Exclusive: ACR Convergence 2024| Focus Rheums

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

From the College

Study Groups: Where Information and Networking Mix

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ACR study groups provide an excellent forum for networking at the ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting and are among the most highly sought-after sessions each year. Although study groups are not eligible for CME credits, they provide an opportunity for the exchange of new ideas and in-depth presentations of information. These groups give attendees the opportunity to discuss cases and share experiences with colleagues who share a common interest in one disease, a group of related disorders, or a specialized field of study.

Antiphospholipid Syndrome

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Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease associated with frequent clotting in arteries and veins and fetal losses. The clotting results from the presence of proteins in the blood—called antiphospholipid autoantibodies (aPL)—formed against the person’s own tissues.

Key Grassroots Opportunity

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Congress is in recess August 11 through September 5. During this time, members of Congress are meeting with constituents in their district offices, so this is a great opportunity for you to…

Why the REF?

Leslie Crofford, MD  |  

I am delighted to use the occasion of this inaugural REF president’s column to share a vision of the future and describe the exciting developments that will allow us to meet the challenges ahead. Although most of you know that the ACR is associated with a foundation, I find that many of our members wonder what the REF does that is different from the mission and activities of the ACR and the ARHP. In the simplest terms, the ACR and the ARHP are engaged in improving the quality of our professional lives as rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals, while the core mission of the REF is to ensure the future of our specialty.

2008–2009 REF Award Recipients

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The ACR Research and Education Foundation (REF) ensures the future of rheumatology by guaranteeing that there will be well-trained rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals to provide quality care to the patients who need it.

Do You E-Prescribe—or Just Think You Do?

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You’ve bought an electronic medical record (EMR) with e-prescribing capabilities or stand-alone e-prescribing software and are enjoying the benefits of seamlessly writing a computer-generated prescription. Prescriptions are forwarded to the pharmacy where they enter the computer system exactly as they were sent. After all, that’s the benefit of e-prescribing, right?

Opportunities Abound at Annual Meeting

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The 2008 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting will offer multiple opportunities for attendees to increase their knowledge of rheumatic diseases. New educational programs and returning favorites will give attendees multiple chances to enhance their education and make good use of their time at the meeting.

Pseudogout

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Pseudogout is a type of arthritis that, as the name implies, can cause symptoms similar to gout, but which are a reaction to a different type of crystal deposit. This type of arthritis may be one of the most misunderstood forms, and is often mistaken for gout and other conditions, including RA. Proper diagnosis is important because untreated pseudogout may lead to a severe form of joint degeneration and ongoing inflammation, resulting in chronic disability.