Dr. Sammut has observed teaching fellows programs held at New York City Health + Hospitals/Harlem. She feels that because of these sessions, early recognition of SLE by the attendees improved.
“The fellows become more confident educators also, and they see how much is not known about SLE among other healthcare providers,” says Dr. Sammut, a former site director at New York City Health + Hospitals/Harlem. “Providers have someone to discuss SLE with and can refresh their knowledge about the disease. Most importantly, this educational program usually helps connect rheumatologists to other providers to improve access to care.”
Program materials are available free online. As long as funding continues, three to four rheumatology fellowship programs will be selected to participate each year, says Ms. Williams.
For more information about these programs, contact the ACR’s COIN department at [email protected].
Susan Bernstein is a freelance medical journalist based in Atlanta.