Outside committee work, I developed further appreciation of the breadth of the ACR by serving as an associate editor of one of our great ACR journals, Arthritis & Rheumatology, and participating in ACR guideline development for vasculitis.
TR: You mentioned that your draw to the ACR was its role in bringing together the entire rheumatology community. Why was that important to you?
Dr. Langford: It has been a privilege for me to be involved in vasculitis—it has been my lifelong career passion, where I have had an opportunity to work with an amazing group of colleagues in patient care and research. I have also been fortunate to be part of a wonderful rheumatology department at Cleveland Clinic. The ACR was a way to expand opportunities to be able to work, collaborate and connect with people across the entire spectrum of rheumatology: investigators in clinical, translational and basic science who have different disease interests, dedicated community practitioners, people engaged in advocacy and skilled rheumatology health professionals—just to name a few. The ACR has really allowed me to be part of the rheumatology community in a way that I would not have been able to experience otherwise.
TR: Speaking of the significance of the ACR, what are some of the achievements you would like to highlight from your volunteer activity with the College?
Dr. Langford: When I was part of the Committee on Education, we worked closely with ACR staff in advancing some of the first national programs that utilized audience-response participation, so there was active input and exchange during educational offerings. That was quite unique at the time, and indicative of the ACR’s commitment to developing innovative approaches to fit the educational needs of each rheumatologist, in terms of when, what and how they want to learn.
TR: What initiatives do you hope to implement as ACR president?
Dr. Langford: The ACR is committed to advancing the specialty of rheumatology through its mission to empower rheumatology professionals to excel in their specialty. It is our dedicated volunteers and staff that play the key role in the implementation of the mission, and it is my hope to shine light on their work, with a focus on three areas.
The ACR’s educational mission will always have a place of importance to me, not only because it represents a key part of my ACR history, but also because it is fundamental to us as rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals. The rapid growth of advancements that benefit patients has been an element that drew so many of us to this field, and this comes hand in hand with the privilege of professional growth through lifelong learning. It is my goal to highlight the many ways the ACR can meet each person’s educational goals [by] being the place they choose to come to advance their knowledge.
