Inspired by her work with long COVID patients, medical anthropologist Emily Mendenhall traces the story of complex chronic conditions to show why both research and practice fail so many. Mendenhall points out disconnects between the reality of chronic disease―which typically involves multiple intersecting problems resulting in unique, individualized illness―and the assumptions of medical providers, who behave as though chronic diseases have uniform effects for everyone. And while invisible illnesses have historically been associated with white middle-class women, being believed that you are sick is even more difficult for patients whose social identities and lived experiences may not align with dominant medical thought. Weaving together cultural history with intimate interviews, Invisible Illness upholds the experiences of those living with complex illness to expose the failures of the American healthcare system―and how we can do better.

 

The lecture will be broadcast on videocast on NIH Videocast and archived for future viewing.  

 

NIH Clinical Center Grand Rounds is a weekly CME activity showcasing a wide variety of topics from a diverse group of speakers to help those in attendance stay current on the latest advances in medicine and to assist them in their continued professional growth.  

 

CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION (CME)  

 

To claim CME, text the event’s CME code to the Hopkins CME Number.   

Text CME Code to (844) 980-1555. (NEW HOPKINS CME NUMBER)

CME code is posted at the beginning and end of CC Grand Rounds. 

 

If this is your first-time claiming CME, you must first set up an account on the Hopkins Cloud CME website, then pair your mobile phone with your account before you text the code. You can text to claim credit for CC Grand Rounds until 8 pm on Wednesdays. You can also claim credit by going to the Hopkins Cloud CME website. 

 

If you need help or have questions, contact Rita Stevens, CME Administrator, at  

rita.stevens@nih.gov . 

 

CME ACCREDITATION STATEMENT  

 

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.  

 

CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENT  

 

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

 

This regularly scheduled series has been approved for a 52-week cycle beginning September 2, 2026.

 

POLICY ON PRESENTER AND PROVIDER DISCLOSURE  

 

It is the policy of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine that the presenter and provider globally disclose conflicts of interest and any discussion of unlabeled/unapproved uses of drugs or devices during their presentation(s). The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine OCME has established policies in place that will identify and resolve conflicts of interest prior to this educational activity. Detailed disclosure will be made prior to presentation of the education.  

 

FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY AFFECTING CME ACTIVITIES  

 

As a provider approved by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), John Hopkins University School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education (OCME) requires attested and signed global disclosure of the existence of all financial interests or relationships with commercial interest from any individual in a position to control the content of a CME activity sponsored by OCME.  

 

If you are an individual with a disability who needs reasonable accommodations to participate in this event, please contact CC Grand Rounds Coordinator at ccgrandrounds2@cc.nih.gov.  

If you need the code or have questions, email CME Administrator at ccgrandrounds2@cc.nih.gov.