Kimberly J. Retzlaff is a freelance medical journalist based in Denver.
Kimberly J. Retzlaff is a freelance medical journalist based in Denver.
Current legislation that stipulates a loan repayment program for pediatric subspecialists could help the pediatric rheumatology community attract trainees and meet patient demand.
On May 20, ACR representatives held more than 100 video meetings with Congressional leaders about the need to reform step therapy and alleviate pediatric workforce shortages. You can still add your voice by asking your members of Congress to support the Safe Step Act and fund the Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program.
This program offers loan assistance of up to $100,000 to eligible pediatric medical subspecialists in exchange for a three-year, full-time service commitment at an approved facility in an underserved area. Pediatric rheumatologists are encouraged to apply.
A relatively new state association, the Rheumatology Association of Minnesota and the Dakotas (RA-MD), held its first meeting in 2016. Five years later, the association president, Jody Hargrove, MD, a board-certified rheumatologist with Arthritis and Rheumatology Consultants PA, Edina, Minn., says the group’s membership fluctuates between 80 and 100 rheumatology professionals. RA-MD has members from…