As a result of these experiences, Dr. Husni decided to give back to others in that role. She served as a preceptor in the ACR REF/Abbot Medical Student Clinical Preceptorship in 2009 and in the ACR REF/Abbott Medical Student Research Preceptorship in 2011.
“The Clinical Investigator Fellowship Award made me realize how I need to mentor and give back to the rheumatology community. That led me to the Preceptorship, and the Preceptorship helped me re-dedicate myself to this career path. Now I direct the Fellows Research Program, where all of the research that fellows initiate comes through a committee. We help refine their hypothesis and assess feasibility, with the hope that we can keep them from getting frustrated or going down the wrong path.”
Dr. Husni says that people use these awards to not only define their career paths, but also to accelerate research. “When you’re talking about something like arthritis, which doesn’t have a cure, you have to look at outcomes at the population level,” she says.
At each stage of her career, the REF was there with a program designed to help her take the next step. “The commitment of applying for and getting an REF award really helps you prioritize what you need to get done in your five-year plan, in defining your career,” Dr. Husni says. “The ACR REF has been invaluable throughout my academic career. It has opened doors that not only propelled my career, but also allowed me to remain passionate about research.”
