Exclusive: ACR Convergence 2024| Focus Rheums

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

REF Preceptorship Award Recipients

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Of the numerous training and research opportunities the REF offers, it is the Preceptorship Awards that best illustrate its commitment to ensuring the future of rheumatology.

Wegener’s Granulomatosis

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Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG) is a rare and complex blood-vessel disease affecting men and women equally. Although the cause of the disease is unknown, it can be treated and managed effectively.

“Within Our Reach” RA Grant Recipients Announced

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Because so much is still unknown about RA – what causes it, why it affects people differently, how to cure it – and because research is underfunded (see Table 1), the ACR Research and Education Foundation (REF) launched “Within Our Reach: Finding a Cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis.”

Dr. Engleman Receives Gold Medal from Columbia University

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Ephraim P. Engleman, MD, clinical professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and an ACR Master, was awarded the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons’ Gold Medal for excellence in clinical medicine. It is the highest honor the school’s alumni association can bestow.

Volunteer Opportunities for Fellows-in-Training

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The spirit of volunteerism has changed from the baby boomers to Gen Xers, but the need has not. As professional associations and organizations evolve, the need for volunteers continues. Because fellows-in-training are new to rheumatology as well as the ACR, they bring a unique perspective to their volunteer roles.

Evidence-Based Practice: Making it a Reality

Karen L. Kerr, MSN, NP, CPNP, APRN-BC  |  

Evidence-based practice has become the standard of care in the 21st century. Evidence-based practice is “the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients.” It requires the integration of a health professional’s clinical expertise, the best available scientific evidence, and patient values and preferences to guide clinical decisions for individual patients.

New ACR Strategic Plan Approved

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On May 11, the ACR leadership approved a revised strategic plan for 2007–2009 that will guide the College’s work and determine the path the organization will take. The plan has a direct effect on the way the organization serves its members because ACR committees develop and implement programs and services based on the priorities it outlines.

SCHIP Legislation a Priority

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There are approximately 9 million uninsured children in the United States, and the number is increasing. Of those 9 million, 6 million are eligible for – but not enrolled in – the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) or Medicaid.