The ACR Names 16 New Masters

“I am so honored to be recognized by my colleagues as an ACR Master,” says Dr. Nakamura. “I have been so lucky in my career to have had amazing mentors and colleagues throughout my career, and I thank them and all my wonderful trainees for giving me such a meaningful career.”

Christine Thien Nga Pham, MD, MACR

Guy and Ella Mae Magness Professor of Medicine, Professor of Pathology & Immunology at the School of Medicine & Chief of the Division of Rheumatology, John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis.

“I am thrilled to be recognized as an ACR Master,” says Dr. Pham. “The distinction is the validation of lifelong efforts dedicated to scientific advancement, education and teaching, and above all, patient care. I am grateful to my rheumatology family for their trust and support.”

Thomas A. Pressly III, MD, FACP, MACR

Rheumatologist, Willis-Knighton Health Center/Shriners Hospital, Shreveport, La.

“It is the zenith of my career to be selected for one of the highest awards of the ACR as a Master,” says Dr. Pressly. “I am most grateful for being nominated and selected. I consider my inclusion as a group award and am most grateful to my family, for their continued support; my professors, particularly Jim Cassidy, MD, Sara Walker, MD, Don Kay, MD, and Gordon Sharp, MD, and the 25 rheumatologists who participated at the Jambalaya Jubilee (our program for families with children and arthritis). Also, to the most important people in my professional life—my patients—who have both inspired me and demanded that I do my best to improve their lives. It gives me the greatest delight to accept this award.”

Angelo Ravelli, MD, MACR

Professor of Pediatrics, University of Genoa, and Scientific Director of the IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy

“Being recognized as a Master of the ACR represents a great honor that acknowledges more than 40 years dedicated to the care of children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases,” says Dr. Ravelli. “It credits the contribution that I gave to the improvement of clinical care and to the growth of science in pediatric rheumatology.”

Kenneth G. Saag, MD, MSc, MACR

Anna Lois Waters Endowed Professor and Director of the Division of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology & the Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, Bone, & Autoimmunity Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham

“I am honored and humbled to be selected as a Master by the ACR,” says Dr. Saag. “I am delighted to join this distinguished group and look forward to continuing my most enjoyable long-term associations with the ACR.”