Chronic Boss Unfiltered is the podcast where ambition meets women’s health. Hosted by Lilly Stairs—two-time founder and three-time autoimmune patient—this show dives deep into what it really takes to build a business or climb the career ladder while living with chronic illness. Each week, Lilly sits down with powerhouse women who are chasing big dreams while navigating flare-ups, fatigue, and everything in between. Expect raw, unfiltered conversations that move from the hospital bed to the boardroom, giving you both inspiration and practical insights to balance health and ambition.
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Chronic Boss Unfiltered is the podcast where ambition meets women’s health. Hosted by Lilly Stairs—two-time founder and three-time autoimmune patient—this show dives deep into what it really takes to build a business or climb the career ladder while living with chronic illness. Each week, Lilly sits down with powerhouse women who are chasing big dreams while navigating flare-ups, fatigue, and everything in between. Expect raw, unfiltered conversations that move from the hospital bed to the boardroom, giving you both inspiration and practical insights to balance health and ambition.
The Four Rs to Rebuild Your Health After Autoimmune Diagnosis with Dr. Kara Wada
Chronic Boss Unfiltered
40 minutes
1 week ago
The Four Rs to Rebuild Your Health After Autoimmune Diagnosis with Dr. Kara Wada
In this insightful and empowering episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, host Lilly Stairs sits down with Dr. Kara Wada — quadruple board-certified physician, autoimmune warrior, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As both doctor and patient, Kara bridges two worlds with empathy, expertise, and authenticity.
Diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome after years of symptoms and normal lab results, Kara experienced firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate chronic illness — even as a medical professional. What began as a personal health struggle has evolved into her mission to transform the patient experience and redefine what it means to thrive with autoimmunity.
Together, Lilly and Kara unpack the intersection of medicine, mindset, and self-advocacy. They discuss Kara’s Four Rs framework for healing, the “Perfect Storm” concept behind autoimmune disease, and how Kara built a values-driven medical practice rooted in compassion and connection. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and reclaiming your health on your own terms.
What You’ll Learn:
How Kara’s journey from physician to patient reshaped her approach to medicine
Why Sjogren’s syndrome is often missed — and how to advocate for answers
The multifactorial nature of autoimmune disease and the “Perfect Storm” concept
How Kara’s Four Rs framework empowers patients to take back control of their health
The importance of aligning your career and purpose with your personal values
Why community and mentorship are essential for women in healthcare and entrepreneurship
How authenticity and vulnerability foster deeper trust between doctors and patients
Timestamps:
(00:00) – Introduction(02:40) – From Physician to Patient: Kara’s unexpected diagnosis and personal awakening(05:38) – Understanding Sjogren’s Syndrome: Misdiagnosis, symptoms, and stigma(08:42) – Women and Autoimmunity: Why women’s health is often overlooked(11:43) – Shifting Perspectives: How chronic illness deepened Kara’s empathy as a doctor(14:42) – Building a Patient-Centered Practice: The birth of the Immune Confident Institute(20:34) – The Perfect Storm Concept: What triggers autoimmunity and how to manage it(33:01) – The Four Rs Framework: A roadmap for healing and empowerment(38:54) – Entrepreneurship with Purpose: Balancing medicine, business, and motherhood(45:45) – Authenticity in Healthcare: The power of sharing your story
Connect with Dr. Kara Wada:
✨Website: https://www.drkarawada.com/
✨ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drkarawada
✨LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/
✨Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarawada/
Connect with Chronic Boss:
🖤 chronicboss.com🖤 Instagram🖤 LinkedIn🖤 TikTok
Connect with Lilly:
🖤 lillystairs.com🖤 LinkedIn🖤 Instagram
Chronic Boss Unfiltered
Chronic Boss Unfiltered is the podcast where ambition meets women’s health. Hosted by Lilly Stairs—two-time founder and three-time autoimmune patient—this show dives deep into what it really takes to build a business or climb the career ladder while living with chronic illness. Each week, Lilly sits down with powerhouse women who are chasing big dreams while navigating flare-ups, fatigue, and everything in between. Expect raw, unfiltered conversations that move from the hospital bed to the boardroom, giving you both inspiration and practical insights to balance health and ambition.
