Association of Women in Rheumatology

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-…

Women make up nearly half of rheumatology's workforce – yet face a $284,000 compensation gap, remain underrepresented in leadership, and leave their careers at higher rates than their male peers. This disparity isn't narrowing. It's widening. With a projected U.S. physician shortage of 187,000 by 2037, we cannot afford to lose the talent we are already failing to retain. Equity doesn't happen by intention. It happens by design. That means standardizing promotion criteria, auditing compensation, creating real sponsorship pathways, and engaging male allies – because when they're involved, 96% of organizations see measurable improvement. AWIR is the only 100% women-led organization in rheumatology that is fully inclusive of men and women – because this is not a women's issue. It is a systemic issue. We offer networking, leadership training, advocacy roles, and a community where allies drive change alongside women leaders. Ready to move from awareness to action? Become an AWIR member today and help redefine leadership in rheumatology.

3 Sessions at AWIR 2026 That Will Directly Impact How You Practice Clinical decision-making does not happen in a vacuum. It is shaped by systems, policy, leadership, and technology - and those forces are evolving quickly. AWIR 2026 is designed to address that reality. Not with theory, but with sessions built for clinical application. Equity in Focus: Dr. Mia Chandler will define how structural and social determinants alter pediatric disease trajectories, and where intervention is actually possible within care systems. Nerve to Lead: Drs. Grace Wright, Indira Samarasekera, and Martha Piper engage in a strategy-level discussion on leadership, inequity, and how influence and advancement are shaped in real environments. Practical AI in Rheumatology: Dr. Jeffrey Curtis outlines a clinically grounded framework for implementing AI—focused on validation, real-world data, and safeguards for decision-making. These are not optional sessions. They define the broader context in which rheumatology is practiced today. Join the discussion, engage directly with faculty, and bring your clinical perspective to the conversations shaping the future of rheumatology. Register today: awirgroup.org/meetings/awir-…

One of the most powerful outcomes of mentorship is watching leaders emerge. At AWIR, mentorship and community support help physicians find their voice and step into leadership roles. What begins as quiet participation can grow into confident leadership that inspires others and drives meaningful change in the field of rheumatology. These moments of growth are what make mentorship so impactful. When individuals are supported, encouraged, and given opportunities to lead, they not only transform their own careers but also help shape a more inclusive future for the entire community.

Supportive leadership is more than just a pat on the back—it is about providing the space and freedom for a physician to define their own path. Dr. Kerr reflects on the profound impact of male mentors who saw potential in her that she hadn't yet recognized in herself. From navigating the challenges of entering a fellowship in a new country to growing into a seasoned professional, these "gentlemen" provided the essential latitude needed to pursue what was truly important to her career and her institution. This kind of mentorship doesn't just build doctors; it builds pioneers. What Meaningful Allyship Looks Like: Recognizing Unseen Potential: Identifying strengths in others that they may not yet see in themselves. Providing Professional Latitude: Giving colleagues the freedom to seek out projects and goals that align with their personal values. Institutional Support: Creating a safe and encouraging space within an organization for individuals to "go for it". Guided Growth: Supporting a practitioner through major life transitions, such as moving countries or evolving from a resident to a leader. "They saw in me things that I wasn't aware of and encouraged me in every way possible... [they] gave me the latitude to seek out what I thought was important to me." — Dr. Kerr #WomenInMedicine #Mentorship #ProfessionalDevelopment #Rheumatology #AWIR #AllyshipInAction #GlobalHealth

Clinical skill alone does not sustain a career. Increasingly, clinicians are navigating system-level pressures, workforce strain, and professional isolation that directly impact retention, advancement, and wellbeing. AWIR was founded to change that for members – not through passive affiliation, but through active, sustained engagement in a professional ecosystem where clinicians engage, contribute, and grow. Clinicians who are active in AWIR’s community gain more than connection. They have greater support to help them remain in the workforce, pursue leadership opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to their community, practice, and field. Because diverse, connected communities do not just generate or exchange better ideas – they move them forward. Join AWIR with a one-time membership with lifetime access - designed to support not just where you are now, but where your career is going.

