Focus Rheums| Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde? (video)

An official publication of the ACR and the ARP serving rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals

Education & Training

Tear Down That Wall: CME restrictions stifle speeches

Bruce N. Cronstein, MD  |  

The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the world because it recognizes individuals and organizations that promote the causes of peace and human rights. In 1991, Aung San Suu Kyi received this prize for her courageous work in advancing democracy in the Republic of Myanmar. Because of her leadership of the democracy movement in Myanmar, the military regime that governs that country has gone to great lengths to gag her. Indeed, she has been under house arrest for most of the last two decades since she received the Peace Prize. An outpouring of support for Aung San Suu Kyi and demands for her freedom by human rights advocates and Western governments have sadly been to no avail.

New Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Course

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The ACR is broadening its educational offerings in musculoskeletal ultrasound by holding its first stand-alone musculoskeletal ultrasound course for rheumatologists this August in Chicago. The same course will be offered prior to the 2010 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting.

Annual Meeting Travel Scholarship Offered to Fellows-in-Training

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The ACR will soon be accepting applications for the Fellows-in-Training (FIT) Travel Scholarship, which gives fellows-in-training the opportunity to experience the 2010 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting. Through the scholarship program, rheumatology fellows can network and learn from other fellows-in-training. In addition to free meeting registration, fellows-in-training will be provided support for five nights’ accommodations, airfare, and ground transportation, and will receive an invitation to attend—with their program directors—a fellow’s reception.

New Workshops on Patient Findings and Joint Injections

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There is a critical shortage of rheumatologists in the U.S. The aging of the U.S. population, along with recent changes in healthcare reform, makes it critical for rheumatology practices across the U.S. to plan for the maintenance of accessible, high-quality care for patients. Establishing a collaborative rheumatology practice between a rheumatologist and a nurse practitioner or physician assistant (NP/PA) has been identified as one solution, but there are few rheumatology specialty training opportunities for NPs and PAs. The ARHP has identified the need to provide training for this portion of its membership and is now expanding its offerings for NPs and PAs through four new workshops at the annual meeting in November.

State-of-the-Art Clinical Symposium Sessions Available Through SessionSelect

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Did a busy practice prevent you from getting to Chicago in April for the ACR’s 2010 State-of-the-Art Clinical Symposium? Still want the latest news and education in rheumatology? Or, did you attend the meeting and want to revisit some of your favorite sessions? Nineteen general-session presentations from the symposium are now available on ACR’s SessionSelect, allowing you to tailor your learning experience to your educational needs without leaving your home or office, saving time and money.

Health Professional Careers in Rheumatology Research

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Robert McLean, DSc, MPH, is an assistant research scientist at the Hebrew SeniorLife Institute for Aging Research in Boston, and his primary research interests lie in the epidemiology of osteoporosis and related fractures. After working in epidemiology for over 10 years, Dr. McLean recently established himself as an independent investigator without significant prior research experience, thanks to the help of an REF research award designed specifically for early career investigators.

Integrating Immunology and Biologics into Clinical Practice

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With the rapid expansion of new classes of medications, clinical practice has changed dramatically, and rheumatology health professionals must have a fundamental knowledge of immunology and the mechanisms of action of the biologic agents that have emerged with this expansion. Familiarity with the predrug screening recommended for biologic agents and the appropriate safety and disease monitoring necessary when a person uses these products is essential for the best patient outcomes. Additionally, being able to obtain drug plan authorization for use of biologics and being able to educate patients and their families or support team members about the financial considerations of these drugs helps to ensure best rheumatology practice.

2010 Annual Scientific Meeting Ramping Up

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Building on the success of last year’s attendance-breaking ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting, the ACR and ARHP planning committees are offering an annual meeting program that that will exceed expectations. Plan to join your colleagues in Atlanta November 6–11 to benefit from both high-quality rheumatology education and a unique blend of cosmopolitan experiences and cultural charm—all of which will quench an array of intellectual, cultural, and culinary appetites.