Washington DC - ACR Convergence Media Kit

Annual Meeting Press Center

Logo

Welcome to the Press Center for ACR Convergence 2024, the American College of Rheumatology’s premier event. This year’s conference promises to be an exceptional gathering of the field’s leading experts, researchers, and practitioners dedicated to advancing the science and treatment of rheumatic diseases.

In the Press Center, you will find all the resources you need to cover the conference’s exciting developments. Our team is here to assist you with media materials, interview coordination, expert commentary, and any other support you need. Whether you’re reporting on groundbreaking research, innovative treatments, or the latest developments in patient care, we are committed to ensuring you have access to the information and contacts necessary for comprehensive and timely coverage.

Thank you for joining us and your continued support in sharing about the rheumatology specialty. Don’t hesitate to contact our team with any questions or needs.

Leonard Calabrese, DO

Leonard Calabrese, DO, is a professor of medicine and, vice chair of the Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases and the co-director of the Centre for Vasculitis Care and Research. He also serves as director of the RJ Fasenmyer Centre for Clinical Immunology at the Cleveland Clinic. He also holds appointments in the Department of Infectious Diseases and the Wellness Institute.

Dr. Calabrese’s clinical and research interests include vascular inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, primary and secondary immunodeficiency states and the intersection of infections and autoimmunity. He serves as the editor of Healio Rheumatology and for over past 20 years has developed innovative programs to teach basic, clinical and translational immunology to care providers of patients with immune mediated inflammatory diseases.

 

Margherita T. Cantorna, PhD

Margherita T. Cantorna, PhD, received her undergraduate degree in chemistry from the University of Illinois and a PhD in immunology from the University of Wisconsin. She began her career as an assistant professor at Pennsylvania State University and eventually became a distinguished professor, a position she currently holds. Dr. Cantorna is a recognized expert in vitamin D, autoimmunity, the host response to infection and gastrointestinal immunity. In 2012, she received the Osborne and Mendel Award from the American Society for Nutrition for her work to understand the effects of vitamin D in the immune system. Professor Cantorna is frequently invited to speak at national and international meetings on both Immunology and nutrition.

 

Daniel Clauw, MD

Daniel Clauw, MD, is a professor of anesthesiology, medicine (rheumatology) and psychiatry at the University of Michigan (UM). He also serves as director of the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center. Until January 2009 he also served as the first associate dean for clinical and translational research at the UM Medical School, and PI of the UM Clinical and Translational Sciences Award (CTSA).

He attended the University of Michigan for both undergraduate and medical degrees and then completed his internal medicine residency and rheumatology fellowship at Georgetown University. He joined the faculty at Georgetown University in 1990, and while there, founded the Georgetown Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, and served as the division chief of rheumatology, immunology and allergy, and vice chair of the department of medicine.

Dr. Clauw’s research focuses on clinical care and research on overlapping conditions such as fibromyalgia, gulf war illnesses, and interstitial cystitis, and how the central nervous system contributes to chronic pain states.

 

Lihi Eder, MD, PhD

Lihi Eder, MD, PhD, is a clinician-scientist at Women’s College Research Institute and associate professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, Canada. Dr. Eder has a broad background in rheumatology with specific training and expertise in psoriatic arthritis, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and cardiovascular diseases in rheumatic patients. She is the director of the Psoriatic Arthritis program at Women’s College Hospital and co-director of the University of Toronto cardio-rheumatology program. Dr. Eder’s research focuses on understanding the heterogeneity of psoriatic arthritis using clinical and imaging tools. Her research in the area of sex/gender attempts to elucidate mechanisms that underlie the differences in clinical course and response to therapy between males and females with PsA.

 

Martin Englund, MD, PhD

Martin Englund, MD, PhD, received his medical degree in 1998 and a PhD in orthopaedics in 2004 from Lund University in Sweden. He is a professor in the department of orthopaedics and currently heads the clinical epidemiology unit at Lund University. Dr. Englund’s research focuses on molecular aspects and imaging of osteoarthritis, clinical outcomes, epidemiology, and burden of disease.

He has published more than 300 peer-reviewed scientific articles which has attracted more than 24,000 citations. He is currently serving as the president of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI). Additionally, he has been recognized with multiple international awards for his original research in osteoarthritis including OARSI Clinical Investigator Award (2011), European League of Rheumatology Young Investigator Award (2012), and International Élise Jourdevant Prize (2018).

 

Maximilian F. Konig, MD

Maximilian F. Konig, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology and the Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He also serves as the director of the Cellular Therapy Program (Autoimmunity) at Johns Hopkins. His lab develops precision cellular and protein-based immunotherapies to selectively eliminate autoreactive immune cells for the treatment of rheumatic diseases.

 

Chuan-Ju Liu, PhD

Chuan-Ju Liu, PhD, is the Charles W. Ohse Professor of Orthopaedics and serves as the vice chair of research for the Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation at Yale University School of Medicine.

