ARHP Angle: We Need a Few Good Leaders!

As you can see, you don’t need to be “ideal” or “perfect” or possess all the desired leadership characteristics to become a leader within the ARHP. But you do have to have passion and willingness to devote time and energy to the organization and the ability to work with your strengths and around your weaknesses. If this sounds like it could be you, then step right up! We’d be delighted if you’d self-identify your interest in working towards higher leadership within the ARHP. You can do this by completing an ARHP volunteer form on the ACR Web site at www.rheumatology.org/arhp, or by contacting me directly at [email protected].

If you are chosen for a volunteer position, you will be assigned to a committee, subcommittee, or task force, and—while serving as a member—the ARHP will provide mentorship and opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate leadership skills. This may include serving as a member over time on one or two different committees before moving on to next step of chairing an ARHP task force, subcommittee, or committee. Next, you would hone your leadership skills while serving as a member of the ARHP executive committee while developing a thorough knowledge of the organization and understanding of how the ACR, REF, and ARHP interact. From there it’s a short but somewhat scary leap to becoming an ARHP officer.

I can hear some folks asking, “So, what’s the time frame we’re talking about?” For me, I served on my first committee in 2002, so it’s been a seven-year odyssey of learning the ropes, serving on committees, and networking with fabulous colleagues before I was ready to take on the presidency. For others, the path to leadership has been shorter (or longer), but for all, it is usually an inspiring and challenging journey—and one that I urge you to consider.

To assist you with strengthening your leadership abilities, every year we offer a session at the ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting to help you explore and develop new skills. At this year’s meeting in Philadelphia, you can attend “The Art of Effective Negotiation: A Master Class in Leadership.” This session will be held at 7:45 AM on Tuesday, October 20. I hope to see you there and that you will come over and introduce yourself to me.

Dr. Degotardi is president of the ARHP.

2009 REF Rodnan Commemorative Gout Print Released: Palatable Physic

The 2009 REF Rodnan Commemorative Gout Print has been selected. Palatable Physic will mark the 73rd ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting and was chosen by David G. Borenstein, MD.

Dr. Borenstein selected the 2009 REF Rodnan Commemorative Gout Print, Palatable Physic.

While attending the ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco, Dr. Borenstein visited the REF booth to purchase the 2008 print, Question and Answer. By making his purchase on site, Dr. Borenstein was entered into—and subsequently won—a drawing that gave him the privilege of selecting this year’s print.