An REF Success Story

After receiving a medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Elizabeth Perkins, MD, entered her residency program in internal medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University with some interest in the subspecialty of rheumatology. Like so many new residents, though, she had other competing interests – hematology/oncology, cardiology and a couple of other specialties stood out, in addition to rheumatology. And, already in her second year of residency, the time was looming for her to make a decision about which subspecialty to pursue her fellowship in. Fate, with a little help from the ACR Research and Education Foundation, intervened at this crucial juncture and the rest, as they say, is history.

Dr. Perkins first connected with the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology at VCU (chaired by Lawrence B. Schwartz, MD, PhD) when she attended one of their Resident Recruitment Dinner programs. These dinner programs are sponsored and supported by the REF through its extensive awards and grants program. She credits the event with really igniting that initial interest she already had in rheumatology.

“At the Resident Recruitment Dinner, I met the faculty from the rheumatology division and got to spend time talking with fellows already going through the training program,” Dr. Perkins says. “Everyone was so open and forthcoming, and I left the event with a deeper understanding of rheumatology and how I might fit into the profession. That’s when my sentiments went from general interest to a desire to learn more about this subspecialty.” She wasn’t the only one taking an interest at the Resident Recruitment Dinner.

After meeting and talking with the residents that evening, the rheumatology division faculty was extremely impressed with Dr. Perkins. So impressed, in fact, that they decided to approach her with what turned out to be a life-changing offer. George F. Moxley, MD, an active ACR member for years and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine for the Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology division at VCU, had recently learned about a new pilot award program the REF was launching especially for residents interested in rheumatology. The Resident Research Preceptorship, also part of the REF’s extensive awards and grants portfolio, was designed to introduce residents to rheumatology by supporting a full-time, three-month research experience. The resident would carry out their research project under the guidance of a mentor (preceptor).

Dr. Moxley and the other rheumatology faculty at VCU thought Dr. Perkins would make an excellent candidate for this new award. “When we met Elizabeth at the Resident Recruitment Dinner, she seemed genuinely interested in rheumatology and our division, taking the initiative to ask questions and demonstrating the drive to learn more about our specialty,” says Dr. Moxley. “Her academic record was impressive and she had a research background, as well. We really felt like she could stand out among a national pool of candidates for this award.”

Dr. Perkins recalls, “The rheumatology division approached me and asked if I was interested in really learning more about the specialty through the guidance of a mentor in a structured program focused on dedicated learning time coupled with dedicated research time. Then they encouraged me to apply for the Resident Research Preceptorship.”

Despite the flattering and enticing offer, Dr. Perkins’s decision was not immediate, nor was it easy. As a second year resident, she had only three elective months to spend, a variety of interests and a deadline to declare a fellowship specialty. Even with her increasing interest in rheumatology, to pursue the award opportunity would require her entire elective allotment for the year. So, she evaluated her options. “Before making a decision about whether or not to pursue this award, I wanted to at least see what similar opportunities existed in other areas of interest for me,” Dr. Perkins elaborates. “No other division I explored offered a program remotely similar to this. No other division was able to offer the opportunity to have a mentor guiding me through dedicated study and learning time, as well as dedicated research time. For residents, research time is a rarity and at a premium.”

Ultimately, Dr. Perkins chose to apply for the Resident Research Preceptorship with Dr. Moxley as her Preceptor. In March of 2005, they were selected as the first-ever recipients of the award. In July of that same year, Dr. Perkins began her Preceptorship, working with Dr. Moxley on a molecular genetics research project attempting to explore the link between cardiovascular disease and lupus. About a month ago, Dr. Elizabeth Perkins made the decision to pursue a Fellowship in rheumatology upon completion of her residency.

Reflecting on her experience as a Resident Research Preceptorship recipient, Dr. Perkins shares, “Without programs like the Resident Recruitment Dinner and the Resident Research Preceptorship that gave me an in-depth way to experience rheumatology, I might not have chosen it as my specialty.”

Dr. Perkins continues, “As a result of these opportunities, I have really developed a passion for rheumatology, and I truly see myself working in the field. Dr. Moxley has been a real inspiration, as have the other professionals I have encountered through this program. The thing I admire most about these rheumatologists is that they are not only doctors and scientists, but they are also teachers and counselors – to their patients and to the rest of the medical community. I see the larger role that rheumatology plays in medicine. And, I can’t wait to discover my part.”

About the Award

The ACR REF Resident Research Preceptorship, part of the REF awards portfolio, introduces residents to the specialty of rheumatology by supporting a full-time research experience. This new award is made possible through the generous financial contribution of an individual donor (a distinguished, senior clinical rheumatologist). The award fills a unique niche in that it exposes a student to the specialty of rheumatology during a crucial window of opportunity – the time when residents are called upon to select a specialty.