The ACR is pleased to announce that the Community Practice Council (CPC) has been elevated and rebranded as the Independent Practice Subcommittee (IPSC), now operating as an official subcommittee of the Committee on Rheumatologic Care (CORC).
This structural change reflects both the significant contributions the CPC has made to the ACR and aligns the group with CORC’s established naming conventions. As the IPSC, the group will continue its mission with an enhanced platform and visibility within the College’s governance framework.
Since its formation, the group has been instrumental in raising awareness of the unique challenges and contributions of private and community-based rheumatology practices. Its work has informed the ACR’s strategic goals, shaped educational content and contributed to advocacy work.
This change is more than symbolic—it reinforces the ACR’s commitment to supporting independent rheumatologists. With subcommittee status, this group now has an even stronger voice in shaping the future of rheumatologic care across all practice models.
The rebranded subcommittee will continue to:
- Serve as a dedicated forum for issues affecting independent practices;
- Collaborate with ACR leadership to ensure that practice sustainability and innovation remain front and center;
- Create content and programs to help rheumatologists transition into independent practice; and
- Provide input into ACR programming.
This recognition marks an important milestone for the ACR’s efforts to support all rheumatologists, regardless of practice size or setting, and to strengthen the community of independent providers delivering high-quality care across the country.
The IPSC is chaired by Karleen Su, MD, FACR. Current members are: Aryeh Abeles, MD; Nilanjana Bose, MD; Julia Buchfuhrer, DO; Sarah Cassell, MD; Todd Daugherty, MD; Mark Fisher, MD; Elizabeth Perkins, MD; Virginia Reddy, MD; and Benjamin Widener, MD, FACP, FACR.
