Are you passionate about advancing rheumatology? As a volunteer, you can help the ACR achieve its mission and grow as an organization. By volunteering you have the chance to influence policy statements, network with rheumatologist from across the country, share your knowledge and experience, and help develop products for our members.
We want to help you become a strong leader in the field of rheumatology and encourage you to volunteer on one of our standing committees. Positions are available in all areas of the ACR, as well as the ACR Research and Education Foundation.
Besides volunteering for a standing committee, there are other ways to stay involved. Take a few minutes to nominate a colleague for an ACR Award of Distinction or Master, and help us recognize members that have made outstanding contributions to the organization and the field of rheumatology.
The ACR has many awards of distinction, including the Presidential Gold Medal. To nominate a colleague or mentor for an award of distinction, visit www.rheumatology.org/membership to complete the online nomination form by May 15, 2012.
Theresa Lu, MD, PhD, the 2011 Henry Kunkel Young Investigator Award recipient, says “every career is influenced by role models, teachers, and mentors, and I have been very lucky to have met so many wonderful people along the way who have helped me to get to this point.” Take a few minutes to nominate someone that has influenced you and your work as a rheumatologist.
In addition to the awards of distinction, one of the top honors the ACR bestows is recognition as a Master. The designation of Master is conferred on ACR members age 65 or older who have made outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology through scholarly achievements or service to their patients, students, and the profession. Nominees for ACR Master must have reached the age of 65 before October 1, 2012.
David Borenstein, MD, chair of the Committee on Nominations and Appointments, encourages members to volunteer for committees or to propose potential recipients for the awards presented at the annual meeting. He says, “Having volunteered with the ACR for almost a decade, I have gained knowledge and experience that has been invaluable to my career. Do not be shy, send in an application.”
Applications are now open and the deadline for volunteer nominations is June 1, 2012. Letters of recommendation are not required, but are preferred.
Visit www.rheumatology.org/membership for more information about nominating yourself or a colleague for a volunteer position, an award of distinction, or a Master designation.