Exclusive: ACR Convergence 2024| Focus Rheums

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

The Rheumatologist: May 2010

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.

What Can Clinical Decision Support Do for You?

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The current health system places increasing pressure on physicians and their practices to find new and innovative ways to maximize reimbursement through the implementation of programs and workflows that ensure the delivery of higher quality care—all while the ever-increasing needs of the patient population are placing a greater demand on physician time.

Advance Rheumatology: Volunteer for the ACR

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Under the ACR’s new strategic plan, the mission of the ACR is advancing rheumatology, and the new vision is to enhance the value and impact of rheumatology in a changing healthcare environment. These cannot be achieved without the time, effort, talent, and experience of its volunteer leadership and committee members.

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.

Within Our Reach–Funded Study Finds Increased Depression Risk Among Some RA Patients

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A study recently published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that a cohort of patients from multiethnic backgrounds who all had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had nearly double the rate of depressive symptoms compared with middle-class white patients with RA.1 The study also examined predictors of depression, and concluded that physical disability—not acute disease activity—is the principal predictor of depression in patients with RA.

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.

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