The 2022 ARP President’s & Merit Awards

Dr. Poole has a history of productive research projects with, and funding from, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), the Rheumatology Research Foundation, the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) and the National Scleroderma Foundation, resulting in numerous publications and national and international presentations. She designed an internet-based, self-management program (Taking Charge of Systemic Sclerosis [TOSS]) and developed educational materials on hand and face exercises, management of fatigue and a program to keep people with scleroderma in the workforce. She has tried to ensure that these programs are easily accessible to patients and shares information at patient conferences. In 2011, Dr. Poole was recognized by the Scleroderma Foundation with the National Volunteer of the Year Award.

An active member of the ARP since 1984, Dr. Poole has served on numerous ARP and ACR committees as both a member and chair. Dr. Poole was the 2020 ARP president and served in officer roles as secretary, president-elect and immediate past president. Dr. Poole delivered the Distinguished Lecture at the 2018 ARP Annual Conference and received the ARP Master Educator Award in 2014 and the Master Clinician Award in 2012. She routinely presents at the ARP/ACR annual meetings.

Dr. Poole also collaborates with patients, patient groups, professional organizations and rheumatology professionals from Canada and Europe to develop educational materials and guidelines for non-pharmacological interventions for people with scleroderma.

Dr. Poole feels the ARP/ACR has provided networking and leadership opportunities that have led to a successful and enjoyable career in rheumatology. Dr. Poole received her Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy from Colorado State University, her Master of Arts from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and her doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh.

“I am so honored and humbled to receive the ARP Master Award. I am in awe of those who have received this designation in the past,” says Dr. Poole. “I have been a member of ARP for over 30 years. During this time, the ARP has afforded me so many opportunities, including networking with experts in scleroderma and other rheumatic diseases and people with scleroderma, and leadership opportunities, including being the president of the ARP in 2020. I have grown professionally, and value the long-term friendships and collaborations developed through volunteering on many different interprofessional committees and task forces.”

Jan K. Richardson, PT, PhD, OCS, FAPTA, is chief medical officer for Medical Outcome Indicators (MOI) and professor emeritus, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, N.C. Dr. Richardson has also served as chief clinical officer for Universal SmartComp, Washington, Pa., as well as a professor of community and family medicine, founding chief of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program and executive director of the Department of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy at Duke University Medical Center.