Frequently Asked Questions
Membership
How do I access members-only content?
I know my username and password but it still doesn’t work. What do I
do?
Can I change my contact information online?
Can I renew my membership online?
How do I join the ACR?
What is the Pediatric Section?
What is the Rehabilitative Section?
Q: How do I access members-only content?
A: By signing in as soon as you arrive at the ACR Web site, you’ll have
access to all the members-only content. If you have not yet signed
in, and attempt to access content designated only for members, you
will be prompted to enter a username and password. Your username is
your 5- or 6-digit member ID number (it appears on any ACR mailing
label). Your password is your surname in all lowercase letters. If
your last name is more than one word, just the first word is your password.
For example, Dr. Van Buren would use van as the password.
Q: I know my username and password but it still
doesn’t work. What do I do?
A: Make sure you are not capitalizing any part of your surname, e.g.,
use mccoy NOT McCoy. If it still doesn’t work, please contact ACR Member
Services at (404) 633-3777 or at.
Q: Can I change my contact information online?
A: Yes. Choose "My Profile" from
the Find a Member item on the menu. Use the form to enter your information
changes, and click submit.
Most
changes
are
made
within
48 business hours of receipt.
Q: Can I renew my membership online?
A: Yes! Save time and avoid the hassle of mailing or faxing in your dues
renewal by renewing online.
Q: How do I join the ACR?
A: The ACR has several categories of membership, and although applications
are accepted throughout the year, new members are elected only in the
spring and fall, and must be nominated by a current ACR member.
The American College of Rheumatology, founded in 1934, is the largest
professional organization of rheumatologists and other physicians, scientists,
and health professionals devoted to the study and treatment of the rheumatic
diseases. ACR members maintain a strong commitment to research and education,
advancing the understanding of the rheumatic diseases, and discovering
new therapies to treat these diseases. ACR members enjoy a variety of
benefits, including the monthly Arthritis & Rheumatism journal, practice
tools and documentation aids, legislative and regulatory advocacy, and
much more. Learn more about membership.
Q: What is the Pediatric Section?
A: Members of this section comprise voting members of the ACR who have
experience in and are devoted to the field of pediatric rheumatology.
Membership is by application and open to current ACR and ARHP members;
there is no additional fee to join this section. For more information,
including how to join, see the Pediatric
Section.
Q: What is the Rehabilitative Rheumatology Section?
A: Members of this interdisciplinary section comprise voting members
of the ACR, both physicians and health professionals, who have experience
in the field of rehabilitative rheumatology. Membership is by application
and open to current ACR and ARHP members; there is no additional fee
to join this section. For more information, including how to join,
see the Rehabilitative Rheumatology
Section.
Awards and Grants
What kind of awards and grants do you offer?
What’s the deadline to submit an application?
Do you offer anything for medical or health professional
students or rheumatology fellows?
Q: What kind of awards and grants do you offer?
The ACR Research and Education Foundation offers awards and grants programs
for medical and research professionals at all stages of their careers. From
medical students to seasoned investigators, rheumatology fellows to experienced
clinicians, the REF likely has a program that could benefit you. See www.refawards.org for a complete list of the REF awards and grants programs.
Q: What’s the deadline to submit an application?
Applications for the ACR Research and Education Foundation awards and grants
programs are due in August, with the exception of student preceptorships.
Student preceptorship applications are due in February.
Q: Do you offer anything for medical or health professional students
or rheumatology fellows?
The ACR Research and Education Foundation offers a variety of awards and grants
programs directed toward early career development. These opportunities include
programs for medical and graduate students, aspiring researchers and clinicians.
Visit www.refawards.org for a complete list of the REF awards and grants
programs.
Training/Employment
How can I find a list of training programs?
How can I find a list of open rheumatology slots in U.S. programs?
How can I find a rheumatology job opening?
How can I post a rheumatologist or health professional job opening?
What residency programs does the ACR offer?
Q: How can I find a list of training programs?
A: There are more than 120 adult and pediatric rheumatology training
programs in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. A complete
list of training programs, including contact information, number
of slots available and a link to the training program Web site (if
available),
is available online.
Q: How can I find a list of open rheumatology slots in U.S. programs?
A: There is no single list of open rheumatology slots, so you will need
to contact each program individually to determine which ones have openings.
