We are also working to expand rheumatologic services via our virtual rheumatology training modules supported by virtual training grants. These ACR modules can be utilized by people in any region of the U.S. and will target multidisciplinary teams that include primary care providers, advanced practice providers, physical therapists, occupational therapists and pharmacists. We are facilitating grand rounds for internal medicine, pediatric and family medicine residents in these regions for education and to recruit future rheumatologists. There is an additional need to optimize telemedicine/telehealth care with training for the rheumatology community.
Recently, we supported the preparation of a draft of a white paper, titled The Value of Rheumatology, which provides strong support for the expansion of rheumatology. The white paper report will dramatically help justify the need for and value of rheumatology for recruitment efforts among medical students and residents and healthcare organizations. Furthermore, the white paper will enhance continued discussions with insurance payers regarding value-based rheumatology care models at our Payer Summit in 2023. We anticipate release of the white paper later this year.
TR: How did you get involved with the committee, and how did this lead to you becoming chair?
Dr. Battafarano: I was instrumental in the design of the 2015 ACR Adult and Pediatric Workforce studies and co-author on the corresponding publications. In 2021, the ACR president sought my advice for ACR workforce solutions and asked me to lead and provide vision to the ACR regarding potential workforce strategies. I formed a small visionary group and we presented our recommendations to the ACR Board of Directors in October of 2021. The ACR supported our vision and subsequently created a new ACR committee to address long-term workforce solutions with interventions.
TR: On a more personal note, how did you get into rheumatology as a career?
Dr. Battafarano: After completing an internal medicine residency at BAMC and practicing three years in a 160-bed hospital in Nuremburg, Germany, I completed a rheumatology fellowship under Sterling West, MD, at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colo. Rheumatology provided me with a clinical immunology career and long-term patient relationships. I served for 21 years in the Army as a clinical and academic rheumatologist and in various leadership roles, including associate dean for over 40 GME programs in the Army and Air Force. After retiring at the rank of colonel in 2004, I continued as a civilian rheumatology professor at BAMC, serving as division director, research director, and program director for an Adult U.S. Air Force/Army Rheumatology Fellowship until 2019; four of our fellows were recognized with ACR Distinguished Fellow Awards. I then provided underserved rheumatology care at CommuniCare Health Center until June 2022, when I had to resign for significant family responsibilities.
