Dr. Gordon
Rachael A. Gordon, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
“I am deeply honored to receive the ACR Distinguished Fellow Award,” says Dr. Gordon. “This recognition reflects the invaluable support and inspiration that I have received from my mentors and patients, who have shaped my journey as a physician-scientist. Together, we are advancing the understanding and treatment of Sjögren’s disease, and I remain committed to pushing the boundaries of research and care in this field.
Dr. Huizar
John P. Huizar, MD
Adjunct Professor of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco
“Looking at the impressive list of individuals who have won this award in past years, it’s easy to feel out of place! I understand the ACR to be telling us, ‘You have done some wonderful things, and we believe you will do many more,’” says Dr. Huizar. “There are many to thank: my wife, Erin, and my daughters, Fern and Rosemary, for imbuing my life with purpose; my program directors, Lianne Gensler, MD, and Sarah Goglin, MD, for teaching me to care for our patients; and my stellar research mentor, Greg Barton, PhD, who was willing to embark on a bidirectional gambit with me as our lab’s first physician-scientist trainee.”
Dr. Jaros
Brian Jaros, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine; Associate Program Director, Rheumatology Fellowship; and Associate Director, Vasculitis Center, Northwestern University, Chicago
“I am honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award from the ACR,” says Dr. Jaros. “I would like to thank my incredible mentors at Northwestern University, including Drs. Anisha Dua, Eric Ruderman, Christine Hsieh, Yvonne Lee and Harris Perlman, who have provided me with the support, wisdom and camaraderie that have guided the start of my career. For me, this award embodies the beginning of a lifelong service I hope to contribute to our rheumatology community, particularly within vasculitis and medical education.”
Dr. Karacabeyli
Derin Karacabeyli, MD
Rheumatologist and Research Trainee, Arthritis Research Canada and University of British Columbia, Vancouver
“Being a recipient of the 2024 ACR Distinguished Fellow Award is an incredible honor,” says Dr. Karacabeyli. “I feel grateful to have such a wonderful network of friends, family and mentors, who have supported me as I have pursued my passion for research and health promotion in rheumatology. Having the opportunity to celebrate this award alongside one of my mentors, Dr. Diane Lacaille (see p. XX), who was recognized this year for her outstanding mentoring contributions, has been truly special.”
