The value of a conference is not only measured by the education you receive, but by how it makes you feel when you leave. For many attendees, the AWIR Annual Conference offers something that is difficult to find elsewhere: a genuine sense of belonging. It is a place where professionals come together not only to learn, but to connect, support one another, and build lasting relationships within the rheumatology community. As Dr. Liza Varghese shares, “compared to other conferences, I'm one of many. I'm really not seen and here I'm seen. I'm embraced and it's like coming home to a sisterhood.” While virtual learning can provide valuable information, there is something irreplaceable about being in the room with colleagues who understand your journey. The conversations between sessions, the new friendships, the mentorship, and the shared experiences create a sense of community that extends far beyond the conference itself. For many AWIR members, attending the Annual Conference is not just about professional development. It's about coming home to a community that celebrates your growth, values your voice, and reminds you that you belong.

" AWIR is more than a professional organization - it’s an active, supportive community. Members connect, bond, and support one another through meetings, activities, and mentorship. This fosters learning, encouragement, and collaboration at every level. It’s this sense of togetherness and commitment that sets AWIR apart. It strengthens our impact in education, research, advocacy, and more. Allowing us to achieve better care and results than we could alone." -- Liza R. Varghese, MD, AWIR Local Chapter Leader and Private Practice Rheumatologist at Tristate Arthritis & Rheumatology AWIR membership supports clinicians by: Normalizing career transitions and non-linear paths - Providing mentorship and support across career stages and professions - Offering education on the latest in clinical care, wellbeing, career sustainability, burnout - prevention, and leadership - Creating local, national, and global spaces for networking and connection Stay engaged. Strengthen your trajectory. Help shape the future of rheumatology. Join AWIR Today: awirgroup.org/become-a-membe…

AWIR is headed to EULAR 2026 in London and we'd love to see you there! Stop by and meet the AWIR team at NPO Booth 024 to connect and learn more about our organization.

Women now represent a growing share of the rheumatology workforce across many countries, yet that momentum still does not consistently translate into leadership roles. That gap matters. Leadership shapes research priorities, mentorship pipelines, conference faculty, hiring decisions, organizational culture, and ultimately the future of patient care. Representation alone does not create equity. Progress requires visibility, sponsorship, access, and organizations willing to actively develop the next generation of leaders. That is where AWIR continues to lead the conversation. Step Into the Future of Rheumatology Leadership. Join AWIR and Expand Your Impact.

Rheumatology is intellectually demanding, emotionally intensive, and increasingly complex to navigate. Between growing patient volumes, evolving therapies, administrative pressures, and constant change, many clinicians are operating under pressure without enough opportunity to reset. That is exactly why AWIR 2026 was built differently. That is why AWIR 2026 Annual Conference was designed to not only advance clinical knowledge, but to help attendees return to their patients feeling sharper, more connected, and more energized than when they arrived. Expect practical updates, complex case discussions, and real-world strategies you can bring back to practice the next day - paired with opportunities for connection that reduce isolation and restore perspective in a demanding field. AWIR 2026 is open to all clinicians and allies committed to advancing rheumatology. Learn more and register here: awirgroup.org/meetings/awir-…

No one in rheumatology should feel like they have to navigate their career alone. One of the most meaningful aspects of the AWIR community is the sense of belonging it creates from the very first interaction. As Dr. Wright shares, “you don’t have to do any work to make friends” and “you don’t have to do any work to feel welcome.” That openness and inclusivity are part of what makes the AWIR experience so unique. Through local chapters, mentorship, and community-driven events, AWIR helps connect rheumatology professionals who may otherwise feel isolated in their practices or regions. These relationships create support systems that extend beyond professional networking and become genuine communities of encouragement, collaboration, and friendship. And when a local chapter does not yet exist, AWIR works to help build one because every clinician deserves access to connection and support. “There’s no reason to stay isolated. There is a community that’s waiting for you.” Learn More: awirgroup.org/

No one in rheumatology should feel like they have to navigate their career alone. One of the most meaningful aspects of the AWIR community is the sense of belonging it creates from the very first interaction. As Dr. Wright shares, “you don’t have to do any work to make friends” and “you don’t have to do any work to feel welcome.” That openness and inclusivity are part of what makes the AWIR experience so unique. Through local chapters, mentorship, and community-driven events, AWIR helps connect rheumatology professionals who may otherwise feel isolated in their practices or regions. These relationships create support systems that extend beyond professional networking and become genuine communities of encouragement, collaboration, and friendship. And when a local chapter does not yet exist, AWIR works to help build one because every clinician deserves access to connection and support. “There’s no reason to stay isolated. There is a community that’s waiting for you.” Learn More: awirgroup.org/

Independent practitioners face unique challenges, but they should never have to face them alone. AWIR continues to create a space where mentorship, collaboration, and open communication help rheumatology professionals come together to share ideas, solve problems, and support one another through the evolving realities of practice. As shared in this discussion, “this is really an organization to foster mentorship and collaboration and communication.” In times of change and uncertainty, having a trusted professional community becomes even more important. AWIR encourages independent practitioners to think creatively, exchange solutions, and learn from peers navigating similar experiences across the field. For many physicians, AWIR becomes more than a professional organization. It becomes a hub for connection, innovation, and opportunity. A place where practitioners can discover resources, build relationships, and stay connected to a larger community that is invested in helping one another succeed.

