Everyone Will Know
The Strategic Plan (at left) has several important components, including a statement of the ACR’s mission (core purpose), values (what we believe in), and big goals for the future—the vision statement. The strategic component of this plan, in contrast to prior efforts, represents goals of the ACR that address critical needs of the membership and of the field of rheumatology. The strategic goals are outcome-oriented statements intended to guide and measure the ACR’s future success. The achievements of each goal will move the organization towards the realization of our vision: Everyone will know the essential role and value of the specialty of rheumatology. The SPTF believes that our 2010–2012 mission statement continues to capture our raison d’être—now, more so than ever—so they recommended the addition of an exclamation point: Advancing Rheumatology!
The new strategic focus for this plan should be considered as a guiding document outlining our highest priorities. We will continue the critical, committee-based work of the ACR, work that provides rheumatology’s principle source of advocacy and practice support, premier educational programming and journals, support of our research agenda, standard-setting for quality in our field, and the development of our Rheumatology Clinical Registry. Committees will focus on our strategic priorities, and may consider the thoughtful, expert reports of the Blue Ribbon Panel and the 2020 Task Force to develop strategies, tactics, and projects to achieve the goals that we have set. Internally, we will continue to manage the ACR in a fiscally responsible way, ensuring that we will continue to lead our profession from a position of strength.
We expect that the Strategic Plan will be a living document. It will be reviewed by the BOD and committees at each meeting and can be modified, if necessary, with approval of the BOD. We will use it as a guide to follow our progress and determine when changes in course are required.
In creating this plan, the SPTF and the BOD considered some future states; a forecast of what the landscape may look like if we achieve these strategic goals. The characteristics of this landscape include improved quality of life for patients, improved quality of life for rheumatologists, a sufficient pipeline for our clinical and academic workforce, a top–impact factor journal, and international recognition through increased membership and collaborations. The overarching theme of this future is a big and audacious goal that, if achieved, would mean that everyone will know the essential role and value of the specialty of rheumatology, and we have truly advanced rheumatology!
