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

From the College

Planning the ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting

Joel A. Block, MD  |  

As the 2011 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting ends, those of us on the Annual Meeting Planning Committee (AMPC) take time to reflect on the process and on the product.

A Practice Manager’s Perspective on ARHP Membership

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At the age of 10, Chad E. Fragle was hospitalized for Legg-Perthes disease at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas. What was a very difficult time for him and his family led to a bright and hopeful future. With the support of his family, specifically from his father, who helped start a golf tournament fundraiser to fight the disease still in existence today, Fragle was given access to administrative leaders within the hospital.

Setting Goals for Future Growth

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Perhaps the most personally rewarding aspect of working with the ACR Research and Education Foundation (REF) is seeing the success that can come from setting lofty goals. First and foremost, the REF is a goal-oriented organization. The staff and volunteers are not only committed to the goal of ensuring the future of rheumatology, but they aspire to reach high and to lead in this effort.

ACR Participates in Briefing to Highlight Importance of Biomedical Research

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On September 13, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Coalition held a congressional briefing to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the organization’s honoring of congressional champions who have been instrumental in supporting NIAMS and the NIH. The Coalition is a group of more than 70 medical, patient-advocacy, and science-based organizations (including the ACR) dedicated to advancing the critical research of the NIAMS and the NIH. The Coalition’s mission is to elevate understanding of the value of the NIAMS among policy makers and the public to foster increased support of the Institute.

Welcome New ACR and ARHP Leaders

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The ACR is pleased to welcome the newest members of the ACR board of directors and ARHP executive committee. These new members were confirmed in November during the 2011 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting. Over the next two issues of “From the College,” you will be introduced to these new members and learn what they want to gain from their experience as new board and executive committee members.

FDA Seeks Comments on Drug Shortages

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As reported last month (“Rheumatologists Struggle with Drug Shortages,” October 2011, p. 51), a bill (S. 296) proposed in the U.S. Senate would require drug manufacturers to notify the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of factors that might lead to a drug shortage.

Dispelling the Mystery, Ensuring the Future

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Bringing calm and organization to chaos: This is what led Greg Dennis, MD, to pursue a career in rheumatology. Dr. Dennis who, at the time, was an internal medicine resident at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colo., was seeking a subspecialty that would allow him to pursue immunology in a clinical or laboratory setting. What he realized during his residency was that rheumatology was a mystery to many physicians.

Rheumatology Professionals and Patient Advocates Take Their Stories to Capitol Hill

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The ACR’s annual Advocates for Arthritis conference, September 19–20, brought more than 120 rheumatologists, rheumatology health professionals, and patient advocates to our nation’s capital. Attendees, representing 37 states, met with more than 175 congressional offices, sharing their stories of access to care, treatment, and the importance of research.