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Securing the Future of Rheumatology Care in Virginia and Beyond
Special Contribution from the Rheumatology Research Foundation
Virginia’s rheumatology community profoundly understands the growing gap between patient needs and the capacity to meet them. Workforce shortages, rising demand, and uncertainty in federal research funding continue to pressure rheumatology practices, especially in community settings where access challenges are most acute. At this pivotal moment, the Rheumatology Research Foundation (Foundation) plays a critical role in safeguarding the future of the specialty and the patients we serve by advancing research, strengthening the workforce, and supporting sustained investment in innovation and care delivery.
Established by the American College of Rheumatology in 1985, the Rheumatology Research Foundation has invested more than $243 million to fund nearly 5,000 awards. The mission to advance research and training to improve the health of people living with rheumatic disease has remained the same. The longevity and scale of investment over four decades have made the Foundation one of the largest and arguably most impactful private rheumatology funders nationwide.
Why This Matters to Clinicians
For practicing rheumatologists and scientific researchers, the Foundation’s impact is tangible. Foundation-funded research has driven the discovery of biomarkers, the development of targeted therapies, and the development of prevention strategies that directly inform patient care. The Foundation also prioritizes patient-oriented and implementation research, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs translate into real-world improvements in outcomes across diverse practice settings.
The Foundation has also taken intentional steps to ensure that innovation is not limited to academia and large medical centers. Funding opportunities are available for clinicians in community practice who are conducting meaningful research and implementing quality improvements in daily patient care.
Strengthening the Workforce Through Strategic Investment
Workforce shortages remain one of the most pressing issues facing rheumatology in Virginia and beyond. Addressing this issue is a strategic priority for the Foundation. This priority is advanced through fellowship training awards, recruitment efforts, and career development programs that support medical students, fellows, and early- to mid-career investigators.
Additionally, in response to recent federal funding changes, the Foundation’s Board unanimously approved $1 million in emergency funding to stabilize the research pipeline and protect investigators at a critical point in their careers. This critical decision underscores the Foundation’s role as a champion for the rheumatology community, stepping in, when possible, to help protect the long-term vitality of the specialty.
Advancing Progress Through Partnership and Stewardship
Advocacy extends beyond legislation. Strategic collaboration and responsible stewardship also drive progress. The Foundation’s partnership with the Lupus Research Alliance, which commits $1.9 million to the Empowering Lupus Research Partnership, demonstrates how targeted investments can accelerate discovery and improve patient outcomes.
The Foundation has also recently worked alongside the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the Arthritis Foundation, urging the National Institutes of Health to quickly appoint a new director at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. The organizations collaboratively emphasized that doing so ensures continuity in leadership, research priorities, and long-term planning.
The Foundation’s partnership with the Virginia Society of Rheumatology (VSR) also plays an important role in advancing the specialty. The Foundation is deeply grateful for VSR’s generous contributions, which have been critical in supporting Foundation funding opportunities and reinforces a shared commitment to the field. In addition, the Foundation’s presence as an exhibitor at the VSR annual meeting further strengthens this connection, creating valuable opportunities to engage VSR members and raise awareness of available funding resources.
Moreover, the Foundation’s commitment to impact is matched by strong governance and responsible fiscal stewardship. For 17 consecutive years, the Foundation has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of financial health and transparency. The Foundation also earned the 2026 Platinum Seal from Candid for the highest level of transparency through public reporting. These are the highest ratings possible and place us among a small percentage of nonprofits nationwide demonstrating exceptional fiduciary accountability.
A Call to Virginia’s Rheumatology Community
For members of the Virginia Society of Rheumatology (VSR) in clinical or academic roles, the Foundation is an important partner in advancing shared priorities for workforce stability, improved access to care, and breakthroughs in research and treatment.
With funding opportunities exclusively for members of the ACR and the Association of Rheumatology Professionals, our awards are designed for members at every career stage. These include awards for practicing rheumatologists, community-based clinicians, fellows, nurse practitioners & physician assistants, and established investigators.
The Foundation encourages VSR members to actively engage with us. Whether you apply for funding, serve as peer reviewers, mentor trainees, or donate, individual engagement is a strategic commitment to the sustainability of our specialty. Together, we can help ensure access to high-quality rheumatologic care across Virginia for generations to come.
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