A: This is a role I quite enjoy and a responsibility I take seriously. I derive a lot of satisfaction from seeing the successes of my junior colleagues. At the same time, when there are disappointing results, I can share my own struggles to provide encouragement. It is particularly challenging in this era of limited funding to attract and keep promising junior investigators in research. We try to optimize the chances of success by using a ‘team science’ approach, wherein mentees benefit by receiving guidance from a number of individuals who have their own particular strengths and all of whom are invested in the success of mentees.
Q: What are the most important questions on osteoarthritis and gout you’d like to see answered in your career?
A: So many questions remain unanswered for osteoarthritis, including how the disease starts, how to prevent its onset and progression, and how best to manage the associated symptoms. In contrast to osteoarthritis, a lot is already understood about gout pathophysiology and management. However, management of gout is quite poor despite effective therapies being available, although additional therapeutic options are needed. As with most rheumatic diseases, we still don’t understand why some people develop osteoarthritis or gout despite having a similar risk factor profile.
ACR Paulding Phelps Award
Herbert S. B. Baraf, MD, MACR
Managing partner, Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates (ARA), Wheaton, Md.; clinical professor of medicine, George Washington University
