Over the course of her career, Dr. Abelson has seen research make a difference in patients’ lives, and she feels fortunate to be part of that endeavor in her new role.
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“People I might have seen 30 years ago, if they were being diagnosed right now, they would have different outcomes, and that’s what we’re trying to do through the work of the Foundation,” she says. “We want to make sure everybody has access to the newest discoveries.”
Training the Next Generation
In further support of that mission, Dr. Abelson says, is the funding the Foundation has provided to address the rheumatology professional shortage, helping move more trainees into the pipeline. She values education immensely, particularly in her role as a clinical educator at Cleveland Clinic.
“Being able to train the next generation of rheumatologists is a really satisfying part of what I do,” Dr. Abelson says.
She also feels fortunate to be at Cleveland Clinic. “It’s a system that is physician led and patient focused, and it values all the activities of clinical research and education.”
On a Personal Note
Dr. Abelson grew up in Ohio, graduated from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and completed her training at University Hospitals in Cleveland. Her husband is also a physician, and they found the city a great place to raise their three sons. Today, she enjoys spending time with her five grandchildren and experimenting with new recipes at home.
“I’m very, very lucky,” Dr. Abelson says. “I feel fortunate to be in this new role.”
Kelly April Tyrrell writes about health, science and health policy. She lives in Madison, Wis.