Guidance

In an online survey conducted in the spring of 2009, the ACR collected information on journal readership patterns, satisfaction, and content interests. The survey was sent to a sample of ACR and ARHP members who had not submitted manuscripts to Arthritis & Rheumatism (A&R) or Arthritis Care & Research (AC&R) within a recent 12-month period. It was also sent, with additional questions regarding submission and review, to all members and nonmembers who had submitted at least one manuscript to either journal during the 12-month period. Because of the international scope and reputation of the ACR journals, along with the fact that most members are in clinical practice and do not generally conduct and publish research, 63% of the submitters to the journals are not members of the ACR or ARHP. The ACR journals have long been viewed as the place where both members and nonmembers seek to publish their high-quality work.

RheumPAC Supports Two Candidates Who Support Rheumatology

Staff | November 1, 2009

RheumPAC, the ACR’s political action committee (PAC), ensures that the ACR is involved in healthcare reform discussions. RheumPAC representatives have been busy attending fundraisers and educating key congressional members on the ACR’s legislative priorities.

Your Patients Can Make a Difference—Get Them Involved with Advocacy!

Staff | November 1, 2009

Personal stories are the most effective way to communicate an issue to Congress. No one can better illustrate the complex nature of healthcare policy decisions and how they affect medical care than those involved daily in the medical profession.

Experiencing EULAR: An ARHP Perspective

Pamela J. Degotardi, PhD | November 1, 2009

I’m writing this column in my hotel room in rainy, somewhat chilly, Copenhagen. So much for the summer dresses that I packed in preparation for attending this European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) meeting. Instead it’s been all about layering and trying to stay dry, dodging puddles, and struggling with blown-out umbrellas. The rain has impeded any desire to explore Tivoli gardens, but it hasn’t dampened the friendliness and welcome of our European counterparts in EULAR’s Allied Health Professionals (AHP) standing committee.

Within Our Reach–Funded Research May Hold Key to Unlocking the CNS and Suppressing RA

Staff | November 1, 2009

Studies recently published in Arthritis & Rheumatism show that a key chemical produced by the central nervous system (CNS) decreases inflammation and suppresses production of proteins known to play a role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This opens the way for developing a novel class of drugs that mimic this effect of the CNS on RA.