With nearly 10,000 members, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is the leading organization for rheumatology physicians, health professionals, and scientists worldwide. During her tenure as president, from 2023–2024, Deborah Dyett Desir, MD, associate professor of medicine (rheumatology, allergy, and immunology) at Yale School of Medicine, dedicated herself to advancing the ACR’s mission of empowering rheumatology professionals to excel in their specialty. At the Yale Section of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology grand rounds on January 8, 2025, Desir reflected on her presidency, sharing key achievements and insights.
Desir structured her talk around the pillars of innovation, inclusion, and workforce expansion, which together form the basis of the ACR’s 2022–2027 strategic plan. “Through this plan, the ACR is positioned to address emerging challenges, seize new opportunities, and continue advancing the field of rheumatology,” she affirmed.
Whether it's addressing workforce shortages, supporting funding for arthritis research, or advocating for reforms to insurance practices, the ACR advocacy efforts make a real difference. Together, we can drive meaningful change.
Expanding on the theme of innovation, Desir highlighted various resources the ACR has developed to propel the field forward. These include three peer-reviewed medical journals, two podcasts, and a rheumatology data registry that each fosters research and collaboration. Additionally, the ACR has recently expanded its online educational opportunities, offering courses for its members to continue developing their knowledge base. “Looking towards the future, the ACR remains committed to continuous innovation, ensuring that we provide tools, knowledge, and resources to support our members,” stated Desir.
Inclusion formed another cornerstone of her presidency, as Desir oversaw various initiatives that helped recruit professionals from a range of backgrounds. One such initiative is the Choose Rheumatology Scholarship, which offers grants for students and residents from different experiences or underserved areas to attend the annual ACR Convergence meeting. Another initiative, the Small Teams Option, is a pilot membership program introduced this year that helped expand ACR membership to entire care teams at private practices, including front office staff, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. These efforts and enhanced global outreach initiatives underscore the ACR’s commitment to diversity and engagement across the profession.
Importantly, Desir addressed some critical issues currently facing rheumatology, including a severe workforce shortage and a growing disparity between urban and rural access to care. She highlighted the ACR Workforce Solutions Committee, which focuses on several intervention areas and long-range goals for addressing workforce challenges. She also discussed the newly launched website Rheumatology for Primary Care, a resource designed to help primary care practitioners diagnose and refer to rheumatic diseases. “These targeted strategies demonstrate the ACR’s commitment to addressing workforce shortages and geographic disparities, ensuring high-quality care for patients everywhere,” said Desir.
Lastly, Desir shared how her passion for advocacy shaped her presidency. “Advocacy is not just a privilege, but a fundamental right guaranteed by the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution,” stated Desir. “This right enables us to raise our voices on behalf of our patients, ensuring that their needs are represented and their care is prioritized.” As president, Desir launched new task forces within ACR, including Women in Rheumatology, and Climate Change and Rheumatology. She also advocated at government levels, helping secure recent policy wins such as step therapy, prior authorization reform, and Medicare reimbursement protections.
“Whether it's addressing workforce shortages, supporting funding for arthritis research, or advocating for reforms to insurance practices, the ACR advocacy efforts make a real difference,” Desir stated, urging attendees to participate. “Together, we can drive meaningful change.”
The Section of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology is dedicated to providing care for patients with rheumatic, allergic and immunologic disorders; educating future generations of thought leaders in the field; and conducting research into fundamental questions of autoimmunity and immunology. To learn more, visit Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology.