Network, Learn, Discuss
The ASC meetings go beyond health policy issues. All of the state and local societies have meetings that allow the rheumatologists in the state to get together to network, learn about rheumatology advances, and discuss complex issues. There was great concern that the state meetings are not attracting academic physicians. The physicians in private practice discussed the importance of networking and learning from all physicians in the state. Representatives tried to brainstorm ways to encourage participation at the meetings.
Are you an academic physician? What would entice you to attend a state society meeting? The state societies are trying to increase the educational value of the sessions. There were discussions about showing some of the past ACR annual meeting presentations at ASC meetings through SessionSelect. Another bonus of attending the state society meeting would be earning continuing medical education credits!
The representatives discussed how the various states run their state and local societies. Some of the societies have monthly academic meetings with one yearly meeting, and other societies just have a yearly meeting. The meetings tend to be a mix of educational and policy sessions. As with any meeting, the hardest part is trying to get people to attend. The ACR assists in getting the word out by sending three to four statewide e-mails a year for the state and local societies.
Don’t Miss Out
To get involved with your state society, contact your ASC representative. All the state and local societies are listed on the ACR website at www.rheumatology.org/ASC. Many states also have list serves where members can post issues affecting their state and also learn about upcoming educational programs. To sign up for a list serve, visit www.rheumatology.org/Membership and click on “List Serve Communities.”
For questions or additional information on joining the ASC, or assistance starting your own society, contact Cindy Gutierrez, MBA, senior specialist, practice management, at [email protected] or (404) 633-3777, ext. 310.