Each year ARP recognizes its members' outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology through an awards program.
Award Nominations Are Open
To submit a nomination, login to your account and select My Nominations (on the navigation menu).
Deadline: May 15
Submit Award Nomination
Master Designation
The ARP Master Award is one of the highest honors the College bestows. This award is presented to ARP members who have made outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology through service to the ACR/ARP and advancements in research, practice, education, and/or advocacy.
Eligibility: The designation of ARP Master is conferred on ARP members age 65 years or older by October 1 of the year in which they are nominated who have made outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology through service to the ACR/ARP; and advancements in research, practice, education, and/or advocacy. ARP members in good standing with a minimum of ten consecutive years of membership who meet the age requirements are eligible.
Award Terms and Funding: An ARP Master is not required to pay annual fees, dues, or assessments and has the privilege of attending the annual meeting without payment of registration fees.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a current or former member of ARP whose career has demonstrated a sustained and lasting contribution to the field of rheumatology and rheumatology health professionals.
Eligibility:Candidates for the Lifetime Achievement Award shall have been members of ARP, formerly the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ARHP), or ACR for at least ten consecutive years.
Award Terms and Funding: A one-time, merit-based award and the recipient will receive a $5,500 cash award and complimentary registration to the annual meeting.
Addie Thomas Service Award
The Addie Thomas Service Award is presented to an ARP member in honor of our Association's first president and recognizes individuals who have been an active volunteer involved with local, regional/state, national, and/or international arthritis-related activities.
Eligibility: ARP members in good standing.
Award Terms and Funding: A one-time, merit-based award and the recipient will receive a $3,000 cash award and complimentary registration to annual meeting.
Ann Kunkel Advocacy Award
The Ann Kunkel Award is presented to an ARP member who has provided extraordinary service to advocate for patients with arthritis and rheumatic diseases or for health professionals in rheumatology.
Eligibility: ARP members in good standing.
Award Terms and Funding: A one-time, merit-based award and the recipient will receive a $3,000 cash award and complimentary registration to the annual meeting.
Distinguished Scholar Award
The ARP Distinguished Scholar Award is presented to an ARP member who demonstrates exceptional achievements in scholarly activities pertinent to arthritis and the rheumatic diseases.
Eligibility: ARP members in good standing.
Award Terms and Funding: A one-time, merit-based award and the recipient will receive a $3,000 cash award and complimentary registration to the annual meeting.
Distinguished Clinician Award
The ARP Distinguished Clinician Award is presented to an ARP member who is engaged in clinical practice and demonstrates outstanding clinical expertise in arthritis and the rheumatic diseases.
Eligibility: ARP members in good standing.
Award Terms and Funding: A one-time, merit-based award and the recipient will receive a $3,000 cash award and complimentary registration to the annual meeting.
Distinguished Educator Award
The Distinguished Educator Award is presented to an ARP member who has demonstrated sustained excellence in the teaching of patients and students/trainees, including health professional students, medical students, residents, graduate students, and/or fellows, with their primary focus being rheumatology related content.
Eligibility: ARP members in good standing.
Award Terms and Funding: A one-time, merit-based award and the recipient will receive a $3,000 cash award and complimentary registration to the annual meeting.
ARP Appreciation Awards
President’s Award
The ARP President's Award is awarded to the ACR/ARP member or team performing outstanding service within the present year in advancing the goals, ideals, and standards of ARP.
Eligibility: ACR/ARP members in good standing.
Award Terms and Funding: Recipients receive recognition at the annual meeting.
Outstanding Student in Rheumatology Award
The ARP Outstanding Student in Rheumatology Award seeks to recognize students advancing rheumatology in one or more of the following areas: education, practice, research, and/or advocacy.
Eligibility: Non-physician health professional students who have not yet achieved the highest academic degree in a given field of study.
Award Terms and Funding: A one-time, merit-based award of $500, recognition at the annual meeting, and standard student member benefits.
Past ARP Award Recipients