Rheumatology may be a smaller specialty, but its impact is global. One of the most powerful aspects of the rheumatology community is the ability to connect across regions, institutions, and countries through shared purpose and shared challenges. Whether physicians practice in large academic centers, private practice, or healthcare systems across the world, there is a common commitment to improving patient care and advancing the field together. As Dr. Kerr reflects, global collaboration creates opportunities not only to exchange ideas, but also to share practical solutions to some of the specialty’s biggest challenges. “Together at a global scale, as a global effort, we can get together and solve some of those general problems that we share.” These connections also become deeply meaningful for patients. In a world where people travel more than ever, having trusted professional relationships across countries strengthens continuity of care and reinforces the sense of community within rheumatology. At its core, AWIR helps foster that fellowship by bringing professionals together through education, mentorship, and global collaboration.

For many independent and private practice rheumatology providers, the work can feel isolating. Unlike large institutional settings, independent practitioners often navigate challenges on their own while balancing patient care, practice management, and the evolving demands of the specialty. That’s why community and mentorship matter so deeply. As shared in this conversation, “to have a community to be able to come together, get together, exchange ideas about challenges and successes is crucial.” AWIR continues to create that space through collaboration, connection, and support across the rheumatology community. More than an organization, AWIR serves as a network where physicians can learn from one another, find mentorship, and build meaningful professional relationships. It is a place where independent practitioners can feel supported, heard, and empowered alongside peers who understand the realities of the field. Creating “a safe, collaborative environment for us to all thrive” is at the heart of what makes the AWIR community so impactful.

When women lead, the impact ripples far beyond the clinic walls. Being part of a community of women leaders isn't just about professional growth—it’s about becoming a catalyst for global change. Whether it’s a small adjustment in your local practice or a shift in community healthcare, every action creates a ripple effect that benefits the entire world. Why join a community of women leaders? - Holistic Growth: Focus on becoming a better rheumatologist while honing your leadership skills. - Local Impact: Start small to create meaningful change within your immediate community. - Global Reach: Watch as your local contributions inspire broader, positive shifts in the medical field. "You make the change and that is a ripple effect to causing a better change in your community locally but also further out." — Dr. Liza Varghese, MD #WomenInMedicine #Rheumatology #Leadership #WomenLeaders #MedicalCommunity #AWIR

At the Association of Women in Rheumatology (AWIR), we believe inclusive research is not separate from scientific excellence — it is fundamental to it. Our research priorities focus on advancing work that better reflects the realities of patients and the rheumatology workforce, including: - Equitable clinical trial design - Real-world implementation science - Workforce and leadership disparities - Treatment access and healthcare utilization - Geographic and racial drivers of outcomes - Equity-focused care frameworks The future of rheumatology depends on research that is rigorous, relevant, and representative. Because better representation leads to better science — and better care. Explore our research initiatives and join us: awirgroup.org/clinical-resea…

Connecting with a local group of rheumatologists offers a unique blend of professional support and personal fulfillment. It’s about more than just networking; it’s about building a foundation of shared understanding and mutual growth. When you join a local chapter, you aren't just joining a professional society—you're gaining a group of friends who truly understand your daily life. From tackling similar career struggles to celebrating shared goals, this community ensures you don't have to navigate your journey alone. Why Local Connection is Essential: - A Targeted Support System: Build a group of friends who are in the same career and facing the same struggles as you. - Shared Vision: Connect with peers who are working toward the same professional goals and outcomes. - Continuous Learning: Create opportunities to share stories and learn from the experiences of others in your field. - Personal Growth: Engage in an environment where members help each other evolve and grow. - Professional Joy: Enjoy the simple, "really fun" benefit of getting together with people who speak your language. #Rheumatology #AWIR #LocalCommunity #PhysicianSupport #MedicalNetworking #WomenInMedicine #CareerGrowth

For fellows and early‑career rheumatologists, having access to mentorship, visibility, and a genuine professional community can shape not only career success, but also long-term connection to the field itself.   At AWIR, we believe investing in fellows is investing in the future of rheumatology, and to do so we ensure our fellows are not only supported but engaged, educated, and elevated.   That early inclusion matters. It builds confidence, professional identity, long-term engagement, and a stronger pipeline of future mentors, educators, advocates, and leaders.   The future of rheumatology depends on who we invest in today – and AWIR is proud to help elevate the next generation.

