COLLABORATION, RESILIENCE AND ADVANCEMENT
2020-2021 Annual Report
Evelyn Sutton, MD, FRCPC, FACP
President
It is my pleasure to introduce the Canadian Rheumatology Association’s 2020-2021 Annual Report. Although this has been a challenging period for the world as a whole, the Canadian rheumatologist community has truly come together in the face of this pandemic.
The hard work and achievements you will read about in this Annual Report are all thanks to the dedication of our Board of Directors, committees, volunteers, partners, supporters and staff.
Ahmad Zbib, MD, CPHIMS-CA
CEO
This past year has been a pivotal one for the CRA, with many firsts including the planning for our first virtual meeting, launching our first educational webinar series, and publishing several position statements in a matter of days (which historically takes weeks or months). This is not by coincidence; it is the result of gifted volunteers, dedicated staff and sound processes combined with passion and commitment to our mission. This past year we demonstrated that the CRA is a resilient and nimble organization, with a bright present and future ahead. I hope you enjoy reading through this report.
2021 Leadership and Committees
It’s Our 75th Anniversary
The road to how we got here.
Membership
Strategic Priorities
COVID-19 Podcast Episodes
Over the past year, the CRA’s Around the Rheum podcast explored Canadian perspectives of COVID-19 and how it has affected different groups.
Episodes and Topics included:
- PIMS and the Pediatric COVID-19 Experience
Rheum on the Wards – Two Rheumatologists’ Experiences Working on the COVID-19 Wards in Montreal, QC.
Changing Rheums – Rheumatology Training and COVID-19 - Head of the Rheum – A Chat with the CEO about the CRA’s role in the COVID-19 response
- Cassie & Friends: The Patient Experience During the Pandemic
CRA ACR and EULAR 2020 Updates
The ACR and EULAR 2020 virtual conferences provided healthcare professionals with a plethora of new data on rheumatic conditions. CRA speakers reflected back on all the studies presented and highlighted key studies they think can significantly change clinical practice from a uniquely Canadian lens.
The Task Force will be responsible for working with the Board of Directors, CEO and other Operational Committee Chairs to ensure the CRA delivers an inclusive opportunity and experience for all future and current members, as well as stakeholders.
Chaired by Dr. Nicole Johnson, this Task Force is currently reviewing organizational processes, with the goal of making recommendations to help the CRA be as inclusive and equitable as possible.
Dr. Sasha Bernatsky
Distinguished Investigator Award
Dr. Rachel Shupak
Distinguished Rheumatologist Award
Dr. Zahi Touma
Emerging Investigator Award
Dr. Elaine Yacyshyn
Distinguished Teacher-Educator Award
Dr. Ciarán M. Duffy
Dr. Mary-Ann Fitzcharles
Dr. James M. Henderson
Dr. Stephanie Gottheil
Practice Reflection Award – Gold
Dr. Raffaella Carlomagno
Ian Watson Award for the Best Abstract on SLE Research by a Trainee
Ms. Kimberley Yuen
Phil Rosen Award for the Best Abstract on Clinical or Epidemiology Research by a Trainee
Dr. Ariane Barbacki
Best Abstract by a Rheumatology Resident
Mr. Andrew Kwan
Best Abstract on Basic Science Research by a Trainee
Ms. Luiza Grazziotin
Best Abstract by a Post-Graduate Research Trainee
Mr. Daniel Levin
Best Abstract by a Medical Student
Mr. Anson Lee
Best Abstract by an Undergraduate Student
Dr. Jennifer Lee
Best Abstract by a Rheumatology Post-Graduate Research Trainee
Dr. Lihi Eder
Best Abstract on Research by Young Faculty
Dr. Sandeep Dhillon
Best Abstract on Spondyloarthritis Research
