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

PRESIDENT

Dr. Evelyn Sutton


VICE-PRESIDENT

Dr. Nigil Haroon


PAST-PRESIDENT

Dr. Vandana Ahluwalia


SECRETARY-TREASURER

Dr. John Wade


CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Dr. Ahmad Zbib


BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Louis Bessette

Dr. Nigil Haroon

Dr. Ronald Laxer

Dr. Lillian Lim

Dr. Evelyn Sutton (Chair)

Dr. Michelle Teo

Dr. Stephanie Tom

Dr. John Wade


CHAIR, ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING PROGRAM

Dr. Vinod Chandran


Chair, Abstract Review

Dr. Marinka Twilt


Chair, Communications

Dr. Dax G. Rumsey


Chair, Education

Dr. Raheem B. Kherani


Sub-Committee Chairs
CPD (Continuing Professional Development)

Drs. Gregory Choy and Marie Paule-Morin


Postgraduate

Drs. Marie Clements-Baker and Dharini Mahendira


Undergraduate

Drs. Lori Albert and Robert Ferrari


CanREAL (Canadian Rheumatology Education and Learning)

Drs. Mercedes Chan and Marie Paule-Morin


Chair, NWRITE (National Written Rheumatology In-Training Examination)

Dr. Raheem Kherani


Program Committee Chairs

 

CRA Review Course

Drs. Shahin Jamal and Trudy Taylor


LEAP (CRA LEAdership Program)

Dr. Janet Pope


NRRW (National Rheumatology Residents Weekend)

Drs. Elizabeth Hazel and Dharini Mahendira


Residents’ Pre-Course

Drs. Jason Kur and Dharini Mahendira


CHAIR, GUIDELINES

Dr. Glen Hazlewood


CHAIR, HUMAN RESOURCES

Drs. Claire Barber and Jessica Widdifield


CHAIR, PEDIATRICS

Dr. Ronald Laxer


Sub-Committee Chairs
Advocacy

Vacant


Education

Drs. Mercedes Chan and Evelyn Rozenblyum


Human Resources

Dr. Michelle Batthish


Community Pediatrics

Dr. Tommy Gerschman


CHAIR, QUALITY CARE

Dr. Amanda Steiman


Sub-Committee Chairs
Chair, Choosing Wisely

Dr. Shirley Lake


Chair, Equity

Dr. Cheryl Barnabe


Chair, Access

Dr. Amanda Steiman


Chair, Quality

Dr. Claire Barber


CHAIR, RESEARCH

Dr. Janet Pope


Chair, CIORA Grant Review

Dr. Marie Hudson


CHAIR, STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Dr. Carter Thorne


CHAIR, THERAPEUTICS

Dr. Rosie Scuccimarri

CRAJ EDITOR-IN CHIEF

Dr. Philip Baer


JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY

Dr. Jamie Henderson


THE ARTHRITIS SOCIETY

Dr. Evelyn Sutton


PRESIDENT, ARTHRITIS HEALTH PROFESSIONS ASSOCIATION (AHPA)

Anne Macleod

It’s Our 75th Anniversary

The road to how we got here.

1946

CRA was established; first known as the Canadian Rheumatic Disease Association. Interest in rheumatic disease was minimal and early membership numbers were sparse.

1975

In 1975 a report estimated there were 90 full-time rheumatologists in Canada. That is, internists spending more than 50% of practice time in rheumatic diseases.

2021

Nationally and internationally respected organization – almost 600 members across the country (and growing!)

Membership

Our promise to members

CRA was established; first known as the Canadian Rheumatic Disease Association. Interest in rheumatic disease was minimal and early membership numbers were sparse.

Benefits

In 1975 a report estimated there were 90 full-time rheumatologists in Canada. That is, internists spending more than 50% of practice time in rheumatic diseases.

Discover

Members also receive complimentary
subscriptions to The Journal of Rheumatology and The Journal of the Canadian Rheumatology Association.

Strategic Priorities

Position the CRA as the leading national provider of rheumatology resources and continuing professional education.

Build and nurture a vibrant national rheumatology community.

Ensure continuing financial and operational sustainability of the CRA in a changing environment.

Identify and influence issues of national relevance that affect rheumatologists’ practices.

Champion the cause of rheumatology research in Canada.

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.

Membership Type

Specialty Practice

Geography

Membership Engagement

Our members are highly engaged:

65% of our members participated in at least 1 CRA networking events or is involved in a CRA committee

In 2020 CIORA funded 5 two-year grants for a total of $509,203.

