ARHP Members Reap Benefits of Volunteerism

Dr. Schlenk

Elizabeth Schlenk, PhD, RN, Associate Professor, University of Pittsburgh. Committee member: ARHP Executive Committee and ACR Committee on Finance. Previous committee assignments: Rheumatology Research Foundation Scientific Advisory Council, ARHP Education Committee, ARHP Research Committee, ACR Committee on Research, and ARHP Outcomes Measurements Resource Task Force.

ARHP: How does serving on an ARHP committee help you achieve your professional goals?

Dr. Schlenk: Serving on various ARHP committees and being a liaison on ACR committees is very rewarding. It keeps me abreast of current issues in rheumatology that affect both practice and research. Working on committees also allows me to get to know and collaborate with colleagues from many disciplines who share my interests in improving the care and treatment of patients with rheumatic conditions. ARHP leaders do a phenomenal job of finding good members to serve on committees who are willing to attend meetings and conference calls, and handle committee work outside of regular work hours to complete the committee’s program of work. In addition, they try to find the best fit for each member on a committee, based on the member’s background and interests, and other teaching, research, service, and practice commitments at the time of the committee appointment. ARHP staff members do a marvelous job of providing administrative support for the committees, such as taking minutes, liaising with other ARHP/ACR staff, and offering suggestions based on their experience. Serving on committees allows me to stay connected with other ARHP members during the year, as well as at the Annual Meeting. Serving on committees as a member and chair has advanced my own leadership skills. I look forward to the Leadership Development Conferences each January to learn new knowledge and skills, including negotiation techniques and use of various electronic means of communications. Serving on ARHP committees has provided me with a network of colleagues whom I could list as potential external reviewers for my promotion and tenure materials at my university.