Spring 2017 (Volume 27, Number 1)

Nuit Rheum: A Night to Remember

By Lori Albert, MD, FRCP(C)

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Coincident with the introduction of Nuit Blanche to Toronto in 2006 (a free, all-night, contemporary art event), Nuit Rheum was brought to University of Toronto (U of T) medical students in 2007. This free, two-and-a-half-hour contemporary rheumatology event marked its tenth anniversary on February 6th, 2017.

Nuit Rheum was designed to provide students with an informal and fun opportunity to meet and chat with rheumatologists and trainees, and to learn more about a career in rheumatology. Each year, approximately 50 medical students sign up to attend this soirée in early February, which follows “Rheumatology Week” in the undergraduate curriculum.

The original format of Nuit Rheum was an informal reception followed by dinner and speeches, held at the beautiful Faculty Club of the U of T. Speakers included the Division Head, Program Director, a rheumatology trainee and representative faculty from different career pathways.

Students received a “loot bag” with an information sheet about the U of T program and elective opportunities, contact information for The Arthritis Society (TAS) and the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA), a copy of the Canadian Clinician’s Rheumatology Handbook and, of course, a U of T rheumatology pen.

After a number of years, it became apparent that the most effective part of Nuit Rheum was the direct one-on-one and small-group discussions between faculty and students. Thus, in 2016, the speeches and formal presentations were phased out and a “cocktail-reception” format was initiated. Now at the event, students move around to “Meet the Professor“ stations where they can speak directly with faculty in specific career pathways or chat informally with faculty and trainees who move through the crowd wearing nametags declaring “Ask Me: I’m a Rheumatologist”. There is also a station hosted by the Ontario Rheumatology Association (ORA) and CRA (represented by Dr. Jane Purvis), with promotional materials, including the “Rheumatology Heroes” posters, cards and pens. Our loot bag is now virtual, with a Quick Response (QR) code bearing the important program and contact information, and a code for a free download of the e-version of the Rheumatology Handbook (but they still get a pen!)

We have had an excellent response to the Nuit Rheum initiative, with all faculty noting an uptick in requests for electives and CRA summer studentships after each event. Here is an email I received on February 8th:

“Hi Dr. Albert,
I just wanted to reach out and say thank you for organizing Nuit Rheum last night! I had a great time getting to know the different rheumatologists, and I especially enjoyed the informal setting because it made it easier to approach people and learn what the work-life balance is like. Everyone was so kind and down-to-earth. It definitely made me (and many of my peers) much more interested in rheumatology. I wish every specialty organized a similar event!”

Nuit Rheum is also a great opportunity for faculty, who enjoy meeting some of the stellar young trainees interested in immunology, research and clinical rheumatology. Some productive research and clinical collaborations have had their start at Nuit Rheum! It is also somewhat magical when faculty and students come together and get a glimpse into the world of the other. Nuit Rheum seems to have a positive impact on everyone who attends. The generous support of our Division Director (Dr. Claire Bombardier formerly, now Dr. Heather McDonald-Blumer) has allowed this event to succeed and thrive.

Lori Albert, MD, FRCP(C)
Associate Professor of Medicine,
University of Toronto
Staff Rheumatologist,
University Health Network,
The Toronto Western Hospital
Toronto, Ontario