Exclusive: ACR Convergence 2024| Focus Rheums

An official publication of the ACR and the ARP serving rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals

Howard Blumstein, MD, Assumes RheumPAC Chair

Renée Bacher  |  

I also want to spread the message of what advocacy is and what it isn’t. Advocacy is not about bribery. There’s nothing dirty about advocating for your patients and the future of your profession in terms of workforce, therapeutic advances and the financial viability of our practices. It’s our duty to do this, and we’re really supporting legislators who already support us by helping to keep them in office. 

TR: What are your goals for RheumPAC? 

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Dr. Blumstein: Primarily I want to develop innovative ways to engage the rest of the College. Zach Wallace, MD, MSc, our outgoing chair, has done a phenomenal job in terms of outreach and networking with other members. I’d like to find more ways to connect better with our academic colleagues and training programs. We have trainees going out into the world, and regardless of what career path they take, they’re going to be impacted by policy. They don’t necessarily have to go to Washington, D.C., but giving even $10—multiplied by the number of members in our College—will make a difference, especially if it’s consistent. 

Howard Blumstein stands with family members and two dogs

The Blumstein family

TR: Anything else you would like to share to help members get to know you? 

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Dr. Blumstein: Our family adopted our first-ever dog, Brad, at the beginning of the pandemic. He’s a 65 lb. Husky/Border Collie/beagle/Chow Chow/Bulldog mix. Last month we added Piper, a Chihuahua/terrier mix to our family. Both are from rescues. I have always wanted a dog, and we are all so happy with them.

Renée Bacher is a health and medical writer based in Louisiana.

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