ACR President Dr. Desir Looks to Bright Future of Organization, Field of Rheumatology

By Deborah Dyett Desir, MD

Editor’s Note: This summer, ACR Convergence Today asked ACR President Deborah Dyett Desir, MD, to share her thoughts on the state of rheumatology today and her priorities for the remainder of her term leading the ACR.

When I started my rheumatology fellowship, gold injections for rheumatoid arthritis were the standard of care. We advised patients to take aspirin until their ears rang, and we were just beginning to treat patients with methotrexate. Reflecting on these practices highlights just how far rheumatology has come in recent years and underscores the rapid pace of advancement that excites me about the present and future of the field.

Today, the advent of biologic therapies and small molecule inhibitors has revolutionized the management of rheumatic diseases. These treatments offer targeted approaches that significantly reduce disease activity and improve quality of life, which was unimaginable when I began my training.

The move toward personalized medicine is particularly thrilling. In the future, we will be able to tailor treatments based on individual patient profiles, leveraging genetic insights and biomarkers to predict disease progression and response to therapy, maximizing efficacy and minimizing adverse effects, allowing for more refined and effective management of diseases.

Moreover, the global rheumatology community is more connected than ever. This collaboration facilitates not only the sharing of research and best practices, but also addresses global disparities in the availability of rheumatologic care. International partnerships are working to bring advanced rheumatologic care to underserved regions, improving outcomes on a global scale.

Ongoing research into the immunology of rheumatic diseases continues to yield exciting discoveries. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of these conditions paves the way for novel therapies that could potentially prevent, halt, or even reverse these diseases.

The trajectory of rheumatology from when I began to the present day and looking toward the future reflects a dynamic and evolving discipline, rich with opportunities for impactful patient care and groundbreaking research. The pace of change and the potential for further advancements make this an exhilarating time to be involved in rheumatology and the ACR.

As I approach the concluding months of my presidency at the ACR, I remain committed to a broad yet vital set of priorities that reflect the diverse needs of our membership. These priorities are designed to strengthen our organization and advance our field in meaningful ways:

Enhancing Member Engagement and Value: I am dedicated to continuously improving the benefits and services we offer, ensuring that all members find significant value in their association with our organization.

Continuing Exceptional Advocacy Work: Advocacy remains a cornerstone of our efforts, particularly in improving access to care. We will persist in influencing policy to better serve our members and their patients, tackling challenges in drug pricing, insurance coverage, and more.

Promoting Research and Innovation: Advancing research and embracing innovation within rheumatology are critical. We aim to support cutting-edge research and the development of new therapies to ensure that our field continues to progress.

Supporting Fellows in Training and Early Career Individuals: Investing in the next generation of rheumatologists is crucial. We are focused on providing resources, training, and opportunities that support their growth and integration into the broader rheumatology community.

Expanding Global Outreach: We will continue to extend our reach and collaboration globally, sharing knowledge and practices to enhance rheumatology care worldwide.

Strengthening Diversity and Inclusion: It is vital to promote diversity and inclusivity within the rheumatology community. We are committed to fostering an environment where all members can thrive regardless of background, ensuring diverse perspectives in all we do.

Ensuring Sound Financial Status: Maintaining the financial health of the ACR is essential to sustain and expand our initiatives. We will ensure that the ACR remains on a stable financial footing to support our ambitious goals.

These priorities, while broad, are interconnected and critical to the sustained growth and impact of our field. By addressing these areas, we aim to enhance the practice environment for our members and improve patient care globally.