Almost immediately after joining the ARHP in 1993, Kerr started volunteering for a variety of committees within the ARHP and ACR, as well as with the Michigan chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. She was president of the ARHP in 2006–2007. She has been an author and co-author of numerous publications for the ACR, ARHP, Arthritis Foundation, Michigan Department of Community Health, and American Pain Society. In 2009, she was the recipient of the ARHP Master Clinician Award and the ARHP 40th Anniversary Star Award.
Today, the shortage of pediatric rheumatologists is a major concern for Kerr. She says that, at any given time depending on the job market, between 11 and 13 states have no pediatric rheumatologists in practice. Further, there is also a shortage of adult rheumatologists, with a large increase in demand expected as the baby boomers age. Kerr sees a strong need to train nurse practitioners to work in both adult and pediatric rheumatology.
In addition, Kerr is a strong believer in enlisting healthcare providers and patients for advocacy activities. The challenges include helping healthcare providers understand that advocacy is an important part of medical practice and helping patients understand that, because they have a chronic illness, advocacy is a skill they will need throughout their lives.
Q: How do you find time to do volunteer work with your very busy schedule?
A: I have a very supportive family, and my husband is tremendous. My colleagues at work are also supportive, as was my former boss. And the ACR makes volunteering really easy!
Q: It’s obvious that you enjoy working for these professional organizations. What do you get from the experience?
A: The interdisciplinary networking that the ARHP provides helps me with a kind of interdisciplinary learning. I’ve learned so much about other disciplines—occupational therapy, for example—which is rewarding. We all work together on a professional level, but when you’re working with other healthcare providers in a volunteer setting, you get to see their passion and perspective, and you learn and respect what other disciplines bring to the table. It helps me grow as a nurse practitioner. And my patients benefit because I learn more about when to send patients to other types of providers, how to make the most of the referral, and how to better utilize services.
Q: Is there one message that you would give colleagues and patients about advocacy?