Rheumatology is a field full of possibilities. As Dr. Cassandra Calabrese shares, it’s a specialty where no two paths look the same: from immunology to sports medicine and collaborations across countless medical disciplines. What makes rheumatology truly special is its multidisciplinary nature and the community behind it. Clinicians work alongside colleagues from many specialties, learning from one another while advancing patient care together. It’s more than a profession. It’s a dynamic, collaborative field that continues to grow and inspire the next generation of physicians. Learn More: awirgroup.org/about-awir/boa…

For local chapter leaders, the AWIR Annual Conference is more than just a meeting—it’s a transformative experience where the national community truly comes to life. Imagine being in a room with over 60 fellow leaders from across the country, all dedicated to the same vision of excellence and empowerment. Dr. Bhakti Shah highlights how these gatherings turn colleagues into "new friends" through immersive workshops and shared storytelling. It’s an environment that doesn't just build professional skills; it inspires personal growth. Why Chapter Leaders shouldn't miss the Annual Conference: - National Networking: Meet and build lasting friendships with over 60 other chapter leaders from across the country. - Dedicated Leadership Workshops: Participate in full-day workshops designed specifically to help you grow as a leader. - Collective Wisdom: Share experiences and strategies with a community of like-minded rheumatologists. - Personal Transformation: Engage in an environment that is not only professionally inspiring but also helps you become a better person. "We shared our experiences, we learned how we can grow as leaders... It is not just inspiring, but it really is making me a better person too." — Dr. Bhakti Shah #AWIR2025 #LeadershipConference #WomenInMedicine #Rheumatology #ChapterLeaders #ProfessionalGrowth #MedicalCommunity

Success in medicine isn't just about individual talent; it's about the community and the allies who stand beside us. Dr. Melton shares a powerful perspective on the vital role of allyship—from the training room to the home front. As the first female fellow of color in her program at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Dr. Melton highlights how a supportive program director ensured she was "seen and heard," setting a magnificent foundation for her career. This spirit of collaboration continues today at AWIR, where 30% of members are men across several generations, working alongside women in research, education, and practice. The Pillars of Strong Allyship: Educational Mentors: Having program directors and chiefs who actively ensure diverse fellows are heard and taken care of during training. Home Support: Spousal support is crucial, especially when both partners navigate the demands of a medical career. Professional Peers: Male colleagues in academic and private practice who share the stage and collaborate in research and education. A Diverse Membership: A community that welcomes male allies to help drive the mission of the organization forward. "We need our spouses to be supporters and we need those who are training us to be supporters... they have been magnificent." — Dr. Melton #Allyship #WomenInMedicine #DiversityInHealthcare #Rheumatology #AWIR #MedicalTraining #SupportSystems

The local chapter structure of AWIR is truly unique—a national and international organization that prioritizes deep, local-level dialogue. It is a space where the community—including physicians, PAs, NPs, and nurses—gathers to support one another through the practicalities of a medical career. At the local level, mentorship goes beyond clinical advice. It’s about the "real talk" that helps you navigate your professional path and find a career that actually fits your life. Why the Local Chapter is Your Most Impactful Resource: - Tailored Career Advice: Discuss what your specific job contract should look like before you sign. - Personalized Practice Design: Get guidance on finding a position best suited for your goals, whether that involves heavy research or a specific patient volume. - Inclusive Dialogue: We bring together fellows, nurses, and practitioners to ensure every voice in the rheumatology community is heard. - Individual Mentorship: Benefit from one-on-one connections that are most impactful when they happen right in your own community. "It's through the individual mentorship that occurs at the local level where I think that is the most impactful." — Dr. Bakewell Ready to get involved? If there isn’t a chapter in your area yet, we invite you to step up and sign up as a local chapter leader! #CareerDevelopment #Rheumatology #AWIR #MedicalMentorship #WomenInMedicine #LocalImpact #PhysicianLife

Mentorship and leadership grow stronger when everyone is part of the conversation. At AWIR, allyship plays a vital role in building a more inclusive and supportive rheumatology community. Male colleagues and leaders who actively support mentorship, collaboration, and opportunity help create environments where everyone can thrive. When professionals lift each other up, share knowledge, and advocate for one another, the entire field benefits. True progress happens when mentorship becomes a shared commitment and leadership is built through partnership, respect, and support across the community. Together, we can create a future in rheumatology where collaboration and allyship empower the next generation of leaders.

