The Rheumatology Research Foundation's mission is to advance research and training to improve the health of patients living with rheumatic disease. Through funding research, the Foundation aims to lead to a future with more options for patients to live longer, healthier lives. It also funds training and mentorship for medical students and fellows to expand the workforce of specially trained rheumatology professionals.
The Rheumatology Research Foundation supports a broad spectrum of activities aimed at furthering research into rheumatic disease, enhancing the training of new rheumatologists, and improving patient care. Specific initiatives include funding innovative research to develop more treatment options for rheumatic diseases, supporting medical and graduate students as well as residents through mentorship and training programs to encourage careers in rheumatology, and the Rheumatology Future Physician Scientist Award, designed to foster the development of promising students in MD or DO training programs (including combined degree programs like MD/PhD) towards careers as physician-scientists in rheumatology. The award offers up to $30,000 per year in direct costs, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year, to support research aligned with the Foundation's mission. Membership in the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) or the Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP) is a prerequisite for the grant applicants and their primary mentors.