Annual Meeting Preview: Rheumatology Research Foundation Activities

Another exciting ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting is planned for this October. Show your support for the Foundation’s mission and enjoy your time in vibrant Chicago at one of the Foundation’s many events. Donations made to the Foundation support the extensive awards program that funds research, training and education opportunities for current and potential rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals throughout all stages of their careers.

The exclusive Donors’ Lounge is reserved for attendees who contributed $500 or more in FY2018 (which began July 1, 2017) and offers private space with computer and printer access, Wi-Fi, charging stations, hot breakfast, gourmet coffee, other beverages and snacks. The Lounge will be open on Saturday, Oct. 20, from noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday through Tuesday, Oct. 21–23, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attendees can secure access to the Donors’ Lounge prior to the meeting via text donation. Simply text “RHEUM” to 41444 to initiate a donation and get your name on the VIP list.

The Foundation will host its annual donor recognition event on Saturday, Oct. 20, at the JW Marriott Chicago. Rumor has it that an NFL team in town for a big game will also be at the hotel. The Donors of Merit event is an invitation-only cocktail reception, dinner and special program. A major announcement is expected at the event; you don’t want to miss out.

Foundation-funded rheumatologists, health professionals and trainees will be recognized at the annual Awards Luncheon, held Monday. The event celebrates the accomplishments of rheumatology professionals who have received funding from the Foundation. Attendees represent the diverse range of Foundation awardees, from students and residents to health professionals to established investigators.

This year, the Foundation is also hosting two special sessions for Annual Meeting attendees. The first focuses on innovative research and will be held Monday, Oct. 22 at 2:30 p.m. The second focuses on novel techniques for innovative educators and will be held Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 7:30 a.m.

The Foundation Donors’ Lounge will offer private space with computer and printer access, Wi-Fi, charging stations and more.
Photographee.eu / shutterstock.com

Attendees can also show support by purchasing the latest in the Rodnan Commemorative Gout Print series for sale during the meeting in the ACR Discovery Center in the Exhibit Hall. Many of the prints in this collection are humorous reflections of the times, poking fun at the European upper class. This year’s print is no different. In La Presse Anglaise, the British official’s gouty foot, meant to illustrate a lifestyle of excess, is propped on a stool as he volunteers the peasants of London to enroll in the British military, while he himself, we are led to believe, is not willing to sacrifice much.