ST. JOSEPH — Community members are invited to attend a free physician speaker series event presented by Nina Ramessar, MD, rheumatologist, entitled “Living Well with Gout.”

The first of two seminars will be held on Tuesday, March 8 in the Frederick S. Upton Education Center at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph, located at 1234 Napier Avenue. The following seminar will be held on Thursday, March 31 in the meeting room at Lakeland Hospital, Niles, located at 31 North St. Joseph Avenue. Both seminars will take place from 6 to 7 p.m.

During the seminar, Dr. Ramessar will discuss symptoms and treatment options, as well as how to reduce the risk that gout will recur.

“Gout is a complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone,” said Dr. Ramessar. “It causes intense episodes of painful swelling in one or more joints that will continue to occur if not treated. Over time, these attacks can harm your joints, and interfere with your quality of life.”

Dr. Ramessar is board-certified in internal medicine and rheumatology. She completed her residency and fellowship training at SUNY Downstate Medical Center located in central Brooklyn, New York.

Ramessar earned her medical degree from the University of the West Indies, located in St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. She is a member of the American College of Rheumatology and has been published in several peer-reviewed journals.

Pre-registration is requested for this event; walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call (269) 927-5361 or visit www.lakelandhealth.org/gout.