Commemorating the remarkable achievements in rheumatology since the founding of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), this unprecedented collection of essays records the history of rheumatology during this important era and pays tribute to its members upon the ACR's 75th anniversary. From developments in therapy to clinical trials to the revolution in genetics, this book describes important advances that have led to our current body of scientific knowledge and established treatment paradigms that have improved outcomes for patients with rheumatic diseases. The contributors represent leaders in the field, including ACR Masters, past ACR presidents, and other distinguished clinicians, researchers, and educators.

Covering all aspects of rheumatology, the essays review such topics as:

• History of rheumatology

• Advances in treatment

• The revolution in modern science

• Practice of rheumatology: economics, organization, and structure

• Patient outcomes

• Funding of research

• Role of ACR in the political process

All the essays are written from a personal perspective, offering diverse andengaging points of view. In addition to exploring the impact of advances in clinical and basic research as well as in practice, the authors offer their forecasts for the future, including innovations in the treatment of rheumatic disease and the organization of healthcare.

For seventy-five years, the ACR has been dedicated to advancing the missionof rheumatology in improving the lives of patients with rheumatic disease,promoting innovative clinical and basic research, and advancing the training of physicians and other healthcare professionals. The members of the ACR include physicians, research scientists, nurses, physical and occupational therapists,psychologists, and social workers among other disciplines. This anniversarycollection captures the state of the practice and science in rheumatology today and reviews a period of remarkable discovery that has dramatically impacted the lives of millions of patients throughout the world.