CRAJ Winter 2019

Winter 2019 (Volume 29, Number 4)

Update from the Abstract Review Committee

By Vinod Chandran, MBBS, MD, DM, PhD; and Marinka Twilt, MD, PhD

The abstracts are in, and the CRA Abstract Review Committee has begun the hard work of reading and scoring the abstracts, ably supported by Virginia Hopkins, our research and innovation coordinator. The committee selects the abstracts worthy of podium and poster presentations. Our meeting continues to garner interest from researchers, clinicians, trainees and industry. More than 280 abstracts were submitted this year on rheumatology-related topics ranging from basic science, clinical and translational medicine, education, and quality improvement to health services research. Each abstract will be scored by three reviewers, and the best in each category are chosen based on the average score; the chair and co-chair will break any tie for a spot at the podium by consensus. Thank you reviewers!

There will be two podium sessions, during which the top-ranked abstracts in each category will be presented and judged. There will also be two interactive poster sessions where attendees will be able to discuss posters with the presenters. Both podium and poster presentations will be judged for awards, available in the following categories:

Best Abstract on Quality Care Initiatives in Rheumatology
Best Abstract on Research by Young Faculty
Best Abstract on Pediatric Research by Young Faculty
Best Abstract on Basic Science Research by a Trainee
Best Abstract on Clinical or Epidemiology Research by a Trainee – Phil Rosen Award
Best Abstract on SLE Research by a Trainee – Ian Watson Award
Best Abstract by a Medical Student
Best Abstract by a Rheumatology Resident
Best Abstract by an Undergraduate Student
Best Abstract by a Post-Graduate Research Trainee
Best Abstract by a Rheumatology Post-Graduate Research Trainee
Best Abstract on Spondyloarthritis Research Award (New)

We look forward to seeing you all in beautiful Victoria!

Vinod Chandran, MBBS, MD, DM, PhD
Chair, CRA Abstract Review Committee
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine,
Division of Rheumatology, University of Toronto,
Affiliate Scientist, Krembil Research Institute,
University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
Adjunct Professor, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland

Marinka Twilt, MD, PhD
Co-chair, CRA Abstract Review Committee
Pediatric Rheumatologist, Clinician Scientist,
Alberta Children’s Hospital
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics,
Cumming School of Medicine,
University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta