But has this system of avoiding contested elections really served us well? One compelling argument that it has indeed done so is that rheumatology is one of the only subspecialties of internal medicine in which the researchers and clinicians—and also the allied health professionals—have remained united in a single national organization, rather than split into polarized and competing subgroups. In addition, we have been able to attract talented staff members who remain with the ACR for many years and whose roles are carefully balanced with the work of the volunteer leadership and ACR members. Working effectively together is surely the right thing to do for our profession and our patients.
Dr. Fox is president of the ACR. Contact him via e-mail at [email protected].