His current research interests focus on autoimmune diseases, inflammatory and degenerative arthritis, and cartilage/bone regeneration. He has published approximately 200 peer-reviewed research articles and invited reviews, including corresponding author papers in Nature and Science. His research has also led to more than 20 US and international patents, with the majority of them licensed to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Kappa Delta Award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons & Orthopaedic Research Society and the Ethelmae Haldan Award for Innovative Science in Osteoarthritis Research from the Arthritis National Research Foundation.

 

Stephen P. Messier, PhD

Stephen P. Messier, PhD, is a professor and director of the J.B Snow Biomechanics Laboratory at Wake Forest University. He has been at Wake Forest for 43 years and has 33 years of experience in clinical trials research specifically related to knee osteoarthritis (OA). Currently, he is the principal investigator of the Weight loss and Exercise for Communities with Arthritis in North Carolina (WE-CAN) trial and The Osteoarthritis Prevention Trial (TOPS).

Dr. Messier has received the lifetime achievement award from the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (2022), the Borelli Award from the American Society of Biomechanics (2020) for outstanding career accomplishment through exemplary research in biomechanics, and the career achievement award from the American College of Sports Medicine Biomechanics Group (2009).

 

Beth Wallace, MD, MS

Beth Wallace, MD, MS, is assistant professor in internal medicine at the University of Michigan, and a staff rheumatologist at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare Center. Her research focuses on personalizing treatment pathways for patients with autoimmune diseases, with a current focus on developing tailored glucocorticoid tapering strategies based on RA patient phenotypes. Her research has received support from the NIH, VA ORD, and the Autoimmune Association.

This year, we are offering expert commentary from the following rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals to provide additional insight about various research presented at the meeting. Registered press interested in this service may contact Monica McDonald (mmcdonald@rheumatology.org) for assistance coordinating interviews. Please provide the session or poster title and date (if applicable) for which you are requesting commentary.

Our experts are:

 

Elena Schiopu, MD

Elena Schiopu, MD, is the Director of Clinical Trials for the Division of Rheumatology at Augusta University in Augusta, GA. She graduated from the Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Romania and completed her medical training at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Brunswick, New Jersey and Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. She became faculty at the University of Michigan in the scleroderma program and director of the myositis program and the rheumatology lead for the combined oncology-rheumatology initiative in immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Her clinical research includes the first randomized controlled trial in myositis (RIM trial) and developing outcome measures in scleroderma (CRISS) and myositis (TIS), StopRA, photoacoustic imaging in rheumatic structures. Dr. Schiopu is a passionate educator a was honored by the University of Michigan Learning Environment Task Force (LETF) for her exemplary work in cultivating and upholding a positive learning environment for U-M Medical School students (2017).

 

Christopher Morris, MD, FACR

Christopher Morris, MD, FACR, is in a busy private practice in rheumatology in Kingsport, Tennessee. Additionally, he also actively educates residents and medical students at local medical education programs. He has been a member of multiple committees and an active advocate for the American College of Rheumatology. He has also served as president of the Southern Medical Association.

 

Jay Mehta, MD, MS

Jay Mehta, MD, MS, is an attending physician with the division of rheumatology and associate program director of the pediatrics residency program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He earned his medical degree from the University of Nevada, completed his residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and a fellowship in pediatric rheumatology at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He received many awards including being named a Top Doctor in Pediatric Rheumatology in Philadelphia Magazine 2018 and 2022.

 

Howard Yang, MD

Howard Yang, MD, is a rheumatologist who practices in Santa Monica at UCLA Health. He is a generalist who treats the full spectrum of rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, vasculitis, myositis, gout, and osteoporosis. He believes in the whole well-being of the patient instead of just the specialized area of wellness, and is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology.

Dr. Yang has a specialized interest in musculoskeletal ultrasound. He earned his Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Certification in Rheumatology (RhMSUS) from the American College of Rheumatology, and frequently uses ultrasound to guide injections and improve their accuracy at the wrist, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles.

Dr. Yang is a Southern California native, who grew up in Orange County. He received his medical degree from St. George's University. He then completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Hawaii and later completed his rheumatological training at Loma Linda University. He speaks fluent Mandarin and Taiwanese.

2024 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Screening, Treatment, and Management of Lupus Nephritis

Session: ACR Lupus Nephritis Guideline Development and Key Recommendations
Monday, November 18
10:30–11:30 AM ET
Ballroom B, 3rd Floor

Press Conference
Monday, November 18
Noon–1:00 PM ET
Room 146AB

 

Janet Poole, PhD, OT, FAOTA

Lisa R. Sammaritano, MD, is a professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, and an attending physician in the Hospital for Special Surgery Division of Rheumatology.

Dr. Sammaritano attended the University of Pennsylvania for her undergraduate studies, and completed medical school, internal medicine residency and rheumatology fellowship at Weill Cornell Medicine.

