2016 ARHP Award Winners Discuss Their Contributions to Rheumatology

Q: This award is voted on by your peers in the field of rheumatology. What does that mean to you?

A: I know a great deal of the ARHP members and what they have accomplished. It just makes me so happy, humble and overwhelmed to have been chosen for an award among all of these talented and hard-working health professionals.

Q: What advice do you have for the next generation of health professionals working in the field of rheumatology?

A: Listen to your patients; they are the true experts. Your professional knowledge is an important complement, if you get the communication right.

ARHP Distinguished Clinician Award

Christine Stamatos, DNP, ANP-C

Director, Fibromyalgia Wellness Center, Northwell Health Division of Rheumatology, Great Neck, N.Y.

Background: After nearly two decades as a critical-care nurse, Christine Stamatos became a nurse practitioner and joined a rheumatology practice. She immediately bonded with the patients and “challenging conditions,” and never looked back. In fact, over time she found herself challenged by those patients with persistent pain and went back to obtain her doctor of nursing practice, a DNP.

“I love the diverse nature of the conditions we treat and the multidisciplinary coordination that is required to effectively help patients and their families manage their conditions,” Dr. Stamatos says. “I love learning new things, asking questions, finding answers and helping patients understand all this. My absolute favorite part of every day is when a patient expresses that they now understand and are able to become an active member of the healthcare team.”

In addition to her clinical work and leadership roles in the Army Nurses Corp, trauma centers and various rheumatology practices, Dr. Stamatos has been an educator and lecturer, publishing research focused on geriatric responses to trauma and chronic pain in arthritis. She has served on various ARHP committees, and currently is part of a task force working to develop an NP/PA fellowship program.

‘My absolute favorite part of every day is when a patient expresses that they now understand & are able to become an active member of the healthcare team.’ —Ms. Stamatos

Q: Your award is from your peers for a career dedicated to the field of rheumatology, either in research or practice. What does that mean to you?

A: It means more than I could ever express in words. When I first heard that I had been nominated by a physical therapist I had met through ARHP, one that I had tremendous respect for as a clinician and a mentor, I was absolutely honored. To be included for consideration for this award was more than adequate; then when I heard that I had received the award, I was just so proud, proud to be a recognized by a group of my peers.