  • Pillar

    Awareness/Advocacy/Education

    Principal Investigator

    Roberts, J.H. Ye, C.

    Award

    $77,148

    Title

    Improving the care of cancer patients receiving immunotherapy who develop rheumatic immune-related complications, and those with pre-existing rheumatic disease, through online education with health care providers: An Initiative of CanRIO (Canadian Research Group of Rheumatology in Immuno-Oncology)

  • Pillar

    Health Economics/ Sustainability of Health Care/Quality Improvement

    Principal Investigator

    Bansback, N.

    Award

    $96,984

    Title

    Health Economic Evaluation of the Mandatory Switching Policy for Biosimilars in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Pillar

    Health Economics/ Sustainability of Health Care/Quality Improvement

    Principal Investigator

    Kuriya, B. Eder, L.

    Award

    $104,000

    Title

    Measuring Quality of Heart Failure Care in Inflammatory Arthritis- Are We Making the Mark?

  • Pillar

    Health Economics/ Sustainability of Health Care/Quality Improvement

    Principal Investigator

    Lacaille, D.

    Award

    $114,000

    Title

    Safety and effectiveness of biosimilar anti-TNF agents in British Columbia – Exploiting a natural experiment from a change in health policy

  • Pillar

    Multi-Disciplinary Care Teams

    Principal Investigator

    Nowrouzi-Kia, B. Touma, Z

    Award

    $117,098

    Title

    Work disability and function in systematic lupus erythematosus: a national mixed-methods sequential explanatory study

Position Statements

• The CRA’s Therapeutics Committee responded quickly with position statements relevant to Canadian =rheumatologists.

• Position Statement on COVID-19 and Hydroxychloroquine Supply

• Position Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination

Stakeholder Engagement

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) Shortage:

• The CRA remained active on this file, leading the way and connecting with key stakeholders to both inform decision-makers as well as report back to members. This includes active participation in meetings with Health Canada, other professional associations, patient groups and industry to both define the problem and identify solutions for the HCQ shortages.

• Furthermore, the CRA’s leadership including board members and committee chairs, proactively reached out to the Federal Minister of Health, penning a letter urging the Federal Government to increase Canada’s supply of HCQ to meet the higher demand for all patients who need it.

Weekly President’s Updates

• Beginning in March of 2020, the CRA began deploying weekly updates to all CRA members regarding COVID-19 related information that impacts Canadian rheumatologists.

Webinars

• The COVID-19 Response Webinar Series was developed out of the immediate need to offer health care providers within the rheumatology community essential information and additional educational resources to assist with patient care.

• Webinars included:
– “Insights from Italy: A Rheumatologist’s Perspective on COVID-19”
– “Journey of the RA & Rheumatology Patient during COVID-19”
–  And more!

Resource Centre

• The CRA launched a COVID-19 resource centre at
rheum.ca/COVID-19 with information and updates relevant to Canadian rheumatologists.

Programming and Events

To encourage knowledge sharing amongst our community, the CRA launched a new discussion forum for members

2020 Annual Scientific Meeting

The CRA regularly communicated COVID-19 information to all attendees including best practices and implemented a flexible cancellation policy for those who had been feeling ill or did not want to travel.

Summer Studentship Program

We made the difficult decision to cancel the Summer Studentship program in 2020.

Webinars

The COVID-19 Response Webinar Series was developed out of the immediate need to offer health care providers within the rheumatology community essential information and additional educational resources to assist with patient care.

Webinars included:
•“Insights from Italy: A Rheumatologist’s Perspective on COVID-19”
•“Journey of the RA & Rheumatology Patient during COVID-19”
• And more!

COVID-19 Global Alliance Registry

• The CRA endorsed the COVID-19 Global

Rheumatology Alliance Registry.

• This registry was an international effort to collect information pertinent to COVID-19 infection in patients with rheumatologic disease.

• Many sites across Canada were supported to participate in the global rheumatology alliance registry.

