About the Authors

Pendleton Brewster Wickersham, M.D., FACP, FACR 

 A Leading Medical Voice on Chronic Pain, Innovation, and Patient Empowerment

Dr. Pendleton Wickersham is a distinguished, board-certified rheumatologist and the author of Managing Life with Chronic Pain: The Resilient Path. With a career spanning private practice, clinical research, and medical innovation, Dr. Wickersham brings a unique, multifaceted perspective to the management of chronic pain conditions. As a partner at Arthritis Associates in San Antonio, Texas, he has established a Lupus Center of Excellence caring for over 500 patients. His work extends beyond the clinic into roles as a founder, inventor, and a sought after national and international speaker, making him a formidable authority in the field.

Education & Board Certifications

Dr. Wickersham's academic and clinical foundation is built upon training at some of the nation's premier medical institutions.

  • Rheumatology Fellowship: University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
  • Internal Medicine Residency: University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
  • Doctor of Medicine (with Honors): Baylor College of Medicine
  • Bachelor of Arts in Geology (Magna Cum Laude): Rice University

Board Certifications

  • Rheumatology and Internal Medicine

Author and Publisher

Dr. Wickersham has translated his clinical expertise into accessible knowledge for patients.

  • Book: Wickersham, P. Managing Life with Chronic Pain. CreateSpace press, 2011.
  • Podcasts & Digital Media:
        • Video podcast for RheumNow on Rinvoq® safety and efficacy, 2021.
        • Podcast for RheumNow on janus kinase inhibitor safety, 2022.
        • Video for Doximity on Rinvoq® safety and efficacy, 2023.
  • Peer-Reviewed Publications:
        • Ramiro S, Lukas C, Bessette L, Wickersham P, et al. How Do Early Disease Activity and Early Clinical Response Associate with Long-Term Outcomes with Ixekizumab in Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis? ACR Convergence, 2023.
        • Crowley A, Siegel L, Wickersham P, et al. The Impact of Baseline BMI and Physical Activity on Upadacitinib Treatment Response...ACR Convergence, 2023.
        • Robert Koval, MD, Sterling West, MD, Pendleton Wickersham, MD. Helicobacter pylori Infection and Gastrointestinal Intolerance to Oral Bisphosphonates. ACP Abstract 2007.
        • Wickersham P, Golz D, West SG. Clinical Academic Rheumatology: Getting More Than You Pay For. Arthritis Care and Research 2005.
        • Tesser J, Crowley R,…Wickersham P, et al. Vagus Nerve-Mediated Neuroimmune Modulation for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Pivotal Randomized Controlled Trial. Nature Medicine 2025.

Healthcare Leadership & Board Service

Dr. Wickersham has held significant governance roles, shaping healthcare policy and strategy in South Texas.

  • Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM): Served for 13 years on the board of MHM, the nonprofit co-owner of the ten hospital Methodist Healthcare System. He chaired the Policy Subcommittee for many years.
  • Methodist Healthcare System: Served on the board of the Methodist Health System, the premier hospital system in South Texas.
  • Global Pain Association (GPA)
        • Role: Board Member (2018–2025) and Vice President (2018–2024).
        • Mission: A nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with chronic pain through education on non-opioid therapies.Entrepreneurship, Inventions, and Patents

Dr. Wickersham is a founder and inventor, actively developing novel solutions for pain and rheumatic diseases.

  • PTC Innovations, LLC
      • Role: Chief Scientific Officer, Founder, and Stakeholder.
      • Innovation: Co-inventor and drug development lead for a novel pain management molecule.
      • Patents: Granted 2023–2024.
  • Adimend Biosciences, LLC
      • Role: Chief Technology Officer, Founder, and Stakeholder.
      • Innovation: Inventor and development lead for a stem cell therapy device.
      • Patent: Granted 2019.

Major Presentations and Advisory Roles

Recognized as a Key Opinion Leader, Dr. Wickersham is a frequent speaker at national and international forums, sharing his expertise with peers across the globe.

Louise Locker, LCSW

Louise Locker, LCSW, earned her Bachelor's degree from Trinity University and her Master's degree from Our Lady of The Lake University. She is a distinguished counselor, life coach, and author whose work is defined by a lifetime of giving. This deep-seated commitment to service is most notably expressed through her founding of the Elf Louise Christmas Project, a celebrated San Antonio initiative that has delivered joy to hundreds of thousands of children for over five decades.

In her private practice, Louise draws upon decades of clinical experience to guide individuals through complex life challenges. Her therapeutic approach is uniquely enriched by her own personal journey of navigating adversity, a perspective she shares with courage and insight in her coauthored book, Managing Life with Chronic Pain: The Resilient Path - Your Personal Workbook. Written in close collaboration with her trusted physician, Dr. Pendleton Wickersham, the book combines clinical expertise with heartfelt lived experience to inspire steadiness and hope.

In 2003, Louise launched a Curves for Women franchise, driven by a calling to empower women to build strength despite physical limitations and chronic pain. The gym’s hydraulic equipment offered smooth, gentle, and effective workouts. Her vision to integrate life coaching into the fitness experience was a resounding success, fostering a supportive community where members worked to create their best possible lives.

Media and Impact.

Over the years, Louise’s work has been featured on Good Morning America, on NBC Nightly News, on the cover of Parade magazine, and in Good Housekeeping, Reader’s Digest, and the book Fired Up by Snowden McFall. This exposure inspired thousands across the country, many of whom corresponded with Louise and were encouraged to start their own community projects, proving that a determined heart can make a difference without fame, money, or connections.

Motivational Speaking and Public Appearances

As a motivational speaker, Louise has delivered hundreds of presentations on mental health and volunteerism, inspiring thousands to make a difference. She has been a featured guest on KTSA and WOAI radio, discussing psychological issues such as PTSD, depression, and positive psychology and answering listener questions. She continues to participate in the Elf Louise Christmas Project Radiothon fundraiser, sharing stories and encouraging donations.

Awards and Recognition

Louise’s profound impact has been recognized with numerous awards, including:

      • NASW Pioneer Award, National Association of Social Workers (2024)
      • NASW Lifetime Achievement Award, San Antonio Chapter of NASW (2002)
      • Outstanding Alumnus, Trinity University (2000)
      • Women’s Hall of Fame, San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame (1998)
      • Socially Responsible Entrepreneur of the Year, Inc. Magazine (1994)
      • Good Samaritan Humanitarian Award, Emancipation Commission (1982)
      • Outstanding Alumnus, Our Lady of the Lake University (1981)
      • Jefferson Award, American Institute for Public Service (1979)

A grateful mother and grandmother, she finds nourishment and wonder capturing the beauty of the San Antonio Botanical Garden through photography. She thrives on co-creating community for the greater good.