She has a large clinical practice focusing on SLE and APS patients. A special area of interest is pregnancy and reproductive health in rheumatic disease patients.

She has been an investigator in a number of clinical trials including the SELENA studies, prospective randomized double-blind studies of the safety of estrogen in SLE patients, and the PROMISSE study, a nationwide observational study of pregnancy risk in patients with SLE and aPL. She has written numerous review articles and chapters, edited a textbook on contraception and pregnancy in rheumatic disease patients (2014), and lectures nationally and internationally.

She led the 2020 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Management of Reproductive Health in Women with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases and is currently leading the ACR's two upcoming lupus treatment guidelines, the first on lupus nephritis and the second on general systemic lupus erythematosus.

Featured Videos

2024 ACR Guideline: Screening, Treatment, and Management of Lupus Nephritis

New Theory Suggests that Autoimmunity May Cause Long COVID

PsA Pain Perception and Treatment Responses Vary Between Men and Women

Researcher Recommends Less Steroid Use to Treat Rheumatic Diseases

ACR/ARP Board of Directors Announcements

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is pleased to announce the 2024–2025 executive committee for its board of directors. This dedicated group of professionals is poised to lead the ACR into a new era of excellence in rheumatology.

Carol Langford, MD, MHS

Carol Langford, MD, MHS, a rheumatologist with Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, serves as the ACR’s 88th president and will lead an executive committee that brings a wealth of experience, innovation, and dedication to the College. They are committed to providing ACR and ARP members with the resources they need to continue improving the care and outcomes for individuals with rheumatic diseases through education, research, and advocacy.

Meet Dr. Langford, the 88th President of the American College of Rheumatology

The American College of Rheumatology Names Carol A. Langford, MD, MHS as the 88th President

Adam Goode, PT, DPT, PhD

The ACR/ARP is excited to announce that Adam Goode, PT, DPT, PhD, has been appointed as the 59th president of the Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP), a division of the American College of Rheumatology.

Dr. Goode is a distinguished epidemiologist and physical therapist, specializing in musculoskeletal epidemiology and health services research at Duke University School of Medicine. As president, he will lead the ARP executive committee, driving initiatives that support the diverse needs of rheumatology professionals, including physical therapists, pharmacists, nurses, practice managers and others.

Under Dr. Goode's leadership, the ARP board aims to enhance education, foster collaboration, and provide essential resources to empower rheumatology professionals in their crucial work.

Association of Rheumatology Professionals Names 59th President

ACR Convergence 2024 Awards

ARP Lifetime Achievement Award

Janet Poole, PhD, OT, FAOTA

During ACR Convergence 2024, Janet Poole, PhD, OT, FAOTA, was honored with the Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP) Lifetime Achievement Award. This distinguished accolade celebrates Dr. Poole’s remarkable career and enduring contributions to the field of rheumatology.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is the ARP’s highest honor. It is awarded to individuals whose careers have demonstrated a sustained contribution to the field of rheumatology and rheumatology health professionals.
See more about ARP awards >

ACR Presidential Gold Medal

V. Michael Holers, MD

V. Michael Holers, MD, has been honored with the American College of Rheumatology’s prestigious Presidential Gold Medal during ACR Convergence 2024. This esteemed award recognizes Dr. Holers' extraordinary contributions and unwavering commitment to the rheumatology field.

The Presidential Gold Medal is the highest award that the ACR can bestow and is awarded in recognition of outstanding achievements in rheumatology over an entire career.
See more about ACR awards >

Promotional Guidelines

If you intend to present coverage of ACR Convergence 2024 in a dedicated website, newsletter, or promotional piece of any kind, please include the following disclaimer at the top of your piece:

This information is brought to you by [insert organization name] and is not sponsored by, nor a part of, the American College of Rheumatology.

Additionally, you may not use the ACR Convergence 2024 logo, company name and logo, nor recreations of the meeting or company logo to imply affiliation. Acceptable titles of your coverage are as follows:

  • Highlights from ACR Convergence 2024
  • ACR Convergence 2024 Highlights
  • ACR Convergence 2024 Review

Note: Please refrain from using language that explicitly or implicitly claims “official coverage” of ACR Convergence 2024. Wiley Publishing and TriStar Publishing are the official media partners for all ACR professional meetings, including ACR Convergence.

The ACR reserves the right to request promotional activities violating any parts of this policy be edited or removed. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in the loss of press credentials for future meetings.

ACR Convergence Meeting News

ACR Convergence Meeting News

ACR Convergence Today is the official publication for ACR Convergence. Read the latest news about the sessions, speakers, new research findings, networking opportunities, and all the biggest developments in rheumatology over the past year.

Read Newsexternal link opens in a new tab.
We use cookies on our website to improve our service to you and for security purposes. By continuing to use our site without changing your browser cookie settings, you agree to our cookie policy and the use of cookies. See ACR Policies