Video: Every Case Tells a Story| Webinar: ACR/CHEST ILD Guidelines in Practice

An official publication of the ACR and the ARP serving rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals

Howard Blumstein, MD, Assumes RheumPAC Chair

Renée Bacher  |  

I also want to spread the message of what advocacy is and what it isn’t. Advocacy is not about bribery. There’s nothing dirty about advocating for your patients and the future of your profession in terms of workforce, therapeutic advances and the financial viability of our practices. It’s our duty to do this, and we’re really supporting legislators who already support us by helping to keep them in office. 

TR: What are your goals for RheumPAC? 

ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE

Dr. Blumstein: Primarily I want to develop innovative ways to engage the rest of the College. Zach Wallace, MD, MSc, our outgoing chair, has done a phenomenal job in terms of outreach and networking with other members. I’d like to find more ways to connect better with our academic colleagues and training programs. We have trainees going out into the world, and regardless of what career path they take, they’re going to be impacted by policy. They don’t necessarily have to go to Washington, D.C., but giving even $10—multiplied by the number of members in our College—will make a difference, especially if it’s consistent. 

Howard Blumstein stands with family members and two dogs

The Blumstein family

TR: Anything else you would like to share to help members get to know you? 

ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE

Dr. Blumstein: Our family adopted our first-ever dog, Brad, at the beginning of the pandemic. He’s a 65 lb. Husky/Border Collie/beagle/Chow Chow/Bulldog mix. Last month we added Piper, a Chihuahua/terrier mix to our family. Both are from rescues. I have always wanted a dog, and we are all so happy with them.

Renée Bacher is a health and medical writer based in Louisiana.

Related Articles

    N.Y. Rheumatologist Makes Advocacy a Priority

    In 2005, not long after he became a private practice rheumatologist on Long Island, N.Y., Howard Blumstein, MD, dipped his toe into the advocacy pool at the encouragement of his partner, Max Hamburger, MD. “I thought it would be interesting to learn more about the issues that affect our patients and our practices, and I…

    I RheumPAC, Do You?

    For many years, the ACR board of directors and Government Affairs Committee have done exemplary work in keeping members abreast of legislative regulatory issues that affect all aspects of rheumatology, including patient and physician/healthcare professional issues, education, and research. Through advocacy, the ACR advances rheumatology and fosters excellence in the care of people with, or at risk for, arthritis and rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. One might say that advocacy is a cornerstone of this organization.

    November, a Busy Month for RheumPAC

    In November, RheumPAC will be leading its annual matching campaign and hosting two events at ACR Convergence 2022. Thanks to matching donors, every contribution in November will be amplified.