Other Initiatives Included:

• Transitioning Back to In-Person Patient Care Living Resource
• EULAR coverage from a Canadian perspective
• COVID-19 podcast series
• Complimentary yoga sessions

Annual Scientific Meeting Program (ASM) Committee

Committee Chair

Coordinator

Dr. Vinod Chandran

Claire McGowan

Communications Committee

Committee Chair

Coordinator

Dr. Dax G. Rumsey

Kevin Baijnauth

Education Committee

Committee Chair

Coordinator

Dr. Raheem Kherani

Claire McGowan

Guidelines Committee

Committee Chair

Coordinator

Dr. Glen Hazlewood

Sue Ranta

Human Resources Committee

Committee Chair

Coordinator

Dr. Claire Barber, Dr. Jessica Widdifield

Sharon Brinkos

Pediatrics Committee

Committee Chair

Coordinator

Dr. Ron Laxer

Sue Ranta

Quality Care Committee

Committee Chair

Coordinator

Dr. Amanda Steiman

Sue Ranta

Research Committee

Committee Chair

Coordinator

Dr. Janet Pope

Virginia Hopkins

Stakeholder Engagement Committee

Committee Chair

Coordinator

Dr. Carter Thorne

Sue Ranta

Therapeutics Committee

Committee Chair

Coordinator

Dr. Rosie Scuccimarri

Sue Ranta

Annual Scientific Meeting Program Committee

Committee Chair

Dr. Vinod Chandran

Coordinator

Claire McGowan

   Mandate

Determine and plan all scientific elements of the CRA Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) to ensure unparalleled education and networking opportunities are presented to all in attendance.

   Achievements

2021ASM Theme:
Collaboration, Resilience and Advancement.

Successfully re-engineered conference to a content-rich, interactive virtual event.

Satellite meetings included the CRA Residents’ Pre-Course, CRA Review Course, AHPA Pre-Course, and the Canadian Arthritis Research Conference.

   Priorities

Develop a comprehensive breadth of content for the Annual Scientific Meeting to ensure that members’ Continuing Professional Development (CPD) needs are met and that networking opportunities are fostered within the membership and greater rheumatology community.

Continue to crowd-source content through a member needs assessment and Request for Proposal (RFP) program for 2022 workshops.

CRA SCR AHPA 2022 ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING SAVE THE DATE 2022 ASM FEBRUARY 2-5 QUEBEC CITY CONVENTION CENTRE, QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC

780 Registrants

4

keynote lectures

27

workshops

6

poster tours

6

symposia

201

poster presentations

780 Registrants

4

keynote lectures

27

workshops

6

poster tours

6

symposia

201

poster presentations

Notable Sessions

    RheumJeopardy

    Great Debate

    Controversies in Rheumatology

Notable Sessions

    RheumJeopardy

    Great Debate

    Controversies in Rheumatology

New Sessions

Paired Specialty Workshops

Topic-Specific Networking Lounges

New Sessions

   Paired Specialty Workshops

    Topic-Specific Networking Lounges

Satisfaction Scores:

91%
Satisfied with Conference
97%
Would Recommend Conference to a Colleague
65%
Will be Changing Practice Due to Conference

Top Reasons for Attending:

80%
Professional Development
60%
Rheumatology Research Updates
44%
Poster Sessions
CRA Review Course

Committee Chair

Drs. Shahin Jamal and Trudy Taylor

Coordinator

Claire McGowan

Overview

210

Registrants

7

Presentations

Satisfaction Scores

satisfied with program

would recommend program to a colleague

Feeback:

Practical and well-balanced with good clinical information for the practicing rheumatologist.
Good insight in to research being done, disease symptoms, medication management.
Great content packed into short period of time.
Amazing….great topics and excellent speakers with content relevant to clinical practice.
Clinician centric approach to high yield topics.
Residents’ Pre-Course

Committee Chair

Drs. Jason Kur and Dharini Mahendira

Overview

145

Registrants

8

Presentations

Impact measures

93%

Satisfied with program

98%

Would recommend program to a colleague

Feeback:

Excellent talks on a broad range of important rheumatology topics at an appropriate level for trainees.
Great learning and review for the Royal College exam.
Important and topical subjects taught by experts in their field.
Fantastic review, very relevant to daily practice as a rheumatology fellow.
Canadian Arthritis Research Conference

Overview

213

Registrants

24

Speakers

Research with Impact – Nurture Leaders

CARC program featured:

2 keynote lectures, RA and OA themed presentations offered in 2 streams, 41 poster presentations, and Original Research Presentation Day (*Original Research Day featured 25 presentations with 75 attendees)

Original Research Presentation Day

Reasons for attending:

25

Presentations

Attendees

Top reasons for attending

71%
Professional Development
Poster Sessions
35%
Networking Opportunities

Satisfaction Score

Satisfied with program

Committee Chair

Dr. Dax G. Rumsey

Coordinator

Kevin Baijnauth

   Mandate

Facilitate optimal and fluid communications among the CRA, members and stakeholders.

