“Welcome to the feast that is ACR Convergence 2023,” said Dr. Dewing.
Dr. Doug White welcomed attendees to San Diego and thanked all the volunteers who made
ACR Convergence possible.
Dr. White thanked the members of the Annual Meeting Planning Committee, other committee members and the “policy wonks,” saying “What a relief it is to most of us that someone else is scrutinizing governmental policies for us.”
Dr. Holers called attention to the $218 million the Foundation has been able to dedicate to advancing the mission of rheumatology since the Foundation’s launch in 1985. He also mentioned the fact that 100% of board members and the Foundation staff have themselves donated to the Foundation. “They believe in our mission,” he said.
Dr. Dewing and Dr. White then made award presentations to members who have made significant contributions to rheumatology. Here’s a first look at the awardees. Watch for profiles in coming days.
Presidential Gold Medal
The Presidential Gold Medal, the highest award that the ACR can bestow, is awarded in recognition of outstanding achievements in rheumatology over an entire career. Established by the past presidents of the ACR, candidates will have made important contributions in multiple areas such as clinical medicine, research, education or administration. Funding support for this award of distinction is provided by the Rheumatology Research Foundation. This year, the ACR is proud to bestow this honor to:
Ellen M. Gravallese, MD, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
ACR Awards of Distinction
The ACR also recognizes leading researchers, clinicians, mentors, and other professionals exhibiting superior commitment to the advancement of the field of rheumatology with the Awards of Distinction honors. Winners of this year’s awards are:
Distinguished Basic/Translational Investigator Award
John Varga, MD, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
The Distinguished Basic/Translational Investigator Award is awarded to a basic or translational investigator making outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology.
Distinguished Clinician Scholar Award
Daniel J. Wallace, MD, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
The Distinguished Clinician Scholar Award is awarded to a rheumatologist who has made outstanding contributions in clinical medicine, clinical scholarship or education.
Henry Kunkel Early Career Investigator Award
Jason S. Knight, MD, PhD, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
The Henry Kunkel Early Career Investigator Award is awarded to an early career physician scientist, who is 12 years post Rheumatology certifying examination eligibility, who has made outstanding and promising independent contributions to basic, translational or clinical research in the field of rheumatology.
