The Value of Volunteering
Since her entry into rheumatology practice after a mentor convinced her to complete a medical school rotation in rheumatology, Dr. Weselman has found time to get involved with the ACR in a variety of ways. She started small by getting involved with the ACR’s Simple Tasks Awareness Campaign. Next, she served in her first official volunteer role on the ACR’s Strategic Plan Task Force, which led her to become involved in the CMC, as she learned more about how much the ACR was doing that members needed to know about.
“Members don’t always realize the depth and breadth of work the ACR does for them. It’s been exciting for me to have the opportunity to give back to the College by serving on a committee tasked with finding new ways to share this information,” she says.
Dr. Weselman says working for the ACR gives her time to step away from daily practice hurdles, such as fighting to get medications for her patients, to gain fresh perspective on the critical ways rheumatologists can truly serve their patients by advancing the profession.
Working with the ACR has also allowed her to grow her professional network exponentially.
Tips for Getting Involved
Dr. Weselman took a gradual approach to volunteering with the ACR: She first participated in a committee activity and offered input to a committee when asked. Finally, she decided to join. This slow approach allowed Dr. Weselman to test how the time commitment fit into her life. She suggests this approach might be a good way for other members to test the waters for volunteering their time with the College.
“Working with ACR staff and volunteers is a fun way to connect with colleagues and get away from the office for a short time, and it gives me a way to advocate for patients and the specialty,” she says.
The time she gives to the ACR doesn’t stop her from pursuing her passions in rheumatology practice for her patients or in her personal life. Dr. Weselman is an avid swimmer who trains for competitive open-water swimming events, such as a 5K in Atlanta’s Lake Lanier last year. She also enjoys spending time with her family, raising two teenage boys.
For More Information
To learn more about the work of the Communications and Marketing Committee over the past year, visit the Committee Spotlight page and scroll down to read Dr. Weselman’s report.