   Achievements

2021ASM Theme:
Podcast: 8 episodes released across 2020 to date with over 2,000 streams

Accounting Column (Rheum for Growth) – two articles launched to date:
1) “To Incorporate or Not to Incorporate?”
2) “Opening a New Practice”

Social Media: Small task force created to seek out articles and resources for members to post on the CRA’s Twitter account and in select President’s Updates

Review: Provided feedback and review of investigator-led surveys and special projects (EULAR and ACR coverage)

   Priorities

Who’s in the Rheum: Relaunch series of articles that will highlight CRA members.

Podcast: Record and produce episodes for season 2 of Around the Rheum in 2021. New initiatives include a focus on different formats including a guest host (Dr. Janet Pope) and a French pilot episode.

Continue to work on social media and accounting column initiatives, as well as reviewing surveys and/or special projects as needed.

   Google Podcast

   Apple Podcast

   Spotify Podcast

   Blubrry Podcast

Committee Chair

Dr. Raheem Kherani

Coordinator

Claire McGowan

   Mandate

Provide member education through a variety of CRA
programs and initiatives designed for members and
rheumatology trainees as well as facilitate
rheumatology education for medical undergraduates, postgraduates and paediatric/internal medicine
trainees.

   Achievements 2020

Introduced COVID-19 Response Webinar Series in response to global pandemic.

Developed national consensus opinion of learning outcomes for a National Undergraduate Rheumatology Cirrucula (NURC).

Developed, disseminated and reviewed annual National Written Rheumatology In–Training Examinations (NWRITE) for adult rheumatology trainees.

Rebranded CRA leadership program to LEAP (LEAdership Program) and received record number of applicants to the 2020 program.

Continued collaboration with the ASM, Residents’ Pre-Course, Review Course, LEAP and NRRW Program Committees to facilitate program planning.

   Priorities

Dissemination of national learning outcomes for undergraduate rheumatology education.

Extend educational resources for Program Directors and rheumatology residents (including a national immunology curriculum).

Continue to provide accreditation of Section 1 and Section 3 activities to physician organizations.Promote best practices in CPD activities to inform CRA membership and operational committees.

   Programs

National Rheumatology Residents’ Weekend (NRRW) hosted in Toronto January 10–12, 2020.

CRA LEAdership Program (LEAP, formerly known as FLIRT) meetings hosted virtually in May and October, 2020.

Committee Chair

Dr. Glen Hazlewood

Coordinator

Sue Ranta

   Mandate

Prioritize, fund and support the development of evidence-based guidelines for various rheumatic diseases, and disseminate them to the membership and medical community at large.

   Achievements  2020

Introduced concept of continually updated recommendations or ‘living guidelines’ for CRA guideline development.

Developed an ‘equity framework’ to be incorporated into all CRA guidelines (collaboration with Quality Care Committee).

Responded to urgent members needs with development of COVID-19 vaccination decision aid tool and work on GRADE COVID-19 Vaccine guidelines.

   Priorities

Utilize the guidelines development tool MAGICapp to streamline the development process.

Finalize and publish RA, SpA, JIA Uveitis and Transition Care guidelines.

Committee Chair

Drs. Claire Barber & Jessica Widdifield

Coordinator

Sharon Brinkos

   Mandate

Ensure that the CRA workforce issues are identified nationally, provincially & regionally, & that appropriate strategies are identified/developed to strengthen workforce capacity across Canada.

   Achievements  2020

Successful launch of the 2020 CRA Workforce & Wellness Survey underway which will provide key information on Canada’s rheumatology workforce (supply, distribution, clinical activity, retirement planning, wellness & burnout, impact of COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology practices). Survey will be analyzed in Spring 2021.

Drafted the 2020 CRA Rheumatology Workforce Technical Report & Position Statements.

   Priorities

Analysis, manuscript preparation, and knowledge translation activities to report on the findings from 2020 CRA Workforce & Wellness Survey.

Manuscript preparation, and knowledge translation activities to report on the 2020 CRA Rheumatology Workforce Technical Report & Position Statements.

Explore interprofessional collaboration opportunities as well as develop synergies with other CRA committees & related rheumatology & medical organizations.

