Yoshiya Tanaka, MD, PhD, MACR
Distinguished Professor, Department of Molecular Targeted Therapeutics, University of Occupational & Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu
“The ACR Master designation is the most honorable and pleasant award I have ever received in my life,” says Dr. Tanaka. “I am deeply grateful for being awarded. I will continue to dedicate myself to advancing rheumatology and enhancing the friendship and partnership among [the] ACR and our communities including APLAR [Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology] and JCR [Japan College of Rheumatology], which will lead to the further progress in rheumatology globally, as well as rheumatology patient care, I firmly believe.”
Ronald F. van Vollenhoven, MD, PhD, MACR
Rheumatologist, Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Netherlands
“I am entirely delighted and honored by the distinction Master of the ACR, which I see not only as a joyful milestone, but also as an encouragement to continue and expand my dedication to working across the Atlantic in furthering our understanding of the therapies for the rheumatic diseases, thereby improving the lives of our patients,” says Dr. van Vollenhoven.
Richard K. Vehe, MD, MACR
Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Retired)
“Learning from, and collaborating with, so many talented individuals and organizations, to be of help to and serve others, was a great reward in itself,” says Dr. Vehe. “Being nominated and selected by my colleagues to be an ACR Master is an extra special honor, and I am deeply grateful for it.”
Luis M. Vilá, MD, MACR
Professor of Medicine, Director of the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, & Immunology, & Director of the Rheumatology Training Program at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan
“Receiving the recognition of ACR Master is an exceptional honor and privilege in my career,” says Dr. Vilá. “Yet, a successful professional journey is only possible with the guidance of remarkable mentors and collaborators. I am especially grateful to David Fox, MD, for his unwavering support and exemplary role modeling since my rheumatology training, and to Graciela Alarcón, MD, MPH, for being an extraordinary mentor during my early years as a young investigator.”
In Summary
We congratulate the entire class of those honored in 2025 with the ACR Master designation.
Patrice Fusillo is a writer and editor based in Oakland, Calif.
Editor’s note: Also see the 2025 ACR Awards of Distinction, the 2025 ARP President’s & Merit Awards and the 2025 class of Distinguished Fellows.
