More than 10 years ago, New York Times journalist Thomas Friedman opined an old-world perspective that the world is, in fact, flat. In an article published on April 3, 2005, Mr. Friedman contended that “Individuals must, and can, now ask: Where do I fit into the global competition and opportunities of the day, and how can I, on my own, collaborate with others globally?”1
In the past, geographic boundaries and a lack of technology limited the interaction of physicians, health professionals and scientists. Today, technology has replaced barriers with the opportunity to collaborate and share in new, meaningful ways. The ACR/ARHP is committed to evaluating how we might collaborate with others on a global level and, more importantly, to put those ideas into action.
Global Rheumatology Partners
The leadership of the ACR, EULAR (European League Against Rheumatism), PANLAR (Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology), APLAR (Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology) and AFLAR (African League of Associations for Rheumatology) met in 2007 to reorganize ILAR (International League of Associations for Rheumatology). ILAR, as the umbrella organization of the Leagues and the ACR, relaunched with a fresh mission to support programs that lead to progress in the practice and education of rheumatology in developing countries.
To date, this successful joint venture has provided $931,191 in funding to 47 projects all over the world. ILAR opens its 2017 call for proposals for funding on July 1.
The ACR continues to collaborate with the Leagues, not only through ILAR activities, but also through a variety of educational platforms, organizational leadership meetings and global membership outreach efforts.
The uniqueness and continued success of the ARHP as an equal partner of the ACR has provided direction to other national rheumatology physician organizations interested in creating similar partnerships with rheumatology health professionals. For example, the British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) and the British Health Professionals in Rheumatology (BHPR) requested assistance in drafting their new governance structure based upon the successful ACR/ARHP model. In 2013, the BSR and BHPR united into one organization and expressed gratitude to the ARHP for its cooperative assistance.
Education International Exchange
Over 50% of attendees at the 2015 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting were international rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals. The Annual Meeting not only provides premier education, bringing the most important, cutting-edge science to our members, but also reaches across the globe to enable great discussions, meaningful networking and comradely communication among international colleagues.