Collaborate with ongoing programs addressing workforce needs.

Support CRA members in advocating for HR resources in their regions.

The CRA endorses the needs to:
  1. Increase Recruitment of Clinical FTE Rheumatologists.
  2. Reduce the Regional Maldistribution of Rheumatologists across Canada.
  3. Enhance Retention of Rheumatologists within the Workforce.
  4. Enhance Workforce Capacity with Allied Health Practitioners.
  5. Promote and Support Research to Provide Data About the Rheumatology Workforce to Plan for the Future Health Care Needs of Canada’s Population.

Committee Chair

Dr. Ron Laxer

Coordinator

Sue Ranta

   Mandate

Promote education and awareness of childhood rheumatic diseases and serve to strengthen the voice of pediatric rheumatology across Canada through advocacy, education, and human resources

   Achievements  2020

Collaborated with Therapeutics Committee and Stakeholder Engagement committee re: advocacy efforts related to Actemra, citrate-free Humira, SIMPONI ARIA, and Anakinra.

Educated members on issues related to COVID-19 and pediatric rheumatology patients, including a PIMS webinar and podcast episode. Pediatric Executive members were lead authors on Canadian Pediatric Society PIMS Practice Point, endorsed by the CRA.

Subcommittees actively engaged on developing Choosing Wisely pediatric recommendations, JIA Uveitis Guidelines, and networking opportunities for community pediatric rheumatologists.

   Priorities

Identify and influence issues of national relevance that affect rheumatologists’ practices through dissemination of Practice Patterns Survey.

Host accredited ‘National Grand Rounds’ webinars of issues of national interest.

Publish pediatric Choosing Wisely recommendations and JIA Uveitis Guidelines.

Continue to strengthen relations and collaborations with Cassie + Friends and the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Committee Chair

Dr. Amanda Steiman

Coordinator

Sue Ranta

   Mandate

Support member activities in the domains of Equity, Access, Quality Patient Management, and Resource Stewardship, and work with key stakeholders to achieve optimal patient care.

   Achievements  2020

JIA Transition working group is a collaboration between Quality Care, Pediatrics and Guidelines Committee. Published ‘National Priorities for High Quality Rheumatology Transition Care for Youth in Canada’ in the Journal of Rheumatology.

Supported members through the pandemic with telehealth guidance, including a webinar on best practices for telehealth use. A Telehealth Working Group has been formed with several initiatives planned for 2021.

Indigenous Health initiatives included national workshop (with Phase Two held virtually), and several local workshops for residents, PTs, OTs and nurses in BC.

Survey on type and extent of inequity in COVID-19 vaccine access developed, to be deployed in early 2021.

   Priorities

Publish JIA Transition guidelines and compile transition resources; development of an educational blueprint to develop learning sessions; and creation of a ‘business case’ for transition care in rheumatology in Canada, to be used in advocacy efforts.

Develop Telehealth position statement and resources for members.

Continue to increase rheumatologists’ knowledge and practice skills in Indigenous Health topics.

Committee Chair

Dr. Janet Pope

Coordinator

Virginia Hopkins

   Mandate

To work with the CEO to champion the cause of Rheumatology Research in Canada:

  • The committee will be responsible for soliciting sponsorship funding for the CIORA grant program and formulating new funding strategies and establishing grant competition criteria.
  • The committee will establish what can be done beyond CIORA.
  • The committee will address all research agenda items for the CRA.
   Priorities

Present What Can SR&ED Credits Do for You and Your Practice workshop at the CRA & AHPA Annual Scientific Meeting.

Fund 5 CIORA grants, including one community rheumatology grant.

Solicit funding for CIORA grants.

Work with IMHA and Arthritis Society to develop a national research strategy.

   Achievements  2020

Launched 13th CIORA Grant Competition and funded 5 two-year grants for a total of $509,203.

Submitted articles to CRAJ Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer issues highlighting past projects.

Submitted workshop proposal for SR&ED Credits.

Solicited funding and received $475,000 in sponsorship support.

Participated on the Canadian Arthritis Research Conference planning committee.

Would you recommend CIORA to a colleague?

