The ACR has taken steps to promote international attendance at the meeting, but it also wants to support the education and contributions of rheumatologists worldwide; therefore, it now offers the following resources:
- Free registration to fellows in training from developing countries (as determined by the World Bank);
- An updated online education platform in conjunction with the 2017 Annual Meeting; and
- A new social media hashtag, #GlobalRheum, to highlight advances in research and patient care from the global rheumatology community.
“I implore people to make a special effort to come to the Annual Meeting this year, to prove that the exchange of science and knowledge is important,” says Dr. Lakhanpal. “We want to maintain our diversity. We need to make it a point to prove to people that artificial barriers will not block the advancement of science and knowledge. The ACR feels a responsibility to develop an international platform for medical education.”
Guest speakers and educational sessions at the 2017 meeting will appeal to a broad, global audience, he says. Keynote speaker Anthony Fauci, MD, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), will address border-crossing pathogens, such as Zika and chikungunya, affecting patients seen by rheumatologists in many regions. The international rheumatology leagues, AFLAR, PANLAR and APLAR will hold sessions in San Diego.
Apply for necessary visas at least four months prior to travel departure, Dr. Lakhanpal says. Visa requirements have changed, so check the ACR website for information.
Travel Tips & Info
Here are some practical tips and information for international travel to the ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting:
- All U.S. Visa Waiver Program visitors must now have an e-passport with an embedded electronic chip.
- It is mandatory for anyone traveling under the Visa Waiver Program to submit an application via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA is not a visa. Visitors traveling on valid visas are not required to apply through ESTA.
- ESTA applications must be submitted at least three days before departure. Once approved, the ESTA is valid for two years or until a traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows for multiple trips to the U.S. without reapplying for a new ESTA each time. Visa Waiver Program visitors are no longer required to complete the I-94W green card.
- Passports must be valid for at least six months after planned departure from the U.S., with some country-specific exemptions.
The ACR will refund registration fees if requested by October 20, 2017, if visa is not approved. For more information on registration or international travel to the 2017 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting in San Diego, visit the meeting website.