Q: How can I find a rheumatology job opening?
A: The ACR maintains a list of
available rheumatology and health professional job postings for members
only.
(If you have not already logged in to the site, you will be prompted
to sign in). Not a member? Learn
more about joining the ACR.
Q: How can I post a rheumatologist or health professional job opening?
A: Jobs may be posted using the online
job posting form. Positions are
posted for three months. Unless otherwise requested.
Q: What residency
programs does the ACR offer?
A: The ACR
is not an institution of higher learning such as a university. Although
it is accredited to grant continuing
medical
education
credits, it does not conduct fellowship or residency programs. The American
Medical Association maintains a database of all such accredited programs,
available at http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/2997.html
Patients
How do I find a rheumatologist in my area?
I want the very best arthritis specialist. Who do you recommend?
My doctor recommended a certain drug/treatment, but I want a second
opinion. What do you think about this drug/treatment?
I want to support arthritis research, how can I do that?
How can I find a clinical trial?
I want information about drug discount programs – where can I find
that?
Q: How do I find a rheumatologist in my area?
A: Use the ACR Find a Rheumatologist feature to find a rheumatologist
by name, to browse a list of rheumatologists by geographic area, or
to locate a pediatric rheumatologist.
Q: I want the very best arthritis specialist. Who do you recommend?
A: The ACR does not make recommendations for specific rheumatologists.
Q: My doctor recommended a certain drug/treatment, but I want a second
opinion. What do you think about this drug/treatment?
A: The ACR does not have a physician on staff to offer medical opinions.
To locate another rheumatologist for a second opinion, use the Find
a Rheumatologist feature.
Q: I want to support arthritis research, how can I do that?
The ACR Research and Education Foundation supports programs that promote
a better way of life for people dealing with arthritis and rheumatic
disease. By donating to the REF, you are helping train new doctors
and nurses who treat people with arthritis, and you are contributing
to cutting-edge research that will one day lead to a world free of
arthritis pain.
Q: How can I find a clinical trial?
A: The ACR provides a list of clinical
trials led by ACR members, and
provides links to other sites that list clinical trial information.
You may also wish to consult your rheumatologist for information on
clinical trials for which you may be eligible.
Q: I want information about drug discount programs – where can I find
that?
A: The ACR has assembled a list of patient
assistance programs for many
medications used in arthritis treatment.
Education/CME/CEU
How can I submit an abstract for the ACR Annual Scientific Meeting?
When are your education meetings scheduled?
I couldn’t make the meeting this year, how can I purchase audiotapes?
Q: How can I submit an abstract for the ACR Annual Scientific Meeting?
A: Abstract submission opens in February of each year, for the Annual
Scientific Meeting that occurs in the fall. Abstracts may only be submitted
electronically, and there is a fee to submit an abstract to the ACR.
For more information on ACR and ARHP abstract submissions, see www.rheumatology.org/annual/abstracts.
Q: When are your education meetings scheduled?
A: The ACR posts a complete calendar of
events, which is updated regularly.
If you can’t find the event you’re looking for, email
Q: I couldn’t make the meeting this year, how can I purchase audiotapes?
A: Audiotapes of selected sessions from the most recent Annual Scientific
Meeting are available for purchase. For more information, see www.rheumatology.org/products.
General
What is a rheumatologist?
How many members do you have?
Q: What is a rheumatologist?
A: A rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who is qualified
by additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment
of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones. See
our fact sheet, “What is a rheumatologist?” for more information.
Q: How many members do you have?
A: The American College of Rheumatology and the Association of Rheumatology
Health Professionals (a division of the ACR), represent more than 7,000
members from around the world.
Using the ACR Web site
I find it easier to read larger text on a Web site. Can I make
the text bigger?
I'm not a member. Why should I create a profile?
Q: I find it easier to read larger text on a Web site. Can I
make the text bigger?
A: Yes. If you have a mouse with a wheel between the buttons, simply
press and hold the "Ctrl" key and roll the wheel upwards. You can also
use the commands in your internet browser to adjust this feature. In
Internet Explorer, choose "View" from the top menu, then select "Text
Size" and choose "Larger" or "Largest."
Q: I'm not a member. Why should I create a profile?
A: Users who create a profile will find it easier to register for ACR
meetings, and can specify which part of the Web site they visit
first on subsequent visits.