   Mandate

CIORA’s grant program supports sustainable projects related to rheumatic diseases that promote the following pillars:

   Metrics

Awareness/Advocacy/ Education

Health Economics/Sustainability of Health Care/Quality Improvement

Early Access for Rheumatic Disease Patients

Multi-Disciplinary Care Teams

Community Rheumatology

$1,863,560

Requested by researchers

($2,191,924 in 2019)

$509,203

Total funding granted

($493,518 in 2019)

$475,000

Total funding received

($485,000 in 2019)

19

Grants submitted

(24 in 2019)

27

Letters of intent

(34 in 2019)

5

Applications funded

(6 in 2019)

   Mandate

CIORA’s grant program supports sustainable projects related to rheumatic diseases that promote the following pillars:

   Metrics

Awareness/Advocacy/ Education

Health Economics/Sustainability of Health Care/Quality Improvement

Early Access for Rheumatic Disease Patients

Multi-Disciplinary Care Teams

Community Rheumatology

$1,863,560

Requested by researchers

($2,191,924 in 2019)

$509,203

Total funding granted

($493,518 in 2019)

$475,000

Total funding received

($485,000 in 2019)

19

Grants submitted

(24 in 2019)

27

Letters of intent

(34 in 2019)

5

Applications funded

(6 in 2019)

Committee Chair

Dr. Carter Thorne

Coordinator

Sue Ranta

   Mandate

Stakeholder Engagement committee works to build third-party networks that can develop credible, united voices about issues, products, and/or services that are important to our organization.

   Achievements  2020

Worked with Pediatrics and Therapeutics Committee to advocate on a number of drug access issues including citrate-free Humira and Simponi Aria for pediatric patients, HCQ supplies during the pandemic, and Actemra.

Active on many stakeholder committees including Health Canada’s Multi-Stakeholder Steering Committee on Drug Shortages (MSSC) and provided requested CRA feedback to CMA on revisions to the Guidelines for Physicians Interactions with Industry.

Invited to participate in a pan-Canadian evaluation on biosimilar implementation, extended by Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario).

   Priorities

CRA Position Statement on Pharmacare that outlines guiding values and principles to consider while including the unique rheumatology perspective.

Continue to engage with provincial and federal stakeholders on emerging drug shortages and advocate for the needs of rheumatologists and their patients.

Committee Chair

Dr. Rosie Scuccimarri

Coordinator

Sue Ranta

   Mandate

Identify and address all therapeutic issues that are relevant to the CRA membership as well as develop position statements and respond to drug shortages/withdrawals as required.

   Achievements  2020

Published several CRA position statements including: COVID-19 and Hydroxychloroquine Supply, Citrate-Free Humira, and COVID-19 Vaccination.

Active with other CRA committees on advocacy efforts including a letter to the Minister of Health regarding the hydroxychloroquine shortage, as well as access to drugs for pediatric patients (Actemra, Citrate-Free Humira, Simponi Aria).

   Priorities

Continue responding to drug shortages, withdrawals, or new issues as required.

Continue advocacy efforts via letters, position statements, meeting participation with stakeholders, etc.

Publish updated Medical Cannabis position statement to include section on cannabidiol and a patient information pamphlet and checklist.

Finalize and publish position statement on Stem Cell Therapy.

Expenditure breakdown 2020
    81%    Core mission
    16%  Administration
    3% Governance

_

Expenditure breakdown 2020
    70%  Programs and services
    14% Research
    11% Membership engagement
    5% Stakeholder engagement

Publications

The Journal of the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRAJ)

The mission of The Journal of the Canadian Rheumatology Association is to encourage discourse among the Canadian rheumatology community for the exchange of opinions and information. The CRAJ is published under the direction of an Editorial Board 4 times annually in both English and French languages.

2760

Total print circulation

83%

English

17%

French
The Journal Of Rheumatology

The Journal of Rheumatology is an international serial which features peer-reviewed research articles on clinical subjects from scientists working in rheumatology and related fields, with the support of an esteemed Editorial Committee and Editorial Board. The Journal of Rheumatology is owned by the Canadian Rheumatology Association and is published monthly. JRheum also publishes Clinical Highlights for the Rheumatologist (CHR), a bi-monthly publication mailed to US rheumatologists.

3600

Global Subscribers

4200

CHR Distribution

*Combined online and print circulation (institutional and individual subscribers). **Controlled circulation All CRA members in good standing are provided complimentary subscriptions to both The Journal of Rheumatology and The Journal of the Canadian Rheumatology Association.

Diamond

Platinum

Gold

Sliver

Bronze

2021 Exhibitors

ASM Opening Reception

Research Conference

Research Champions:

Research Conference

Research Supporters:

CIORA sponsors

Special Projects