The ACR Workforce Solutions Committee is collaborating with institutions and communities to develop new fellowship training programs. Since the 2023–24 academic year, six adult training programs and three pediatric training programs have received accreditation, and one new pediatric program will launch in 2025–26.
The ACR Government Affairs Committee continues to engage in active advocacy efforts to increase the number of available training positions. This includes being an active member of the Association of American Medical Colleges Graduate Medical Education Coalition, which is working to expand Medicare-funded training of both residents and fellows.
The Rheumatology Research Foundation also plays a critical role in expanding fellowship training opportunities. In addition to awards that support fellow research, the Foundation offers two awards that focus on funding and expanding positions for fellowship training. In the past 10 years, the Foundation has funded 268 fellowship positions at 67 institutions nationwide; 32% of funding during this period supported pediatric programs.
Masters—Our Past, Present & Future
I first became aware of ACR Masters when I saw the Awards of Distinction being presented during an ACR annual meeting opening ceremony. This rapidly became one of my favorite parts of the meeting—a joyous occasion to celebrate our own. The Master award recognizes not only the individual, but the collective spirit of our community in contributing to rheumatology.
The designation of ACR Master is conferred on ACR members, age 65 or older by Oct. 1 of the year in which they are nominated and who have made outstanding contributions to the ACR and the field of rheumatology through scholarly achievement and/or service to their patients, students and the profession. The ARP Master designation is awarded to ARP members who have made outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology through service to the ACR/ARP and advancements in research, practice, education and/or advocacy. Although these descriptions highlight shared attributes, every Master’s story is unique. In the Masters, we can see our own individual journeys reflected, whether that be in caring for our patients in a busy practice, spending time educating our trainees, considering the next research idea or making a difference in our local and extended communities.
Although Masters have made important contributions to the history of rheumatology, it is also important to appreciate their continued influence on its present and future. Masters serve in many different roles, as active clinicians and investigators, mentors to trainees, junior faculty and those starting out in clinical practice, and as a valuable source of knowledge within our community.
