Each year, the ACR honors a standout community-based rheumatologist whose work exemplifies innovation, impact and dedication to improving patient care. The 2026 Community Practice Innovation Award continues this tradition, spotlighting the transformative potential of clinical creativity outside academic institutions.
Designed to elevate ideas born in everyday clinical settings, the award supports projects that enhance care delivery, improve outcomes and address real-world challenges in rheumatology. From workflow redesigns to quality improvement initiatives, recipients of this award are reshaping how rheumatology is practiced—one innovation at a time.
Unlike traditional research grants, the Community Practice Innovation Award empowers clinicians who spend the majority of their time in direct patient care. These practitioners bring unique insights into the complexities of chronic disease management, and the award provides up to $80,000 to help turn those insights into scalable solutions.
The award also includes the prestigious Norman B. Gaylis, MD, Clinical Research Award, recognizing a project that exemplifies excellence in community-based research. Dr. Gaylis’s legacy continues to inspire a generation of rheumatologists to pursue meaningful change from within their own practices.
Application Details
As rheumatology faces growing demands for personalized care, health equity and system efficiency, the ACR Community Practice Innovation Award serves as a beacon—reminding us that some of the most impactful ideas come from those closest to the patients.
- Required letters of intent due: Jan. 15, 2026, 5 p.m. EST
- Applications due: Feb. 2, 2026, 5 p.m. EST
