As the ARP president, I would like to continue to strengthen the ACR/ARP partnerships. Our members work together in practice, and when we bring both groups together, we will benefit from greater diversity and experiences.
TR: What else are you hoping to do as president of the ARP?
Dr. Cleveland: I would like to increase the visibility of the ARP and highlight the benefits of membership, both to attract new members and re-engage those whose memberships have lapsed. One approach is more targeted outreach to individual members, showing them exactly what resources we offer and how to access them. We already have a lot of online educational content, but a 2024 membership survey indicated that many members struggle to find specific materials. That’s certainly an issue we can address.
TR: Will you be addressing other obstacles or challenges for rheumatology professionals?
Dr. Cleveland: Absolutely. Some of today’s biggest challenges stem from federal policy decisions that affect research funding and Medicare reimbursements. These uncertainties impact all medical fields, but we in rheumatology, as a small subspecialty, must be proactive.
We are fortunate to have a strong advocacy team that stays on top of the latest developments and is getting the ears of our Congress people. That is vital because things are changing daily. Those on the advocacy team keep our members informed with regular updates and encourage our rheumatology professionals to reach out with concerns. They truly want to hear from our members. And the ARP wants our members to know we are on the job, working hard for better results, and there are reasons to be optimistic.
TR: Are there any other initiatives you’ll be working on in the coming year?
Dr. Cleveland: Workforce shortages continue to be an area of focus. I’d also like to continue to support a dedicated program to recruit new people into the field, while enhancing training for our advanced practice providers (APPs) so they can feel confident and well prepared. Supporting those already in the field while attracting the next generation is key to our future.
TR: By way of introducing you to the membership, what would you like to share about yourself that members may not know?
Dr. Cleveland: A couple of things that come to mind. First, I have been an athlete all my life. I’ve played ultimate Frisbee (a very physical team sport) at the highest level, including national championships, for more than 25 years. While I no longer compete at that level, I still play in local leagues and have taken up tennis—a more age-appropriate sport at this stage.
