Mark ensured the ACR would remain home to all constituencies residing within the house of rheumatology, from bench to translational researchers, community to academic practitioners, as well as the diverse range of rheumatology professionals.
Forward Thinking
Mark’s strategic vision, and moreover, his implementation of a robust strategic planning process, has allowed the ACR to skate where the puck is going to be in our efforts to advance rheumatology. The implementation of the RISE registry serves as but one shining example of the ways in which the ACR has been at the forefront of anticipating what needs to be done for our specialty. The commitment to build this infrastructure to support clinical practice and meet the demands for reporting data on quality performance was prescient, especially since preliminary planning began at a time when many practices had not yet adopted electronic health records.
Mark’s foresight has also been demonstrated by his attention to leadership development, both among the ACR staff and our corps of volunteers. Many have commented on Mark’s uncanny ability to spot talented individuals, whom he then gently cultivates, generously mentors and carefully advances to positions of greater responsibility in preparation for future leadership roles.
To recognize the importance of intuition often tends to sit uncomfortably with our scientific background and training. Perhaps here the words of Dr. Jonas Salk are most apropos when we praise Mark in this regard: “Intuition will tell the thinking mind where to look next.”
Trust & Friendship
No doubt many more tangible accomplishments over the course of Mark’s career deserve mention beyond those highlighted here. There is, however, something else, something intangible and unquantifiable, that may be his crowning achievement: Mark has set the tone for friendship, trust, camaraderie and loyalty for all of us who have been blessed to work with him.
There is probably no better testament to this achievement than the overwhelming number of responses from our past presidents to the news of Mark’s 30th anniversary at the ACR—marked at the time by their outpouring of gratitude, admiration and sincere affection. This year, at the end of March, the past presidents partook in a celebratory dinner to honor Mark’s retirement. It was an evening filled with conviviality and expressions of heartfelt appreciation for all that Mark has done for rheumatology through his long and brilliant career, a career that has changed our specialty and touched the professional and personal lives of so many people, a career for which we can never adequately express our thanks, even if we could write across the sky in letters that would soar a thousand feet high: To Mark, with Love.
