The ACR is pleased to announce the creation of the Community Practice Council (CPC), a new body that will consist of 12 to 15 rheumatology professionals from small or independent practices from around the country. The CPC will focus exclusively on issues confronting ACR members in small practices. The CPC will work with and provide input to ACR committees to ensure that the voice of independent rheumatologists is represented in the work and offerings of the ACR.
In addition to experienced rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals, the CPC will also include two slots for fellows who are interested in independent practice. The hope is that these fellows will provide insight into the barriers newly minted rheumatologists might face in pursuing independent practice. At the same time, the selected fellows will gain the opportunity to learn more about running an independent practice from experienced professionals.
The CPC will have quarterly meetings, with in-person and remote options available. CPC members will generally serve for two-year terms, but there is flexibility to accommodate those who are willing to serve for one year. Unlike such ACR committees as the Committee on Rheumatologic Care (CORC) and Government Affairs Committee (GAC), the CPC will not conduct heavy policy work, such as drafting position statements on the issues it discusses. Instead, the CPC will have the opportunity to bring issues to ACR and ARP committees, including GAC and CORC. It will also provide invaluable consultation and feedback as the ACR works to address issues and concerns that are specifically important to independent practitioners. Importantly, it will also provide CPC members with exposure to the broad array of volunteer opportunities within the ACR.
Interested members should apply at this link no later than January 30.
