Association of Women in Rheumatology (AWIR)

AWIR’s growth over the last decade isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating a powerful, united force of 4,000+ rheumatology professionals committed to changing healthcare from the ground up. Our members aren’t just participants—they’re leaders, advocates, and pioneers, driving progress in clinical research, policy reform, and healthcare equity. Together, we’ve built a network of men and women that amplifies the voices of everyone and ensures women take center stage in shaping the future of rheumatology. Don’t watch the change—be the change. Become a member today and help shape the future of healthcare. https://bit.ly/3xhCRCQ #AWIR10Years #Rheumatology #WomenInRheumatology #Healthcare #Leadership

A diverse patient population requires multi-faceted and dynamic healthcare providers to meet their unique needs and ensure equitable care. Representation allows physicians to connect on a deeper level, fostering trust and understanding. Patients want providers who share their experiences, culture, and perspectives—those who truly "get" them. Diverse teams strengthen the specialty by bridging gaps in care and creating a more inclusive approach. By valuing and reflecting the rich variety of human experiences, we move closer to equitable and compassionate healthcare for all. Are you interested in joining a community of like-minded men and women dedicated to maximizing positive outcomes for rheumatic patients? Then look no further. Join us and add your voice to the discourse. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/ed64BC7N

As the December 20 government funding deadline approaches, Congress is deep into discussions over a comprehensive year-end health care package. These negotiations carry significant implications for healthcare access, provider support, and public health preparedness across the nation. The current proposal includes: • 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 𝗔 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 and hospital-at-home programs, providing continuity for millions of patients relying on virtual and at-home care. • 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: 𝗔 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮.𝟱% 𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 under Medicare and flat funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers, offering short-term financial stability amid broader reimbursement challenges. • 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 and All-Hazards Preparedness Act and the SUPPORT Act to address ongoing public health crises. To fund these initiatives, proposed offsets include repealing the Biden administration’s nursing home staffing rule—a contentious measure unlikely to gain bipartisan support—and adjustments to pharmacy benefit manager transparency rules. While key elements such as telehealth expansion have bipartisan backing, other provisions face sharp divides. These discussions will determine not only immediate policy outcomes but also the trajectory of healthcare access and equity in the coming years. What aspects of these negotiations do you believe are most vital for patients and providers? What can you do? Take action by writing your legislators! Click here for templates https://lnkd.in/eh5s-dyC #HealthCarePolicy #EquityInCare #Medicare #Advocacy 

The Promise and Potential of CAR T-Cell Therapy in Rheumatology (1.5 CME) Stay ahead of the curve in rheumatology care. Discover how CAR-T therapies are transforming autoimmune disease management with insights from leading experts at AWIR’s February Virtual Summit. Join us virtually or at a watch party location near you. Reserve your spot today. Feb 8th 2025 | 12:00 - 3:30 EST Learn More: https://lnkd.in/efvU-z-V

What made you fall in love with Rheumatology? Listen in as Dr. Stephanie Ott, AWIR Advocacy co-chair, discusses what drove her to practice Rheumatology.

At AWIR’s 2024 Annual Conference, Dr.Gwenesta Melton and Dr. Stephanie Ott highlighted key advocacy wins, including reforms on step therapy, drug pricing, and Medicare physician payment. These achievements are the result of efforts like AWIR's Capitol Hill Day and our ongoing efforts to push for change in Washington. In partnership with ACR, we also stressed the need for stronger noncompete policies and support for pro-healthcare legislators through RheumPAC. ➡️What changes or improvements are you hoping to see in 2025?  🔗Join AWIR’s advocacy efforts through the VoterVoice Platform and sign up for alerts to help drive real change! https://bit.ly/3yL234Z #HealthcareAdvocacy #StepTherapyReform #AWIR

Rheumatology is on the brink of transformative change, thanks to groundbreaking research highlighted at #ACRConvergence 2024. AWIR president Dr. Grace Wright emphasized the potential of a 12-protein urinary biomarker panel to replace kidney biopsies in lupus nephritis. This advancement could revolutionize diagnosis and treatment, offering less invasive options for patients. Dr. Christopher Ritchlin explored CRISPR-based screens and novel T-cell therapies, paving the way for precision medicine in fibroblastic disorders and T-cell-mediated diseases like axial spondyloarthritis.These developments underscore an exciting future for improving patient outcomes in rheumatic diseases. Click the link below for more highlights from ACR's year in preview! Learn More:

AWIR is proud to partner with Harvard University's Brigham and Women's Hospital and three other institutions, on the transformative Academy for Workforce Advancement to Enrich Rheumatology Diversity (AWARD) initiative. Together, we are creating pathways for underrepresented groups to thrive in rheumatology as MDs and APPs. Presented at ACR 2024 in a poster, the AWARD program, including AWIR leaders Grace C Wright MD PhD and Gail Kerr, focus on building equity through four key areas: 1️⃣ Mentorship Communities to foster growth and guidance 2️⃣ Clinical and Research Pathways to spark interest early 3️⃣ Health Equity & Advocacy Curriculum to inspire systemic change 4️⃣ Leadership Development for the next generation of diverse voices Mentorship isn’t just about guidance—it’s about empowerment. Through initiatives like AWARD, we’re enriching the rheumatology workforce and ensuring better representation and care for all patients. 📖 Dive into the AWARD initiative here: https://bit.ly/3AUiVb2 💡 How can mentorship help achieve equity in medicine? Let’s discuss in the comments! #DiversityInHealthcare #HealthEquity #Mentorship #LeadershipInRheumatology

Join us tomorrow for our accredited educational summit "Cutaneous Conditions in Rheumatology: A Look Across Skin Colors and Pigment-Rich Skin" Earn 1.5 CME credits while hearing expert insights from Dr. Jonathan Ho and Dr. Michelle Min. Tune in virtually or attend an AWIR community watch party near you. Network and learn alongside your local rheumatology colleagues. 📍 Location: Virtual, with community watch party locations available 🕛 Time: 12:00 - 15:30 EST Learn More: https://lnkd.in/eBY2wTHs