The Rheumatology Research Foundation Invests in Rheumatology Professionals

The mission of the Rheumatology Research Foundation, a division of the ACR, is to advance research and training to improve the health of patients living with rheumatic disease. It supports career advancement, mentorship, professional development and education of professionals working in the disciplines essential to these patients.¹

“The Foundation understands that the support of Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP) members is important to achieving its overarching mission because these health professionals work in so many of the disciplines—occupational therapy, physical therapy (PT), pharmacy, practice management, etc.—that are essential to improving the health of patients living with rheumatic disease,” says Heather Benham, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, who works in pediatric rheumatology at Scottish Rite for Children, Dallas, and is a member of the Foundation’s Impact Advisory Council. “ARP members can already take advantage of the many funding opportunities offered by the Foundation.”

Awards

Since 1985, the Foundation has committed more than $205 million to the field of rheumatology through more than 4,115 research and training awards. In the current fiscal year, the Foundation will commit around $12.84 million to fund more than 120 awards for education, training, career development and research. Around a quarter of these awards will support efforts to recruit and train the next generation of rheumatology professionals; the remaining funds will be awarded to advance research projects leading to innovations in treating patients with rheumatic diseases and to supporting the early career development of rheumatology researchers.²

In fiscal year 2022, the Foundation committed approximately $1.43 million to ARP members, representing a 160% increase over the previous fiscal year. “Because we have so many deadlines throughout the year, we are unsure what the total allocated to ARP members will be this year, but we remain dedicated to funding as many projects as possible,” says Eryn Marchiolo, MPH, vice president of mission at the Foundation.

By assisting with large and small sum grants, the Foundation supports career advancement, mentorship, professional development and education of ARP members in the specialty of rheumatology, says ARP President Barbara Slusher, MSW, PA-C, supervisor of advanced practice providers at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Galveston and League City, Texas.

“The Foundation offers short-term mentoring and career advancement in the form of four- to eight-week awards for preceptorships for medical and graduate students who are interested in exploring the field of rheumatology. These awards offer a unique opportunity for trainees to work closely with an ACR/ARP rheumatology mentor to learn more about the field of rheumatology,” says Ms. Slusher. “For longer-term mentorship and career advancement, the Foundation offers the two-year Future Physician Scientist Award, for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates, and the three-year Scientist Development Award for rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals to pursue innovative research ideas.”