The ACR Knowledge Bowl Playbook

The University of Washington team members, Neutrophil NETs (2019), with their colleagues and cheering section and neutrophils undergoing NETosis (composed of poster board, glitter and shower poufs). (Click to enlarge.)

One of the most fun events at every annual meeting is the ACR Knowledge Bowl. In this quiz show-style trivia game, fellows form teams to compete for top prizes. There’s a charismatic host, a panel of esteemed judges and an auditorium packed with cheering spectators. Beyond the fun of competing against your peers from other institutions (some of whom travel from abroad to play), winners receive the glory, their names on a traveling trophy, and complimentary registration and housing for next year’s annual meeting.

As former Knowledge Bowl champions [Jean Liew and Joanna Marco, University of Washington, Seattle, Neutrophil NETs, 2018, 2019; and Guy Katz, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, IgGenerals, 2022], we are updating the ACR Knowledge Bowl playbook. A lot has changed since the physician editor of this magazine was on stage as a member of the University of Iowa’s three-peat championship team.

Are you a rheumatology trainee who thinks they could be the next ACR Knowledge Bowl champion? Read on.

How to Prepare

Assemble your team. The first thing an ACR Knowledge Bowl hopeful must consider is the application deadline. Application dates vary, so check the ACR Convergence website for details. Before you can apply, though, you need a team.

Teams comprise two fellows and one attending. A catchy team name is a must. Incoming rheumatology fellows are often inspired to play in the Knowledge Bowl, but if they wish to form or join a team, they need to be in contact with their co-fellows shortly after matching.

The application deadline for ACR Convergence 2023 is July 19 at noon EDT.

Gather your study materials. Once you’ve decided to apply for the Knowledge Bowl, the next step is to prepare. Studying for the Knowledge Bowl is not too different from studying for clinical care and the rheumatology board exam.

The first and most important resources to turn to, without a doubt, are your patients. Whenever you see a patient, whether they have lupus nephritis, giant cell arteritis or rheumatoid arthritis, take the time to refer to the landmark clinical trials, management guidelines and classification criteria that form the basis for your day-to-day clinical decision making. These are likely to show up as questions in the Knowledge Bowl. Download the ACR Guidelines and Criteria app for easy access and refer to it regularly.