November 5, 2026

In this issue, get ready for ACR Convergence with advocacy highlights, app information, and exclusive RheumPAC benefits, plus learn how to double your impact through the annual matching campaign. You’ll also find a reminder to register for the 2026 Rheumatology MVP by November 30 and a scheduling update for The Rheum Advocate.

ACR Convergence Opens with Innovation and Advocacy in Focus

ACR Convergence 2026 will bring the rheumatology community together November 6–11 in Orlando, Florida. The Opening Session & Awards, scheduled for Saturday, November 7 from 4:00–6:00 PM, will feature ACR President William F. Harvey, MD, MSc, FACR, as a moderator, launching a meeting centered on innovation, collaboration, and advances in patient care.

Advocacy has been a central priority of Dr. Harvey’s 2025–26 presidency. In outlining his presidential agenda, he emphasized educating lawmakers, public officials, and research institutions about the challenges facing rheumatology—from reimbursement pressures and insurance barriers to threats to research funding. “Certainly, advocacy will be a major focus in the coming year,” he said in his incoming-president interview.

That commitment has continued throughout 2026. In a recent media interview, Dr. Harvey highlighted the ACR’s work to strengthen Medicare payment, support the rheumatology workforce, improve research funding processes, and challenge insurance policies that limit access to care. His message underscores the connection between advocacy and everyday practice: protecting rheumatology means helping decision-makers understand how their policies affect clinicians, researchers, and patients. Make sure to attend the Opening Session & Awards to celebrate and recognize the advocacy work that has been accomplished by the membership and staff in 2026.

Double Your Impact with RheumPAC’s Annual Matching Campaign

Don’t forget: RheumPAC has officially kicked off its annual Matching Campaign! Now through November 13, ACR volunteer leaders have pledged to amplify each contribution made with additional support.

There is no better time to make an investment and support the work RheumPAC does on Capitol Hill on behalf of rheumatology clinicians, professionals, and their patients. If you’re wondering what most folks tend to invest, this year, ACR members are contributing an average of $205. We hope you’ll contribute today!

Make Rheum for Advocacy: Download the ACR Convergence App

As you plan your ACR Convergence experience, make advocacy part of your agenda! The meeting app makes it easy to explore the program, build a personalized schedule, and keep important meeting information at your fingertips. Download “ACR Convergence 2026” from the Apple App Store or Google Play, then log in using the same email address and password you used to register for the meeting.

Add Advocacy to Your Schedule

Take a few minutes before the meeting to find sessions that connect with your advocacy interests. Open the app’s Schedule, explore the available sessions, and use filters for topic, session type, or faculty to narrow your search. Bookmark the sessions you want to attend and add them to My Schedule, creating a personalized itinerary alongside your other meeting activities.

As you review the program, make room for conversations about the policies affecting your practice, your patients, your research, and the future of rheumatology. Planning ahead can help you make advocacy a meaningful part of your Convergence experience.

Stay Connected Throughout the Meeting

The app can also help you navigate the convention center, take notes, and connect with other attendees. Enable notifications on your mobile device to receive event messages and check your schedule as you move through the meeting. Download the app, bookmark your must-attend advocacy sessions, and arrive ready to learn, connect, and engage!

RheumPAC Celebrates Your Advocacy with Exclusive Convergence Benefits!

RheumPAC is excited to announce that it will be providing contributors with donor benefits at Convergence to celebrate your commitment to rheumatology advocacy efforts!

• A RheumPAC donation of any level gets you access to the RheumPAC Lounge. Be sure to stop by the lounge in W305AB on Level 3 of the West Concourse where you can enjoy snacks, beverages, and catch up on emails on a comfy couch!
• A Bronze Level investment ($100 for ACR members and $50 for FITs/ARP members) will allow you to attend this year’s RheumPAC Donor Appreciation event on Monday, November 9 at 7:00 PM at CrushYard Orlando. Enjoy dinner, a full bar, and pickleball fun! We'll have pickleball pros on hand to run games and teach you the basics. If pickleball isn't your style, there are other games available onsite for you to enjoy. See you there! Space is limited for the event, so please RSVP at your earliest convenience. 
• Be sure to stop by the lounge to check our RheumPAC swag offerings – we will have bone badge reels by Colette Bernard, AirTag covers, and much more!

Register for the 2026 Rheumatology MVP by November 30

Registration for the Advancing Rheumatology Patient Care MVP closes this month! To report this MVP for the 2026 performance year, you must register in advance. The MVP registration window is open until November 30, 2026. Learn more >

As a reminder, the Advancing Rheumatology Patient Care MVP, created by the ACR and available through the RISE registry, offers rheumatology providers 10 reportable quality measures that are highly relevant to rheumatology. This MVP also offers a narrowed down list of 14 improvement activities that rheumatology experts have vetted, rather than the 100+ available through traditional MIPS.

The Rheum Advocate Returns December 3

The next edition of The Rheum Advocate will arrive on December 3, following the Thanksgiving holiday.

In the meantime, stay up to date on the latest advocacy news by checking out the ACR’s social media channels.

Thank you for your continued engagement, and we wish you a happy holiday!