|
A Call to Action For Virginia Rheumatology
By VSR President, Adegbenga Bankole, MD
The Virginia Society of Rheumatology (VSR) stands at a pivotal moment in how we deliver care to the people and communities of the Commonwealth. We face a choice: wait for others to create change—while dissatisfaction grows on both sides of the patient–provider relationship—or recognize the challenges before us and act decisively to improve care, in Virginia and beyond.
Simply asking why others are not making changes is no longer enough. “We the people” are our neighbors, communities, and cities—we collectively are the Commonwealth. As members of the VSR, we share responsibility for driving meaningful change through education, advocacy, collaboration, and engagement.
Many of us experience the healthcare system as both clinicians and patients. We understand these shared frustrations and are uniquely positioned to address them. Improving rheumatology care will strengthen not only our specialty but the broader healthcare system.
The Challenges We Face
The American College of Rheumatology has identified several barriers to access, including an impending wave of retirements, shifting workforce demographics with fewer providers per full-time equivalent, and persistent rural–urban imbalances. Additional factors—such as unfilled appointment slots, high no-show rates, and limited adoption of technology—further widen the gap between patient need and access to care. These challenges are especially pronounced in Virginia.
Addressing them requires coordinated efforts beyond individual practices. It requires a strong, unified state society representing the full rheumatology care team and actively engaged in policy, education, and partnership-building.
VSR Priorities for 2026
In 2026, your VSR will work with organizations across Virginia to strengthen the rheumatology pipeline, support the workforce, and advocate for systems that improve access to high-quality care.
We will expand trainee support, including improved access to attend our Annual Scientific Meeting, to foster early interest in rheumatology. VSR will partner with internal medicine residency programs to promote mentorship and research opportunities and support residents exploring careers in the field.
VSR will increase support for Virginia-based rheumatology fellows and extend support to select out-of-state trainees, recognizing that early engagement may encourage practice in Virginia. We will also advocate for new rheumatology training positions—an urgent need given that the Commonwealth currently has only five to six training slots statewide.
Advocacy will remain central to our mission. VSR will continue engaging legislators, regulators, and partners to ensure rheumatology providers and patients are represented in policy discussions affecting access, workforce sustainability, and clinical practice.
We will also prioritize growth and diversification of our membership, engaging physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, fellows, and trainees. An inclusive, engaged professional community strengthens collaboration and helps reduce burnout and turnover.
Collaboration at Every Level
VSR will continue collaborating with other state rheumatology societies through the Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations (CRSO) to pursue system-level change. We will strengthen partnerships with Virginia medical societies and expand collaboration with regional and Virginia-based organizations, academic institutions, and advocacy groups.
Nationally, we will continue working with the American College of Rheumatology, the Rheumatology Research Foundation, and the National Minority Quality Forum to advance education, research, and equity. We will also partner with disease-focused advocacy organizations—including the Arthritis Foundation and the Lupus Research Foundation—and ensure these partners remain visible and accountable at our Annual Scientific Meeting.
What Can You Do?
-Speak with a student and share your passion for rheumatology and Virginia.
-Support a staff member, learner, or trainee—they may become your colleague next year.
-Empower patients interested in advocacy or patient support groups and help shape future healthcare leaders.
-Engage with the VSR- join a committee, attend our annual conference, encourage your colleagues to obtain membership, and keep us informed on what is happening in your practice. We are stronger together.
Welcome to 2026.
Reference
Miloslavsky EM, Bolster MB. Addressing the rheumatology workforce shortage: A multifaceted approach. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2020;50(4):791–796. doi:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2020.05.009
| 
