Vivian P. Bykerk, MD, FRCPC, MACR
Professor of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York (Retired)
“Being named a Master of the ACR is a deeply meaningful recognition, reflecting decades of work in research and patient care, my commitment to mentoring and teaching colleagues and the multidisciplinary teams I have had the honor to lead, all to advance our community’s shared mission to improve the lives of people living with rheumatic diseases,” says Dr. Bykerk. “I am honored and very grateful.”
Deborah Dyett Desir, MD, MACR, FACP
Associate Professor of Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn., & Medical Director, Yale Medicine Rheumatology, Hamden, Conn.
“I am profoundly honored to be named a Master of the ACR. Along with my service as president of the ACR, this distinction stands as the greatest honor of my professional career,” says Dr. Desir. “It is wonderfully rewarding to be recognized for dedicating my life to the work I love. My deepest gratitude goes to my generous nominators, the Awards Committee, my mentors, colleagues and the entire ACR community. I would like to thank my patients, who have entrusted me with their care and inspired me every step of the way, and my husband, Gary Desir, MD, for his unwavering support and partnership throughout this incredible journey.”
Alan L. Epstein, MD, MACR
Clinical Professor of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, & Chief of the Rheumatology Section, Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia
“I am deeply grateful and truly honored to be recognized as a Master by the American College of Rheumatology,” says Dr. Epstein. “Having dedicated 40 years to the care of my patients and the education of our medical residents and my rheumatology colleagues, it is heartwarming to receive this honor. Over this period of time we have seen an explosion in our understanding of rheumatic diseases and their treatments, which has allowed us to more effectively care for our patients.”
