TR: What are your plans and goals while you are GAC chair?
Dr. Solow: I have several goals that align with the ACR strategic plan. First, I want to continue to expand ACR/ARP member engagement in health policy through sending letters to representatives and attending meetings on Capitol Hill and at the state and local level. We have met the initial goal of 10% member engagement, and I would like to expand this.
Second, we need to increase awareness of GAC’s important role for the ACR/ARP membership and support for our mission. Implicit in this would be more widespread representation and feedback on how we are doing.
I would like to continue the expansion of the Advocacy 101 programming and develop additional avenues for alumni to stay involved.
Finally, I would like to facilitate regulatory and legislative policies that positively impact rheumatology providers and our patients, such as step therapy protections, medication affordability and prior authorization reform.
Vanessa Caceres is a freelance medical writer in Bradenton, Fla.
