Winter 2016 (Volume 26, Number 4)

ORA Update

By Jane Purvis, MD, FRCPC

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The Ontario Rheumatology Association (ORA) had another very successful annual meeting on May 27-29, 2016, at the JW Marriott in Muskoka. Attendance continues to be strong with more than 200 attendees from across the province. Dr. Janet Pope organized an excellent scientific program, with local and international speakers, which was interesting and thought provoking. Updates in scleroderma from Dr. D. Khanna, on gout from Dr. P. Khanna, as well as cardiovascular risks in inflammatory disease, and an update in dermatology were some of the topics covered. The keynote speaker was Suzanne McGurn, Assistant Deputy Minister and Executive Officer of Ontario Public Drug Programs, who discussed drug access in the province of Ontario.

In addition to scientific presentations, there were booths from various agencies in attendance and a very successful Walk for the Arthritis Society fundraiser, which raised more than $14,000. Educational activities on Saturday afternoon included photography, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting and a reptile presentation. Saturday evening included the gala dinner where Dr. Vandana Ahluwalia was awarded Rheumatologist of the Year, followed by dancing into the wee hours. The ORA continues to flourish as a result of the commitment and enthusiasm of its executive, board of directors and the membership. The efforts of the group are seen not only in our annual meeting but in the various activities that we pursue throughout the year, and we hope to continue this throughout the years to come.

Our next annual meeting is on May 26-28, 2017, and it already looks like another excellent event.

Jane Purvis, MD, FRCPC
Lead, Manpower Committee,
Past-president, Ontario Rheumatology Association
Rheumatologist,
Peterborough, Ontario