Overview of the ACR

The American College of Rheumatology is an organization of and for physicians, health professionals, and scientists that advances rheumatology through programs of education, research, advocacy and practice support that foster excellence in the care of people with arthritis and rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

The ACR provides professional education for its members through several venues. The Annual Scientific Meeting, held each fall, is the premier scientific meeting devoted to the rheumatic diseases. This meeting draws thousands of rheumatologists and arthritis health professionals from around the world. A winter rheumatology symposium, spring clinical meetings, and other topical conferences round out the ACR's educational offerings.

The ACR publishes Arthritis & Rheumatism, the premier scientific journal for research in the rheumatic diseases. Arthritis Care & Research is published by the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals, a division of the ACR. This journal focuses on the health services and clinical aspects of rheumatology.

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Through the ACR Research and Education Foundation, the ACR seeks to increase research in the rheumatic diseases while fostering the careers of young investigators. The ACR also works to increase federal funding for research in the rheumatic diseases. The College is also an advocate in the formulation of public policy relating to the care of people with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.

ARHP

The Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals, a division of the American College of Rheumatology, is a professional membership society composed of non-physician health care professionals specializing in rheumatology, such as advanced practice nurses, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers, epidemiologists, physician assistants, educators, clinicians, and researchers.