If you’re weighing whether to attend AWIR 2026 in person, this is the differentiator. The Workshop Track returns for its third year - more focused, more practical, and designed for how clinicians actually learn. In-person attendees curate their own experience, selecting from concurrent, expert-led workshops aligned to their clinical, operational, or career priorities. From hands-on ultrasound to private practice research, workforce and compensation, legal risk, and career pathways - these are small-group, high-yield sessions designed for immediate application. Here’s the constraint: these workshops for in-person HCPs only, not recorded, and capacity-limited. If you want access, you have to be in the room. Register for AWIR 2026 and secure your spot. awirgroup.org/meetings/awir-…

True mentorship is a two-way street that transforms both the mentor and the mentee. Dr. Doshiai and Dr. Hajireza exemplify how a strong mentorship bond can fuel immense personal and professional growth within the rheumatology community. Finding a mentor who isn't intimidated by strong women—but instead seamlessly encourages their growth—is a game-changer. This support doesn't just stay in the office; it translates into every aspect of life. Why Mentorship Matters at AWIR: Holistic Evolution: Mentorship helps individuals find their real selves and better communicate their value to the world. Mutual Learning: Being a mentor isn't just about teaching; it's a journey of learning from the mentee and the unique challenges of their specific specialty. Practice Growth: Immense personal growth directly translates into becoming a better physician and growing a medical practice. Addressing Challenges: Navigating new industries and specialties presents challenges that are best tackled through bilateral collaboration. "Being a mentor is not always to teach someone... it's also about learning from it... it's a kind of bilateral challenge always to evolve as an individual." — Dr. Hajireza #Mentorship #WomenInMedicine #Rheumatology #ProfessionalGrowth #AWIR #PhysicianLeadership

In today’s increasingly complex healthcare landscape, the most important tool a practitioner can have is a community that truly wants to help. At AWIR, we believe that navigating the modern medical system shouldn't be a solo journey. Dr. Hajireza highlights the rare environment found here—a place where every individual is dedicated to lifting others up through mentorship and support. Whether it’s navigating complicated health systems or seeking professional guidance, our community is built on the simple, powerful act of asking for and receiving help. Why the AWIR community stands out: A Rare Connection: It is rare to find a professional space where the primary focus is genuine, mutual support. Universal Support: In modern medicine, everyone needs a helping hand to navigate new complexities. A Culture of Giving: Every single individual in this community is driven by the desire to help their peers. "The system of health these days is getting more complicated and we definitely need to ask for help. And here I found many people that every single individual, they try and want to help." — Dr. Hajireza #MedicalMentorship #HealthcareCommunity #AWIR #SupportInMedicine #Rheumatology #BetterTogether

Leadership in rheumatology is not abstract. It is operational, incremental, and built in real clinical environments under real constraints. AWIR exists to convert interest into capability. Not through titles, but through structured exposure. Our members do not just observe and learn from leadership – they practice it. Through leadership development programs, multidisciplinary education, advocacy work, and local chapter involvement, AWIR systematically builds leadership capability alongside clinical expertise. Regardless of career stages, practice settings, and professional goals – AWIR celebrates the uniqueness and diversity of each member, working to enhance and embrace that individuality so that you have the skills and confidence to lead in your own way. If you want leadership development that is practical, measurable, and embedded in your professional reality, engagement matters.   Join AWIR. Step into the work. Build the leadership your career requires.

