Perhaps the most personally rewarding aspect of working with the ACR Research and Education Foundation (REF) is seeing the success that can come from setting lofty goals. First and foremost, the REF is a goal-oriented organization. The staff and volunteers are not only committed to the goal of ensuring the future of rheumatology, but they aspire to reach high and to lead in this effort.
Dispelling the Mystery, Ensuring the Future
Bringing calm and organization to chaos: This is what led Greg Dennis, MD, to pursue a career in rheumatology. Dr. Dennis who, at the time, was an internal medicine resident at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colo., was seeking a subspecialty that would allow him to pursue immunology in a clinical or laboratory setting. What he realized during his residency was that rheumatology was a mystery to many physicians.
REF: Looking at Recent Achievements and FInding Inspiration for the Future
As the term of my presidency at the ACR Research and Education Foundation (REF) comes to an end, it’s a good time to reflect on the past two years. While it’s important to recognize the REF’s milestones and major achievements—and I will do that in a moment—great work is being done every day by rheumatologists, healthcare professionals, and investigators. It is their goal to improve the treatment and care of people impacted by rheumatic disease, and it’s our mission to provide them with the resources to support their efforts.
Researcher Looks for Clues to Help Treat Pediatric Lupus
With the support of the ACR Research and Education Foundation (REF) Awards and Grants program, Ornella Rullo, MD, has developed research that may help rheumatologists better treat pediatric patients.
Journey from Early Career Grant Recipient to Preceptor
Elaine Husni, MD, MPH, knew from an early age that she wanted to be a doctor. Along the way, she relied on the support of mentors and the ACR Research and Education Foundation Awards and Grants program to help establish her career in rheumatology, eventually landing her in her current role as the department vice chair for the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Center at the Cleveland Clinic.
A Meeting of the Minds for RA Research
REF investigators gather to share research progress and trade advice
A Milestone in RA Research
Within Our Reach funding meets goal, makes impact
REF Program Helps Meet Critical Need for Pediatric Rheumatologists
It’s not far-fetched to assume that most medical students have no exposure to pediatric rheumatology while in school. The ACR Research and Education Foundation (REF) is hoping to change that.
Student Benefits from Resident Research Preceptorship
Although the ACR Research and Education Foundation offers a number of opportunities to students interested in rheumatology, the Ephraim P. Engleman Endowed Resident Research Preceptorship is a unique opportunity that allows for a much more in-depth learning experience. The purpose of the Engleman Preceptorship is to introduce residents to the specialty of rheumatology by supporting a full-time research experience, with the goal of attracting promising physician–scientists to the field of rheumatology early in their careers.
The REF: A Facilitator of Mentoring
The ACR Research and Education Foundation (REF) has made a substantial commitment to supporting career development through its many grant programs, such as the preceptorships for medical and graduate students and residents, the Rheumatology Scientist Development Award, the Rheumatology Investigator Award, and the Career Development Bridge Funding Award, provided in collaboration with the Arthritis Foundation.