Rheumatology Research Foundation Shares Excitement about Specialty with Medical Students, Residents

Marci Macaraeg, a student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine—Tucson, was also able to attend the meeting and the Experience thanks to the Foundation’s scholarship program. Before going to Boston, she says she knew she wanted to go into rheumatology, which made her time at the meeting particularly enjoyable. “There were so many interesting lectures and so much research to hear about,” she says. “I felt like a kid in a candy store.”

Marci also knew before attending the meeting that she wants to practice integrative medicine, and she was able to learn more about it in Boston. “This meeting, which was made possible by the scholarship, gave me better insight into how successful rheumatology drugs have been in addition to how therapies like acupuncture have also been showing benefit.”

However, during the Experience, Marci started considering a new option for her career path. “I am now leaving myself open to further specialize in pediatric rheumatology,” she explains. “The research we learned about allowed me to see that the field is booming, and I am even more excited about this field.”

The Experience provided the attendees guidance on how they can one day use their knowledge to provide patients with the quality treatment they need. By engaging young minds and building interest in the field through the event, the Foundation is investing in the future of rheumatology.