In March 2011, he accomplished that goal. He was fortunate to be part of a team that developed the first drug approved for lupus patients in more than 50 years. “Now that we have the drug accepted by the Food and Drug Administration, I’m focused on research to further inform how to best utilize the drug in clinical practice, and educate physicians on the data received in clinical trials and what that means in the context of clinical care.”
The Future
“Although we’ve come a long way since those days when awareness about rheumatology was low, we still have a ways to go,” says Dr. Dennis. “We could increase awareness more with education and early curriculum that includes in-depth discussions about rheumatic diseases.”
“Before, there weren’t many medicines available for common rheumatic conditions,” he says. “I really think that with the advent of new treatments and drugs, and because of our dedication to mentoring and teaching, we’ll see more residents pursuing rheumatology as their subspecialty.”
In addition to his professional work, Dr. Dennis is a long-time supporter of the ACR Research and Education Foundation. He served on the advisory group that helped guide the ACR’s 2005–2006 Rheumatology Workforce Study Report. “The goals and objectives of the ACR Research and Education Foundation [REF] align perfectly with my passion for research and education,” says Dr. Dennis. “In my opinion, supporting the REF is about a desire to contribute to the dialogue about the future of rheumatology. I entered rheumatology as a lifelong endeavor and, by supporting the REF, I’ll be able to continue my passion around research and education well after I’m retired … which isn’t anytime soon!”
The REF funds groundbreaking research that advances patient care and accelerates discoveries, providing hope to more than 50 million Americans affected by rheumatic diseases. As the largest private funding source of rheumatology research and training in the U.S., the REF has awarded over $50 million to more than 1,000 recipients in the past five years. For more information, visit www.rheumatology.org/REF.