Volunteering Is Informative—and Fun

I am saddened to rotate off the board. I made many friends that I may now only see at the ACR annual meeting. However, I fully intend to stay active and engaged in the organization. Because I am no longer in private practice and will be taking over the rheumatology fellowship program at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa., this year, I hope to become actively involved in the COTW. I also have an interest in promoting the development of contacts and working relationships with the carriers, with the hope of finding strategies to reduce the inefficient and energy-sapping carrier barriers to providing quality healthcare for our patients, so I may volunteer for the Insurance Subcommittee. There are lots of choices. My suggestions if you want to volunteer are:

1. Have an idea what you want to do.
2. Get to know someone in the organization who can attest to your interest.
3. Persist. If you send in your application but do not get a committee assignment the first time, try again.
4. Show your enthusiasm. This is fun.

Dr. Denio will head the rheumatology fellowship program at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa., beginning this July.

Reference

1. American College of Rheumatology Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Task Force. Ultrasound in American rheumatology practice: Report of the American College of Rheumatology musculoskeletal ultrasound task force. Arthritis Care Res. 2010;62:1206-1219.