Evan L. Siegel, MD, FACP, MACR
Clinical Professor of Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C.; Senior Partner, Arthritis & Rheumatism Associates P.C., Rockville, Md.
“I came into rheumatology with a fire lit by observing in my own family the devastation that unchecked rheumatic disease can rain on patients and their loved ones, and I have spent my career preventing that—one-on-one in my clinical practice and on a population level through education of my students, colleagues and peers, and work with national organizations to promote recognition, understanding and prompt therapy of these diseases and disorders,” says Dr. Siegel. “I consider recognition by the ACR, the central organization with these very same goals, a thrilling validation of these lifelong efforts. And yet the true validation in this career, which has been fortunate to span a revolution in the understanding and treatment of rheumatic disease, is the smile of the patient I have cared for over decades who is still able to be a happy and productive member of society. That is why we all do what we do.”
Dr. Tesser
John R.P. Tesser, MD, FACP, FACR, MACR
Practicing Rheumatologist & Partner, Arizona Arthritis & Rheumatology Associates P.C.; Principal Investigator, Arizona Arthritis & Rheumatology Research, Phoenix
“The distinction of Master of the ACR is profoundly meaningful, and I am deeply moved by this honor,” says Dr. Tesser. “I want to thank my nominators, the members of the Awards Committee and the ACR for this recognition. It has been an incredible and inspiring journey for me to have lived through the decades of advances through the pre-and post-biologic eras of rheumatology, which have brought so many therapeutic advances that have bettered the lives of all of our patients. I would like to give utmost appreciation to my mentors, colleagues, the ACR community, my practice community, my family and most of all to my patients who have allowed me the opportunity to improve their quality of life.”
Dr. Wong
Andrew L. Wong, MD, FACP, MACR
Professor of Clinical Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles; Vice Chair of Academic and Research, Department of Medicine (former Chief of Rheumatology, 1990–2023), Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, Calif.
“I am truly honored to be recognized by the ACR and my peers as an ACR Master, joining the esteemed ranks of so many distinguished ACR Masters, for a lifelong career dedicated to academic advancement, education and teaching, professional—including ACR—service and clinical patient care/advocacy,” says Dr. Wong. “This high honor and award is a reflection of those who have supported my medical career, including my late mentors, Harold Paulus, MD, Richard Weisbart, MD, Dennis Cope, MD; my professional colleagues, including Keith Colburn, MD, Philip Clements, MD, MPH, Sharon Kolasinski, MD, Michael Pillinger, MD, Aksone Nouvong, DPM, Judith Harker, PhD, Laurence Rubenstein, MD, MPH; and my family, particularly my wife, Lydia Wong, RN, MSN, my sons, Aaron Wong, JD, Adam Wong, PharmD; my four sisters, and late parents; and my alma mater (Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Calif.); Richard Hart, MD, DrPH.”
