American College of Rheumatology

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is the professional organization of rheumatologists and associated health professionals who share a dedication to healing, preventing disability, and curing the more than 100 types of arthritis and related disabling and sometimes fatal disorders of the joints, muscles, and bones. Members include practicing physicians, research scientists, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers. The ACR provides professional education for its members through several venues. The national scientific meeting, held in the fall, is the premier scientific meeting devoted to the rheumatic diseases. This meeting draws thousands of rheumatologists and arthritis health professionals from around the world. Regional meetings, a Winter Rheumatology Symposium, and other topical conferences round out the ACR’s educational offerings. The ACR publishes Arthritis & Rheumatism, the premier scientific journal for research in the rheumatic diseases. The Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals, a division of the ACR, publishes another journal, Arthritis Care and Research. This journal focuses on the health services and clinical aspects of rheumatology. Through the ACR Research and Education Foundation, the ACR seeks to increase research in the rheumatic diseases while fostering the careers of young researchers. The ACR also works to increase federal funding for research in the rheumatic diseases. The College is also an advocate in the formulation of public policy relating to the care of people with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.