchange information on local area physicians and health professionals

• to increase public awareness of ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases

Dr. Edward J.N. Ishac, Ph.D. is a Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. A native of Australia, he has lived in Richmond's West End since 1993. Dr. Ishac received his doctoral degree from Monash University in Australia. He has post-doctoral training at McGill University in Montreal, Canada and the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Eddy serves on the National Board of Medical Examiners for the USMLE Pharmacology Step 1 licensing examination and is the Medical Pharmacology Course Director at VCU. He teaches pharmacology to medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing and graduate students. He has received many awards for teaching excellence, including VCU's School of Medicine highest award. In his early teens, Eddy was initially diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis which was later changed to ankylosing spondylitis after an episode of iritis. Over the years Eddy has had four total hip replacements, frequent bouts of iritis and his spine has totally fused.  His current medication is the NSAID, indomethacin, which he has taken for the last 25 years. Eddy continues to be physically active and works full-time.
Email: eishac@vcu.edu