I also served on the ACR study section for educational grants, co-chaired the Professional Development/Medical Education Abstract Review Committee, have given multiple presentations at ACR Convergence and the Educators Conferences and have published articles on various topics in the training and education space.
TR: What goals and specific priorities do you have for the COT in the year ahead?
Dr. Dua: My goal as chair of the COT is to lead advances that will support trainees across rheumatology. The dramatic shifts in training that were forced by the COVID pandemic have truly altered the ways in which we communicate, teach and learn rheumatology. As a program director, understanding and adapting to the evolving needs of learners is requisite to the position.
I’m also excited for the opportunity to create innovations that enhance and broaden access to learning in rheumatology. My ultimate goal as chair is to inspire growth and interest in our field, to support those who are shaping our future colleagues and the future of our amazing subspecialty—and to do this with a passionate and thoughtful team supported by the ACR. This work truly feels like an opportunity of a lifetime.
Our specific COT priorities will be to enhance the voice of trainees and to help educators respond to their evolving needs. This includes creating additional content to supplement training program curriculum to help ensure that all trainees are well prepared for the breadth of rheumatology practice. Along that same line, the committee plans to create a reference library of teaching materials that are available from both the ACR and other external sources for program directors and faculty to use to strengthen their trainees’ education. Additionally, with the recent creation of the committee’s Pediatric Training Subcommittee, the committee plans to better support the unique needs of pediatric trainees and their educators.
TR: What do you do for fun outside of the ACR and rheumatology?
Dr. Dua: I have loved doing pottery since high school and continue to go to the pottery studio every week to unwind and play with clay. I have always been into sports (playing and watching), but my main form of exercise now is going for runs. I love to travel and take advantage of any opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures and scenery.
I am also (possibly pathologically) obsessed with family and love spending time exploring the city or lazing around the house with my husband, my sister and her family. I try to spend time with my niece every day if possible and also visit Pittsburgh as much as possible to see my brother, his family and my parents.
