The ACR Takes a Stand: How Position Statements Are Created

Improving the Practice of Rheumatology

Rheumatologists face different challenges depending on various factors, including their type of practice and whether they practice in urban or rural areas, notes Arundathi Jayatilleke, MD, CORC member and director of the rheumatology fellowship program at Temple University, Philadelphia.

Dr. Jayatilleke

“The ACR is working to represent all its members,” says Dr. Jayatilleke, who co-authored a position statement on telemedicine. “So when we make these position statements, we try to incorporate all of those points of view” while also prioritizing the needs and interests of patients.

She has found her experience serving on CORC to be both worthwhile and enjoyable, and would recommend it to other rheumatologists.

“In general, just having people become more comfortable with volunteering and serving on the committee is important,” says Dr. Jayatilleke. “It’s great to get some experience … and to have a good mix of people with different perspectives on all the committees.”

Dr. Soloman got involved with the committee through a colleague’s recommendation. Before that, “frankly, I didn’t even know that these positions existed for non-academic rheumatologists,” he states. “I found the experience to be quite rewarding and I believe that the committee’s focus has been geared to championing grassroots issues that affect all rheumatologists.” He recently cycled off CORC and now serves as a member of the Board of Directors.

The work done by CORC helps show that you have a voice in the field of rheumatology, says Dr. Snow.

“There are a lot of frustrations that can pop up in practicing medicine, and when I joined the committee I didn’t realize how refreshing it is to try to be part of the solution,” he says. “You can try to make things better and we are able to do that at times.”

ACR members interested in bringing an issue to the committee or volunteering to serve on it can contact the ACR at [email protected] for more information or reach out to Dr. Snow or any other member of CORC. Nominations for ACR volunteer positions are also now open for any ACR member interested in serving on CORC or other committees.

Catherine Kolonko is a medical writer based in Oregon.