Marcus Snow, MD, FACR, Assumes Chair of the Committee on Rheumatologic Care

Marcus Snow, MD, FACR, had his first exposure to rheumatology in a rotation during his residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha. James O’Dell, MD, Theodore Mikuls, MD, Jay Moore, MD, Lynn Klassen, MD, and other physicians showed how rheumatology could be the perfect mix of a narrow clinical focus with interesting patient cases. The more Dr. Snow engaged with the specialty, the more he realized it was a good fit for him. Fifteen years later, he works with many of his early mentors as an assistant professor of internal medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, is a practicing rheumatologist at Nebraska Medicine and is expanding his leadership in the field by assuming the chair of the ACR’s Committee on Rheumatologic Care (CORC).

Dr. Marcus Snow

The Rheumatologist (TR): What is the mission of CORC?

Dr. Snow: CORC is a committee made up of practicing rheumatologists who report back to the ACR from the front lines of clinical care. We act as a sounding board for clinical issues. Anything having to do with the practice of rheumatology is the purview of our committee. We focus mainly on the day-to-day practice of the specialty and look for ways around obstacles that get in the way of providing perfect patient care.

We also address payment issues. For example, if there is a drug that is FDA-approved but we can’t use it because the insurance companies are making us jump through a million hoops, we figure out how to approach and resolve these concerns.

As telemedicine took off this year, there were no guide rails outlining what was and was not acceptable to the proper practice of remote rheumatology. CORC helped put together a position statement that was ultimately approved by ACR leadership.

We give our insights on what is good and what is bad, what we need to focus on and potential trouble spots.

TR: Why were you interested in this position?

Dr. Snow: Previously I was in private practice for five years before I was presented with an opportunity to move to Nebraska Medicine. I volunteered for committee work with the ACR and joined the CORC. After three years, I was asked to chair the committee starting in 2020.

I was among the group that started a state society in Nebraska. Getting a state society up and running and keeping it healthy through all of the changes over the last three to four years has been lots of fun.

TR: What are your plans and goals for your tenure on CORC?

Dr. Snow: The biggest issue is the COVID response and its effect on the practice of rheumatology. That is going to be front and center until coronavirus is under control. As issues develop, we are going to have to be very nimble and address them in relatively quick fashion to properly support the clinical practice of rheumatology. While we know some of the issues, it is likely that more, unanticipated, concerns will arise.

TR: Why did you choose rheumatology as your specialty?

Dr. Snow: The beauty of our field is that it isn’t cookbook medicine. You have to use the [patient’s] history, a physical examination and laboratory tests and then put it all together. Every patient is a puzzle you are trying to solve. That is something I really enjoy.

TR: What are some activities you enjoy outside of work?

Dr. Snow: First and foremost is spending time with my family. I have a one-year-old daughter who has been both a lot of work and a lot of fun.

I also love golf and photography, but there never seem to be enough hours in the day.

Kurt Ullman is a freelance writer based in Indiana.