Rheumatology Fellow Travel Scholarship
The need for professional rheumatology care is reaching unprecedented levels. Based on the current number of medical trainees, the ACR anticipates that the demand for care will outpace the introduction of new rheumatologists. A record- setting number of rheumatologists currently in the practice are expected to retire in the coming decade. By the year 2015, the number of rheumatology retirees is expected to surpass the number of professionals entering the field.
In Oregon, the prevalence of clinically diagnosed arthritis among adults is 27 percent, according to the Department of health Services (DHS). An additional 20 percent of undiagnosed adults reported "possible arthritis" in 2002.
The ACR's Research and Education Foundation actively recruits and supplies funds to support training. Meanwhile, the number of first-time takers of the rheumatology boards across the nation has increased by 35 percent between 2001 and 2003, according to the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).
ORA, through a grant procided by Daiichi Pharmaceuticals, encourages current rheumatology fellows to consider Oregon as their place of practice after completing their boards. Twice a year, ORA offers a travel scholarship to two fellows interested in landing in Oregon.
How to Apply
The scholarship, granted to current rheumatolgy fellows in and out of Oregon, includes the cost of travel, lodging and meeting registration to one of ORA's yearly CME and general membership meetings. Scholars are selected by the ORA board of directors from nominated applicants. ORA members may nominate a current rheumatology fellow for upcoming scholarships by sending an e-mail to the ORA office including:
- ORA Member name (nominator)
- ORA Member phone and address
- Rheumatology Fellow name (nominee)
- Rheumatology Fellow phone, address, and e-mail address
- School, program, and year of training (1st year Fellow, 2nd year, etc)
- Meeting the Fellow would like to attend
- Briefly explain why this candidate is qualified to receive the travel scholarship (Is the fellow considering practicing in Oregon? What purpose will meeting with other Oregon rheumatologists and attending the meeting serve?)
- Please have the Fellow provide a brief bio and photograph for use in the ORA Reporter and other publication.
Previous Scholars
David Chamberland, MD
University of Michigan
Esther Hwang, MD
Oregon Health & Science University
Mollie Thompson, MD
Oregon Health & Science University
Katja Daoud, MD
Oregon Health & Science University
Laura Davies, MD
Oregon Health & Science University
Katie Baker, OD
Oregon Health &Science University