Lupus is a disease where the immune system attacks the body, so the main goal is to be sure the medical treatment is less toxic than the illness itself. Dr. Jim Oates, a rheumatologist, talks about the medications that are used to suppress the immune system, the possible side effects and also discusses how the patient might be susceptible to other illnesses due to an ailing immune system. Dr. Oates also talks about the importance of the long term relationship that develops between the patient and the doctor.