Where do we start? For now, we are building on what we do best: delivering state-of-the-art education in our field, further enabled by technology and by the creation of alternate learning platforms. We are improving and expanding ACR Beyond for on-demand virtual access to our meetings. We continue to seek new ways to use social media to heighten engagement and communication among those attending or following. And starting this year, the ACR is exploring its potential as a truly global organization by holding its first overseas meeting in Dubai, in collaboration with the Emirates Society of Rheumatology.
To improve performance you have to measure it (hence the importance of understanding financial statements, which are the report cards of any organization); & … to do well in business, you must seek to understand & serve the needs of your customers (who, for us, are primarily our patients, but also our students & colleagues).
Best in Class
Aristotle once said that excellence is never an accident but always the result of high intention, sincere effort and intelligent execution. We need only look at the dedication of our ACR staff to understand the basis for achieving excellence in our organization. Likewise, the pursuit of excellence is seen in the efforts of our amazing corps of ACR volunteers, whose enthusiasm and diverse perspectives help set and propel our priorities. Here, we have given our fellows in training a place at the table on each of our committees as we recognize they are the future of our profession and their voices must be heard.
With so much talent on hand, our challenge is to continually exceed our own personal best in service to our members, especially as the healthcare landscape changes, often unpredictably. In this regard, our remarkable advocacy team repeatedly steps up to draw the attention of our nation’s leaders to issues that threaten our ability to care for patients or to pursue research into the diseases that afflict them.
Getting our message heard is an enormous task, not only in government affairs, but also in communication to our members about ACR initiatives to support their day-to-day work and in broadcasting to everyone the value of our specialty.
As I look to the year ahead for the ACR, I know we have a promise to keep: to be here for you. Together, we will work tirelessly to deliver on that promise. We never know what is within our reach. We may even lasso the moon.
