The ARP Celebrates 60 Years of Excellence in Rheumatology Care
For six decades, the Association for Rheumatology Professionals (ARP) has stood at the forefront of advancing rheumatology care, education and collaboration among the interprofessional team. What began as a visionary effort in 1965 has grown into a vibrant community of dedicated rheumatology professionals committed to improving the lives of people with rheumatic diseases.
The ARP has championed interdisciplinary teamwork, fostered innovation in patient care and empowered generations of professionals through education, advocacy and leadership. From groundbreaking research to transformative clinical practices, our members have shaped the future of rheumatology with compassion and expertise.
Here’s to 60 years of impact—and many more to come.
The Foundation Celebrates 40 Years of Improving Lives
The Rheumatology Research Foundation’s story is one of lasting impact—shaping patient care, fueling scientific discovery and strengthening the future of rheumatology. For 40 years, this progress has been made possible through the vision and generosity of its community.
Established by the ACR in 1985, the Foundation has committed more than $243 million through 4,982 awards to strengthen the rheumatology community. Today, it stands as one of the largest private funding sources for rheumatology research and training in the U.S.
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
From the Foundation’s earliest days, generous donors recognized the urgent need to grow the rheumatology workforce and accelerate scientific breakthroughs. Their vision fueled a generation of progress—advancing new insights into disease mechanisms, driving therapies that transform lives and ensuring patients have access to specially trained rheumatology professionals.
Members of the ARP visited and exchanged information in the Interprofessional Member
Lounge at ACR Convergence 2024. (Click to enlarge.)
Over four decades, the Foundation has become a cornerstone of the rheumatology community. Its funding priorities are intentionally designed to support the full continuum—from recruitment and training, to the established investigator. This breadth of investment is unique, extending beyond a single stage to span entire career pathways and the research pipeline. These commitments directly fuel the people and ideas that continue to move rheumatology forward.
Proof of the Foundation’s value and commitment to rheumatology can be seen in the careers and discoveries it has made possible. Many supported early in their careers are now leaders in the field, running programs, mentoring others and caring for countless patients. At the same time, Foundation grants have fueled bold, high-risk research that might not have been funded elsewhere, but has led to new treatments and approaches to care. Through it all, patients remain at the heart of the Foundation’s mission, their resilience and hope serving as a constant reminder of why this work matters.
Building Momentum Together
This anniversary reminds us that advancing rheumatology is a shared priority. Corporate partners, state societies, organizations and individual donors create a vibrant ecosystem that fuels discovery, builds the workforce and improves patient lives. Every gift, large or small, matters. Each contribution reflects the passion of our community and adds up to a powerful force for change. This collective strength enables the Foundation to drive progress on a scale none of us could achieve alone.
The Foundation invites all supporters to join its mission and deliver stronger science and
brighter futures for patients everywhere. (Click to enlarge.)
Looking Ahead
While the Foundation celebrates 40 years of progress, the work is far from finished. The burden of rheumatic disease remains significant and the need for innovation is urgent. At the same time, federal research funding faces ongoing threats and cuts, making private investment more essential than ever. With continued support, the Foundation can build upon its legacy, strengthening the workforce and driving the next wave of discovery.
The Foundation invites all supporters, old and new, to join the mission. Together, the next 40 years can deliver greater progress, stronger science and brighter futures for patients everywhere.