2016 ARHP Award Winners Discuss Their Contributions to Rheumatology

Q: What is the most challenging aspect in today’s practice of rheumatology?

A: Every time I’m asked this question, the first thing I come up with is time. We work with patients and their families that are faced with very scary, complex conditions that have an impact on every aspect of their lives. We are tasked to help them understand these often mysterious diseases, and help them navigate the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation. … There are so many factors that go into successfully managing these challenges. I am forever frustrated with the time we are afforded patients for routine office visits. It is often wholly insufficient. I struggle every day to keep on schedule, usually not successfully.

Q: What advice do you have for the next generation of rheumatologists?

A: To care, to ask questions, to make connections with your patients and families. Never stop asking why.

ARHP Graduate Student Award

Shadi Gholizadeh, MSc, MS

Background: Systemic sclerosis and body image isn’t a juncture that has much research—yet. But with a doctoral degree and a master’s in public health both in progress at San Diego State University, Ms. Gholizadeh aims to do her part to change that.

“Until recently, the study of body image had largely been limited to the context of physically healthy, college-aged women,” she says. “It is exciting to have the opportunity to contribute to the growing field of body image in men and women with chronic illnesses through my research in body image in scleroderma.”

Ms. Gholizadeh was drawn to the idea of chronic illnesses, especially in under-researched and rare diseases, given her clinical psychology doctoral work in behavioral medicine. The work clearly suits her.

“I found the research in body image in scleroderma to be extremely rewarding and with the potential to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the women and men with scleroderma and other rheumatologic diseases that cause changes in appearance,” she says.

‘It is exciting to have the opportunity to contribute to the growing field of body image in men & women with chronic illnesses through my research in body image in scleroderma.’—Ms. Gholizadeh

Q: What is the most fulfilling part of your job?

A: I am grateful every day that I have the opportunity to be a full-time student of psychology and epidemiology and to be surrounded by so many brilliant and inspiring individuals through the research and clinical work that I do. As part of the Scleroderma Patient-Centered Intervention Network (SPIN), I am involved in so many exciting research endeavors and have the opportunity to collaborate with some truly exceptional minds in rheumatology, nursing, public health and patient advocacy.