AWIR president touts renewed international growth despite COVID-19 constraints
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Despite the pandemic, 2020 has been a busy year for the Association of Women in Rheumatology, according to Grace C. Wright, MD, PhD, the organization’s president.
“We have been really fortunate to be able to go to certain places live,” she said in welcoming attendees to the organization’s virtual National Conference. “We have been able to add chapters around the world.”
International chapters of AWIR have taken foothold in Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada and Pakistan, according to Wright. These locations complement established AWIR chapters in India, Italy and Mauritius, among others.
Domestically, the organization has held events in all corners of the nation, from Arizona, Colorado and Texas to Boston, Chicago and New Orleans. “There is a diverse collection of purple ladies,” she said. “I would like to thank all of our chapter leaders for all of the work they have done marshaling through even during the pandemic.”
The AWIR Summit was a new initiative in 2020. The first was held in New Orleans in February, shortly before quarantines around the country took hold. Five more summits are planned for the year.
In addition, there will be an event that focuses on the intersection between immunology and virology as it pertains to COVID-19. “There will be attendees from all over the world virtually,” Wright said.
Another important event will be held in New York City. “This one is focused on health care disparities,” Wright said. “This is an important one going forward. We need to right that wrong and level the playing field wherever possible. Advocacy is one of our key cornerstones.”
Regarding this year’s meeting, Wright called attention to leadership development panel titled The Phoenix Rising: The Art of Rebuilding. She said that the session will be a “rebirth experience” that will teach attendees how to “rise up” after the challenges 2020 has presented. In addition, she said the Sunday spotlight session on COVID-19 will feature clinicians, industry and representatives from the FDA.
“We have had a wonderful year,” Wright concluded.
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Wright G. President’s Welcome and Opening Remarks. Presented at: AWIR National Conference; August 13-16, 2020; (virtual meeting).
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