Networking That Turns Into Friendship: The Local Chapter Journey Being a local chapter leader is more than just a professional title—it is one of the greatest privileges a rheumatologist can have. It offers a unique platform to build a powerful network of like-minded physicians who often evolve from professional colleagues into a close-knit group of friends. In the complex world of medicine, the local chapter serves as a reminder that you are never alone. By creating a space where partners can openly share and face similar challenges together, leaders help foster an environment where everyone can depend on one another to succeed in their individual roles. Why Leadership is a Privilege: - Deepened Connections: Create a network in your area that goes beyond surface-level professional ties to become lasting friendships. - Shared Resilience: Realize that you aren't alone in your struggles and that others are facing the same hurdles. - Mutual Success: Build a support system where depending on each other leads to individual professional triumph. - Community Strength: Foster a local environment that inherently supports the growth of every like-minded physician in the area. "Through the community, we have learned that we are not alone. We have partners that are facing similar challenges as us... relying on each other and depending on each other has allowed us to succeed." — Dr. Bhakti Shah #PhysicianWellbeing #Rheumatology #AWIR #LocalLeadership #MedicalCommunity #BetterTogether #WomenInMedicine

One of the things people say most about AWIR Conferences is simple: it feels different. Not because of one session or one speaker, but because of the people and the experience of being part of a community that genuinely welcomes you in. Our intimate format, single-track sessions, and built-in networking opportunities make it easier to connect with women and men across rheumatology: fellows attending their first national meeting, early-career clinicians, experienced practitioners, researchers, and industry partners. Every career path is represented, and every voice is part of the conversation. At AWIR, you are not just attending a conference. You are becoming part of a professional network that supports learning, mentorship, collaboration, and long-term connection. We would love for you to be part of it at AWIR 2026. Register today! awirgroup.org/meetings/awir-…

In the midst of the daily grind of family and work, it’s easy to feel like you have no time to connect with those who truly understand your journey. Dr. Swati Shah highlights how the AWIR local chapter experience offers a vital escape from that cycle, providing a space to relax and reconnect with like-minded peers. Whether you are seeking advice on current challenges or preparing for what lies ahead, these meetings offer a community where you can build lasting connections and receive practical life advice from those walking the same path. Why the Local Chapter Experience Matters: - Step Out of the Grind: Provides a necessary opportunity to pause your busy schedule and focus on peer connection. - Shared Experiences: Touch base with others who are facing the same professional and personal hurdles. - Practical Wisdom: Gain real-world advice and "real life" practical solutions from your colleagues. - Community Building: Go beyond professional networking to feel like part of—and help build—a true community. "It gives you that opportunity to step out and out of the daily grind and relax and touch base with others who are going through the same things you're going through." — Dr. Swati Shah, MD #Community #WomenInMedicine #Rheumatology #AWIR #WorkLifeBalance #PeerSupport #Mentorship

Come Meet the AWIR Team at EULAR 2026! AWIR is headed to EULAR 2026 in London and we'd love to see you there! Join us for AWIR’s EULAR Reception at The Hawksmoor Wood Wharf in London! - Network with AWIR's board of directors and your fellow Rheumatologists. - Enjoy our selection of passed hors d'oeuvres and beverages as you catch up with your rheumatology peers. Spaces are limited, an RSVP is required.

Do men fit into the mission of AWIR? The answer is a resounding yes. True progress in rheumatology is fueled by male colleagues who support, mentor, and advocate for their female peers. Dr. Bakewell’s journey illustrates how male mentorship provides the essential "building blocks" for a successful career, from the exam room to the international stage. When male leaders see their colleagues not just as physicians, but as people with broad career aspirations, everyone wins. How Male Allies Drive Success: - Foundation Building: Providing the initial clinical tools and confidence needed during fellowship and residency. - Opening Doors: Actively promoting engagement in clinical trials and teaching physicians how to navigate industry partnerships. - Career Customization: Supporting a balance between daily clinical practice, international research, and medical education. - Championing the Professional Woman: Recognizing and valuing national leadership roles rather than focusing solely on internal productivity metrics. "I'm here because of what they were willing to provide for me, not just as a female rheumatologist, but as a rheumatologist and a person." — Dr. Bakewell #Allyship #MenInMedicine #Rheumatology #MedicalMentorship #AWIR #CareerDevelopment #PhysicianLeadership

Most medical conferences give you information. AWIR Conferences are designed to give you more: high-value education, meaningful connections, career development, and time to recharge and reflect At AWIR 2026, every part of the experience is intentionally designed around how clinicians actually learn, connect, and grow. What makes AWIR different? - Balanced curriculum spanning science, clinical updates, career development, leadership, wellness, and equity - Direct access to faculty, mentors, and leaders across academia, private practice, and industry - A single-track format with no competing sessions or decision fatigue Built-in time for authentic conversations, collaboration, and renewal This is not a conference built around rushing from room to room. It is a professional community designed to help you return inspired, connected, and energized. If you have been looking for a meeting experience that feels more intentional, AWIR 2026 was built for you. Register today: awirgroup.org/meetings/awir-…