Being an AWIR Chapter Leader is more than a volunteer role; it is a continuous journey of personal and professional transformation. It offers a unique opportunity to cultivate leadership skills that transcend the clinic and impact every facet of your life. Drs. Nicole Johnson and Ini Adeboye highlight that the leadership training provided by AWIR isn't just theoretical—it is practical and enduring. Whether it's identifying your unique leadership style or learning how to mentor others, these tools stay with you long after the training sessions end. Why Become a Local Chapter Leader? - Continuous Leadership Training: Gain access to high-level training that provides daily value in your medical practice and beyond. - Personal Development: Build your own skills and confidence while simultaneously building your local community. - Mentorship Opportunities: Use your training to mentor the next generation, passing on valuable insights and leadership techniques. - The "Ripple Effect": By building yourself up, you are empowered to pay it forward and help build up those around you. "Being a chapter lead, we're not only asking you to build your community locally, but you're building yourself as you go and therefore paying it forward and building somebody else." — Drs. Nicole Johnson and Ini Adeboye #LeadershipDevelopment #WomenInMedicine #AWIR #LocalChapters #Mentorship #Rheumatology #Empowerment

Education should directly impact clinical decision-making, not just lead to knowledge acquisition. AWIR delivers CME designed for real-world practice - evidence-based, interdisciplinary, and built for immediate application across rheumatology care settings and career stages. Programs integrate current guidelines, clinical trial data, and cross-specialty perspectives from dermatology, gastroenterology, nephrology, pulmonary, and primary care, reflecting how patients are actually managed. Most offerings are free and virtual, providing flexible access across time zones and clinical schedules, with both live and on-demand formats available. Access AWIR education to strengthen your practice and help advance high-quality clinical resources.

The AWIR 2026 agenda is live! This is not a standard conference program. It is structured the way clinicians actually think and practice -by disease state, not isolated lectures. Across SLE, lupus nephritis, myositis, Sjögren’s, spondyloarthritis, and more, each block integrates guidelines, clinical trial data, mechanisms, comorbidities, and real-world treatment decisions into a single, coherent clinical narrative. Three high-impact plenary sessions expand the lens beyond disease management: leadership in rheumatology, health equity in care delivery, and practical AI in clinical practice - focused on where the field is heading next. Also included: Focused, skills-based workshops designed for immediate application, including hands-on ultrasound training Built-in time for meaningful networking with peers and faculty over meals and breaks Flexible in-person and virtual access, with on-demand content available through the web app This is a meeting designed for utility, connection, and clinical relevance—not passive attendance. Review the agenda. Secure your spot. Plan your experience. Register today: awirgroup.org/meetings/awir-…

Rheumatology is facing important challenges that will shape the future of the specialty. From a shrinking workforce and limited training funding to evolving care models that incorporate advanced practitioners, the field is navigating complex changes. Access to medications, reimbursement systems, and the shortage of specialists, including pediatric rheumatologists, continue to impact patient care. Addressing these issues requires collaboration, leadership, and a strong professional community working together to support the next generation of rheumatologists and improve care for patients worldwide. Through education, mentorship, and advocacy, organizations like AWIR help bring the rheumatology community together to tackle these challenges and move the field forward.

Experience Poster Sessions Differently at AWIR 2026 Poster sessions shouldn’t feel like an afterthought, a race, or a maze. At AWIR 2026, they’re redesigned for real engagement. Join our signature Sip ’n’ Share sessions - structured networking receptions in the poster hall. Enjoy refreshments while participating in guided poster tours featuring the top abstracts from rheumatology fellows and key clinical trial insights from industry partners. Fellows and selected presenters will walk you through their research on large touch-screen displays, providing real-time discussion and insight. This is curated learning paired with meaningful conversation - designed for connection, not congestion. Rheumatology fellows: Abstract submissions are due April 15. Don’t miss your chance to present in the poster hall and on the main stage! Learn More: awirgroup.org/meetings/awir-…