Jola’s RA diagnosis came as a surprise, but she remains optimistic about the innovative medicines that BMS is developing.
A personal diagnosis
Jola, who worked at Celgene for nine years prior to the BMS acquisition, started in the Hematology and Oncology division. Now she is a senior scientist in BMS’ Immunology and Cardiovascular Thematic Research Center (ICV) — Translational Early Development.
“Our team was conducting research on various immunological disorders such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis,” Jola recalled. Her current role involves developing biomarkers for Phase 1 clinical trials, requiring her to stay updated on new mechanisms, pathways, and diseases.
Despite her extensive work in RA, Jola was surprised by her own diagnosis. She had been sick as a teenager and diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. Although it was thought she may have RA, her blood tests were inconclusive, so she could not be officially diagnosed. She didn’t receive the RA diagnosis until about six years ago, when her pain and discomfort started to significantly impact her daily life. “I didn't connect that this (RA) is what I’m working on, and now I’m being diagnosed with it,” she said. “But it gave me more of a purpose. Everything I do, I feel like I’m doing for myself and for patients who will eventually benefit.”
Diagnosing RA is challenging because it requires a thorough evaluation by a rheumatologist, who must piece together clinical history, physical exams and test results. Early symptoms, such as joint pain, stiffness and fatigue, are common to many other conditions, making it hard to pinpoint this autoimmune disease specifically. Additionally, RA symptoms can develop slowly and vary greatly among individuals, further complicating diagnosis.
Balancing work and health
Jola’s RA has impacted her ability to perform tasks requiring fine motor skills, such as using pipettes in the lab. Despite these challenges, she remains committed to her work and is exploring other career options within BMS.
“My supervisors have been very supportive as I navigate this,” she said. “I'm looking into development opportunities throughout BMS to potentially transition to other roles while continuing my current work in the lab.”
Living with RA, Jola has had to adapt her activities and work schedule. “I know I won’t be able to work in the lab forever, so I just completed my MBA,” she said.
