Yvonne R. S. Sherrer, MD, is the medical director and director of clinical research of the Centre for Rheumatology Immunology and Arthritis, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Dr. Sherrer has served on multiple committees at the ACR, including the former Women in Rheumatology Subcommittee, the former Immunological Testing Guidelines Subcommittee, and the Committees on Research, Rheumatologic Care, and Rheumatology Training and Workforce Issues. She says, “These are difficult times for physicians in general and rheumatologists in particular. Many anticipate the small rheumatology group or individual practitioner is becoming extinct. It is expected that specialty care along with primary care will be moved to large practices and centers. Yet both patients and doctors should have choices. Such choice is essential to maintaining autonomy in U.S. healthcare. I look forward to being a voice for those who desire to maintain autonomy in the practice of rheumatology while keeping the focus on quality of care and using innovative technologies to improve care and keep costs down.”
The following members were selected to serve as the newest members of the ARHP executive committee. Each of them shared what they will bring to the table.
Barbara A. Slusher, PA-C, MSW, is a physician assistant with Rheumatology Associates of Houston and has been an active member of the ARHP since 2006. She’s been involved in developing and facilitating the Advanced Practice Skills Course, which provides fundamental education in the skills of musculoskeletal exam and joint injection techniques. Slusher says, “The ARHP was a great resource for me when I was new to the field of rheumatology, and I strongly support the continuance of that vital goal for our specialty during my tenure with the ARHP executive committee.”
Slusher has a passion for education and enjoys teaching both peers and patients about rheumatologic diseases and available treatment options. She strongly supports lifelong education, particularly in the field of medicine/ rheumatology. She believes that the ACR and ARHP together have a central role in providing up-to-date and enduring education to rheumatology health professionals.
Karen L. Smarr, PhD, is a licensed counseling psychologist and researcher who focused her career in the area of health psychology and arthritis rehabilitation. She is a clinical assistant professor of medicine and psychiatry at the University of Missouri and psychologist/research compliance officer at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Mo. Dr. Smarr says, “I have been a member of the ARHP since 1991 and have had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful, committed arthritis professionals. I have learned so much over the years by attending the annual meetings and networking with colleagues. It is with great excitement that I join the executive committee as the ACR Committee on Education representative. I have enjoyed working with Benjamin J. Smith, PA-C, this past year on the ARHP Education Committee, in preparation of launching the Mini Pearls: Rheumatology Online Cases in the near future.”To view a complete list of board and executive committee members, visit www.rheumatology.org/about. If you are interested in serving in a leadership position, contact Naama Davidai at [email protected] for information on the upcoming nominations process.
