Exclusive: ACR Convergence 2024| Focus Rheums

An official publication of the ACR and the ARP serving rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals

Duke University Names Dr. Megan Clowse to Lead Rheumatology Division

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In October 2023, Megan E.B. Clowse, MD, MPH, a renowned expert in the field of rheumatology and immunology, was named the new chief of the Division of Rheumatology and Immunology at Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, N.C. Dr. Clowse, who serves as an associate professor of medicine in Duke’s Division of Rheumatology and Immunology…

In Memoriam: Robert W. Lightfoot Jr., MD

Hammad Ali, MD, William Neal Roberts, MD, & Kristine M. Lohr, MD, MS  |  

On Nov. 4, 2022, the world lost a learned professor, a dedicated doctor, an inquisitive scientist, an adept clinician and, above all, an epitome of Athena’s representation of Mentor in Homer’s Odyssey. Robert W. Lightfoot Jr., MD, had come a long way. Born in 1937, toward the end of the Great Depression, in Nashville, Tenn.,…

In Memoriam: Remembering Richard Brasington Jr., MD, FACP, MACR

Elizabeth Hofheinz, MPH, MEd  |  

On April 30, 2023, the world lost Richard Brasington Jr., MD, FACP, MACR, an illustrious clinical puzzle master who stopped at nothing to do right by his patients—and to ensure the next generation of rheumatologists would be properly trained. Dr. Brasington, a former associate editor of The Rheumatologist and emeritus professor of medicine at Washington…

ACR Image Competition 2023 Results, Part 3—People’s Choice Winner

Rajat Ranka, MD  |  

For the 2023 Image Competition, the ACR sought images representing a diverse range of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) or IIM mimics. Chronic Facial Ulcers in Anti-Melanoma-Differentiation-Associated Gene 5 (MDA-5) Antibody Amyopathic Dermatomyositis These images depict a 27-year-old patient who developed erythematous violaceous lesions over his upper chest, face and scalp over six months….

The 2023 ARP President’s Awards

Patrice Fusillo  |  

SAN DIEGO—During ACR Convergence 2023 in November, the ACR and the ARP honored a group of distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to rheumatology research, education and patient care. This month, The Rheumatologist profiles the recipients of the ARP President’s Awards. The ARP president can choose to honor ACR/ARP members or teams performing outstanding…

3 AC&R Study Summaries: Prescribing Patterns, PMR & Glucocorticoids, & Infection Screening

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A Shift in Prescribing Patterns Safety issues prompt discontinuation of tofacitinib By Stephanie Song, MD, & Joshua F. Baker, MD, MSCE Why was this study done? The ORAL Surveillance study highlighted risks of cardiac events, thromboembolism (VTE) and malignancy associated with use of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi). We sought to determine the impact of safety…

What Every Clinician Should Know about Ramadan & Intermittent Fasting

Mohammad A. Ursani, MD, FACP, RhMSUS, Iman Qaiser, MD, & Mamdouh Mahmoud, PhD  |  

Intermittent fasting—defined as alternating between cycles of eating and going without food over a given period of time—has become popular with individuals seeking to lose weight or balance their lifestyle in recent years. During Ramadan (a period based on the Gregorian calendar that changes from year to year), able-bodied Muslims are obligated to observe a…

2024 State Legislative Preview

Joseph Cantrell, JD  |  

With state legislatures now in session, the ACR is working with our partners to ensure that the voice of the rheumatology community is heard. Here is a look at some of the bills we are monitoring and the trends we expect to play out over the 2024 legislative calendar.