Distinguished Clinical Investigator Award
Peter A. Merkel, MD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
The Distinguished Clinical Investigator Award is awarded to a clinical scientist making outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology. This award was known as the Clinical Research Award prior to 2006.
Paulding Phelps Award
Kelly Weselman, MD, RhMSUS, FACP, Wellstar Health System, Smyrna, Ga.
The Paulding Phelps Award is awarded to a clinical rheumatologist for outstanding service to patients, community and the practice of medicine.
Distinguished Fellowship Program Director Award
Robert Picard Sundel, MD, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
The Distinguished Fellowship Program Director Award is awarded to a current or former rheumatology program director that has made outstanding contributions in the mentoring and training of future rheumatologists. ACR members in good standing who are current or former rheumatology program directors for a minimum of five years and who participate in related ACR educational activities.
Distinguished International Rheumatology Professional Award
Debashish Danda, MD, DM, FACR, FRCP, MBBS, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
Distinguished International Rheumatology Professional Award is awarded to a rheumatologist or rheumatology health professional outside the U.S. and Canada for exceptional contributions in public service and advocacy to the global rheumatology community.
Innovation in Clinical Care Award
Thomas Paul Olenginski, MD, FACP, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pa.
Innovation in Clinical Care Award is awarded to a community rheumatologist who has significantly advanced the practice of rheumatology though novel clinical initiatives. This may be accomplished through innovation in clinical practice design or quality, development of cutting-edge methods to improve health equity in rheumatology, cost savings initiatives, creative approaches in mentoring in community practice, or other innovations that improve the care of patients with rheumatic disease and/or advance the rheumatology subspecialty.
Distinguished Service Award
Erin Lois Arnold, MD, Arnold Arthritis and Rheumatology, Skokie, Ill.
The Distinguished Service Award is awarded to an ACR member for outstanding and sustained service to the ACR.
Recognition as an ACR Master is one of the highest honors that the College bestows on its distinguished members. The designation of Master is conferred on ACR members, age 65 or older, who have made outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology through scholarly achievement and/or service to their patients, students, and the rheumatology profession. These honorees have devoted their long careers to furthering rheumatology research and improving clinical standards in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
