Rheumatology professionals—including clinicians, researchers, educators, pharmacists, students, practice managers, and more—from around the world will gather in Washington, D.C., from Nov. 14–19, to network, collaborate, and learn from one another about the latest advancements in the diagnosis, prevention, and management of rheumatic diseases.
ACR President Deborah Dyett Desir, MD, spoke with ACR Convergence Today about highlights that attendees can look forward to this fall at ACR Convergence 2024.
What can attendees expect from ACR Convergence this year?
Dr. Desir: ACR Convergence promises to be a dynamic gathering, offering attendees the latest updates in rheumatology from distinguished speakers across the field. This conference is the perfect venue for professionals to engage deeply with current trends and innovations and celebrate our community’s achievements.
ACR Convergence is designed for everyone in rheumatology. Regardless of your role, you will find valuable insights and opportunities for growth.
What new programming has been added to the meeting lineup?
Dr. Desir: We are thrilled to announce the return of two highly anticipated features: the Meet the Professor sessions and the ACR Ultrasound Conference.
The Meet the Professor sessions provide a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in small group discussions with leading experts on various topics, including RA-ILD, reproductive health, vasculitis, and more. These sessions are designed to facilitate in-depth learning and personal interaction with pioneers in the field.
The ACR Ultrasound Conference is also back, addressing a critical gap in our community. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities for specialized training have diminished, making this conference especially valuable. Rheumatologists are leading the charge in musculoskeletal ultrasound research, publishing more papers on this topic than any other specialty. This event is a must-attend for anyone looking to enhance their skills and stay abreast of the latest advancements in rheumatology ultrasound techniques.
What mainstays will attendees be excited to see return?
Dr. Desir: This year’s Basic and Clinical Research Conference will explore the compelling intersection of cardiometabolic and rheumatic diseases. This session promises to offer valuable insights and discussions, making it a must-attend for attendees interested in the latest research and developments in these interconnected fields.
Another highlight of the conference is The Great Debate. Always a crowd favorite, this year’s clinical debate will tackle the contentious topic of mixed connective tissue disease and its classification as a distinct disease entity. With two speakers arguing for and two against, the debate will stimulate the exchange of ideas and perspectives.
Additionally, a dedicated session will be on the new ACR guideline for lupus nephritis, an essential area for practitioners and researchers alike.
As always, the conference will showcase exceptional research through plenary sessions, oral abstract presentations, and the extensive Poster Hall, offering a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements and findings in the field of rheumatology.
What excites you most about this year’s meeting?
Dr. Desir: We have an exciting array of interactive sessions planned, covering a diverse range of topics that promise to enrich and engage attendees. Among the themes we’ll explore are effective techniques for delivering feedback, the practice of narrative medicine, and strategies to enhance the rigor of medical education scholarship. I’m particularly enthusiastic about the interactive nature of these sessions, which are designed to foster audience participation and cater to different learning styles. This approach enhances the educational experience and allows for a more dynamic exchange of ideas and knowledge.
What themes will be given special emphasis this year?
Dr. Desir: We’ve significantly increased our focus on artificial intelligence (AI) in rheumatology. We recognize that AI has become a pervasive element in various aspects of life and are eager to explore how we can leverage this technology beneficially within our specialty. Our sessions will delve into the integration of AI in clinical documentation and educational methods in rheumatology, featuring insights from the ARP Distinguished Lecturer dedicated to this evolving topic.
Additionally, we will continue to provide critical updates on reproductive health, a topic that remains highly relevant for clinicians, particularly in light of the current challenges in delivering effective healthcare. These updates aim to equip attendees with the latest insights and strategies to improve patient outcomes in this essential area of care.
“The excitement and energy of live, face-to-face interactions are irreplaceable and greatly enhance learning and networking experiences.“
— Deborah Dyett Desir, MD, ACR President
Is there anything else about ACR Convergence 2024 you would like to highlight?
Dr. Desir: ACR Convergence 2024 promises to be an outstanding event, with several compelling reasons to register and participate. One of the most significant highlights is the return of large in-person audiences, reflecting the strong and growing interest across the rheumatology care team. The excitement and energy of live, face-to-face interactions are irreplaceable and greatly enhance learning and networking experiences.
We hope the East Coast location will bring even more of the rheumatology community together! Our venue is not only accessible but also situated in a vibrant area that provides additional attractions and amenities to our attendees.
Additionally, ACR Convergence 2024 will continue offering unparalleled educational content access. Attendees will still get access to over 200 session recordings for an entire year—that’s a unique offering, and one we have heard is valuable to our community. This extended access allows healthcare professionals to learn at their own pace and review critical information as needed, greatly enhancing the value of attending.
Whether you’re looking to stay on the cutting edge of rheumatology research, eager to reconnect with peers, or interested in an experience with extended access to session recordings, ACR Convergence 2024 is designed to meet your professional needs. This unique blend of opportunities makes it a must-attend event for professionals within the field.
For more details on the scientific sessions and other activities at ACR Convergence 2024, view the Online Program or the Schedule at a Glance.
Register Today for ACR Convergence 2024
If you haven’t registered for ACR Convergence 2024, register today to participate in this year’s premier rheumatology experience, November 14–19 in Washington, D.C. All registered participants receive on-demand access to scientific sessions after the meeting through October 31, 2025