The 2007 AMA House of Delegates interim meeting was held November 10–13 in Honolulu. The ACR was represented by its delegate, Melvin Britton, MD, and alternate delegate, Gary Bryant, MD.
New Merit Award Honors ARHP Advocate
Ann Kunkel, an advocate and healthcare profes- sional, knows the devastation arthritis can cause. All four of her children have some form of arthritis. “My kids have dealt with this disease for more than 20 years,” says Kunkel. The experience of raising four children with arthritis has been a driving force in Kunkel’s advocacy efforts for over 11 years.
Increase NIH Funding, Participate in Advocates for Arthritis
The ACR consistently urges Congress to support issues relating to rheumatologists, rheumatology health professionals, and patients. The primary advocacy goals are: supporting of the “Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2007” (H.R.1283/S.626) and the “Access to Medicare Imaging Act of 2007” (H.R.1293/S.1338), finding a permanent solution to the Medicare reimbursement issue, and increasing funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—including the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases—and other agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Medical and Prosthetic Research Program.
Plan for Success in 2008
We’re ready for the rewards and challenges of the coming year
Glimpse the Future
Incoming ACR and ARHP presidents tell you what to expect in 2008
Reckoning of a Presidential Year
The past year was filled with accomplishments and I take away wonderful memories
Urge Congress to Support the Arthritis Act
The ACR strongly urges Congress to enact the “Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2007” (S. 626/H.R.1283), introduced by Senators Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Christopher Bond (R-Mo.) and Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) and Chip Pickering (R-Miss.).
Disappearing Dollars
What’s happening to federal research funding in rheumatology?
Annual REF 5K Run/Walk to Take Place in Boston
The REF 5K Run/Walk is the ACR REF’s premier event to raise funds to ensure the future of rheumatology. Since 2001, more than 1,700 walkers and supporters have gathered at the ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting and have raised more than $300,000 to help fund the REF’s awards and grants program. But it’s more than just an event; it celebrates the amazing progress we’re making together to fund rheumatology fellowship training and encourage highly trained people to enter the specialty.
Grassroots: Take Action
Wondering what can you do to effectively promote rheumatology issues in Washington? Here are some ways you can get involved…